Last Updated on January 30, 2022 by Guillermina
So, when do hummingbirds leave Colorado? Hummingbirds are mostly migrating birds, and so this may have you wondering about when do hummingbirds leave Colorado. Since hummingbirds are migrating birds, you will not find them in their numbers all the time in Colorado.
During their season, you will find them in very large numbers in Colorado, and when it’s time to migrate, they move. You begin to notice a reduction in the number of hummingbirds that visit your feeders and even notice a reduction in their general presence.
A good understanding of when hummingbirds arrive in Colorado and when they are likely to leave may be helpful to you. Knowing this may help you in determining the right time to bring out your feeders for the birds.
Also, considering the love hummingbirds have for nectar flowers, knowing their season in Colorado may influence the flowers you plant. When you plant flowers that blossom during their season, you are more likely to get these beautiful visitors.
This article gives a brief insight into hummingbirds, explaining when do hummingbirds leave Colorado. Where these birds migrate during winter when they leave Colorado is also explained. Guidance is also given on feeders. Let’s get into it when do hummingbirds leave Colorado.
Hummingbird Season In Colorado
Hummingbird season refers to that time of the year when hummingbirds move in their number into Colorado. Migrating hummingbirds you would notice arrive in Colorado towards the end of April and leave very early in September.
You will very likely see some migrants during the entire duration of spring and fall. In most instances, the males begin migrating into Colorado earlier than the females and juveniles. The males upon their arrival begin to scout for good territories for themselves.
It is important for you to note however that not all hummingbirds migrate out of Colorado at the end of their season. You may still see a handful after September. Some may decide not to migrate because of old age, illness, or any other reason.
The Use Of Putting Out Hummingbird Feeders In Colorado
Hummingbirds’ season being late April and early September may have you wondering how best to use your hummingbird feeders. Hummingbird feeders should be put up early enough to provide food for the early migrants. While some hummingbirds migrate early, others get into Colorado a bit late.
Since the birds begin to migrate into Colorado in late April, it is best to put out feeders from early April. When you put up your feeder at this time, you are very likely to attract the early migrants when they visit.
When Should you Take down Hummingbird Feeders in Colorado?
It is also important to give the answer to the question of when should you take down hummingbird feeders in Colorado. As you already know, hummingbirds stay until early September before migrating out of Colorado. For this reason, take your feeder in early November.
Taking down your feeder late allows you to provide for late hummingbird migrants. This is because the hummingbirds will not migrate out of Colorado at the exactly same time. Also, some may be sick or injured and may not be able to move at the time others are migrating.
Where Do Colorado Hummingbirds Go In The Winter
While hummingbirds have the ability to survive extreme cold during the winter, they most times prefer to migrate during this season. Thus, you are likely to find hummingbirds migrating out of Colorado just before the extreme cold begin.
Hummingbirds would usually move out of Colorado and head south for a sunny winter in Mexico. You would notice they begin to migrate out of Colorado in September and by October, they are completely gone.
When in Mexico, they usually occupy most of the western parts of the country. They usually populate the western coast areas such as Puerto Vallarta. Some hummingbirds however spend winter in the U.S, usually along the Gulf coast in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
By March, they begin to migrate back into the U.S, and by April, they should be sighted in Colorado. This is how they follow the circle every year.
Learn more about Hummingbirds In New England
Species Of Hummingbirds In Colorado
There are different species of hummingbirds that you can easily sight in Colorado. Some of the major species in Colorado are:
1. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
This is the most common species of Hummingbird you can find in Colorado. They begin to arrive in Colorado as early as March and stay as late as November before completely migrating out.
They usually have green on their back and have brownish wings and white spots on their chest and belly. They occupy lots of high grounds.
2. Black-chinned Hummingbird
They usually arrive in Colorado a bit late. Usually around may up until mid-June. They however leave Colorado quite early in September. This species has a black shinning throat and violet edges. The males have spots of pale green while the females have pale colors including black, grey, and green.
3. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbirds are considered merely as visitors in Colorado. As such, they stay for a really short period of time, arriving in late June or July and zooming off in late August or September.
This species usually have bright orange on their backs and belly and white batches below their throat. The males usually have red throats.
4. Calliope Hummingbird
This species also does not stay in Colorado for a very long period of time. They usually begin to arrive in July way into August. They also migrate out of Colorado around October.
This species is particularly small, with bright magenta throats, glossy greenbacks, and a really dark tail. The females are however more pinkish-white underneath than males.
5. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This is another species of hummingbirds that can be found in Colorado during the season. They are mostly seen between September and mid-October in Colorado. This species usually have bright green on their crown and back, with a grey-white underside.
The males have a particularly attractive red throat, while the females have brownish crowns and sides.
Conclusion On When Do Hummingbirds Leave Colorado
Hummingbirds just like most migrating birds as we have seen have a particular season when they populate Colorado. During this season, you are most likely to see different species of hummingbirds in their numbers.
This article gives insight into when do hummingbirds leave Colorado. Also, how to expect and wait for their arrival is also discussed. The best times to put up and remove feeders are well explained.
When should you take down hummingbird feeders in Colorado?
It is also important to give the answer to the question of when should you take down hummingbird feeders in Colorado. As you already know, hummingbirds stay until early September before migrating out of Colorado. For this reason, take your feeder in early November.
Taking down your feeder late allows you to provide for late hummingbird migrants. This is because the hummingbirds will not migrate out of Colorado at the exactly same time. Also, some may be sick or injured and may not be able to move at the time others are migrating.
Where Do Colorado Hummingbirds Go In The Winter
While hummingbirds have the ability to survive extreme cold during the winter, they most times prefer to migrate during this season. Thus, you are likely to find hummingbirds migrating out of Colorado just before the extreme cold begin.
Hummingbirds would usually move out of Colorado and head south for a sunny winter in Mexico. You would notice they begin to migrate out of Colorado in September and by October, they are completely gone.
When in Mexico, they usually occupy most of the western parts of the country. They usually populate the western coast areas such as Puerto Vallarta. Some hummingbirds however spend winter in the U.S, usually along the Gulf coast in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
By March, they begin to migrate back into the U.S, and by April, they should be sighted in Colorado. This is how they follow the circle every year.
Eunice is a passionate lover of hummingbirds and all things nature. She loves to observe and study the tiny birds, learning about their unique behaviors and unique features. She has written a number of articles about hummingbirds and their habitats, which have been featured in a variety of publications. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting hummingbird sanctuaries and going on bird–watching trips in her local area. She also volunteers with local wildlife rescue organizations, helping to rehabilitate injured birds. When she’s not outdoors, Eunice can be found writing articles, creating bird–inspired art, and playing the flute.