So, when do hummingbirds leave Minnesota? The birds are known to be prolific migrators, moving into Minnesota during one time of the year and moving out at another. Like migrating birds, they cannot be seen in large numbers all year long.
Hummingbirds have a season during which they are seen in large numbers in Minnesota. This time frame may be referred to as hummingbirds’ season in Minnesota. As the season draws to an end, you will begin to notice a sharp reduction in the number.
When you know when to expect hummingbirds in Minnesota and when to expect them gone, you get better prepared. An understanding of this will give you knowledge on when you should get your feeders out and take them back in. Also, this knowledge makes the wait more exciting.
In view of how much interest hummingbirds have for nectar-producing flowers, you may even begin to plant these as you expect their coming. This article gives an insight into hummingbird season in Minnesota. So, let’s answer the question: when do hummingbirds leave Minnesota?
Hummingbird Season In Minnesota: How Long Do Hummingbirds Stay In Minnesota?
That time of the year when hummingbirds are found in a large number in Minnesota refers to hummingbird season therein. Hummingbirds’ migration into Minnesota is usually in early May, and remain until late November before leaving.
During the hummingbird season, you can easily attract hummingbirds to your gardens and around your homes. You have to do is put up their feeders in your garden and within your premises. That way, you will see them coming to the feeders to feed on the content.
Also, having a garden filled with nectar-producing flowers is another sure way of attracting these birds. Although hummingbird season is usually from the first few weeks of May to late November, you may see a few hummingbirds thereafter.
There are a few places where you are likely to find a lot of hummingbirds in Minnesota during the hummingbird season. The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Normandale Japanese Garden are a few nice places to watch these birds in their large number during the hummingbird season.
Knowing the exact hummingbird season also helps you answer the question of how long do hummingbirds stay in Minnesota. This will also give you guidance on when you should take down hummingbird feeders in Minnesota.
When Should You Take Down Hummingbird Feeders In Minnesota?
Since hummingbirds are migrating birds, and hardly stay all year long, there are times when feeders need to be put out. To cater to the needs of early visitors and arrivals, the feeders should be put up about a week before the birds arrive. So, putting it up in late April is perfect timing in Minnesota.
The feeders should be allowed to remain outside up until November when the birds migrate out of Minnesota. It’s best to finally remove the feeders when you notice that they no longer get visited by hummingbirds.
From the above, when you should take down hummingbird feeders in Minnesota is dependent on two major factors-time of the year and the presence of hummingbirds.
It is pertinent to note that not all hummingbirds migrate out of Minnesota at the end of the hummingbird season. Some of the birds may be injured or too old to migrate. It is therefore advisable to leave some feeders outside when you notice some hummingbirds around.
Hummingbirds Species In Minnesota
If you reside in Minnesota or its environs, the following are a few of the major hummingbirds you would likely come across:
·Calliope Hummingbird
This species of hummingbird is renowned for being the smallest size of a hummingbird. This makes it the smallest bird in the world. Calliope hummingbirds have a glossy green crown, with a white and black patch on their belly. The females however have a pink flank as opposed to the green flanks by males. They are also renowned for their lovely courtship abilities.
·Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This is a native Minnesota hummingbird. It usually arrives in the first week of May and remains in Minnesota until late September. The male usually migrates out of Minnesota first, and the females and young ones follow about two weeks later.
The males have a ruby-red throat, greenback, and forked tail with a white-collar. The females however have green back and tail feathers with white, black, and green bands.
·Rufous Hummingbirds
These hummingbirds are usually visitors in Minnesota. They also arrive sometime in the first week of May and stay up until about the end of September. They were notorious for their aggressive behavior even to larger birds when at the feeder.
The males are easy to identify because of their glossy orange-red-colored throats. The females have a white throat, with green crowns and backs and white-tipped tail feathers.
·Anna’s Hummingbird
These birds are known for being one of the loudest and most vocal birds in the U.S. This is the only species of hummingbirds that can produce song-like scratchy sounds. This sound is made when they are moving from one flower to another.
They are also highly territorial birds, always ready to defend a territory. The males usually have glossy dark red-rose throats. Their undersides are however mostly grey and metallic green. The females have grey chests, white red and white spots on the throat, and white and black-tipped tails.
Learn more about Are Hummingbirds Aggressive?
Hummingbird Migration Minnesota
Hummingbirds usually migrate out of this region when winter is approaching. Although hummingbirds have the ability to survive extreme cold, they prefer to go out of the region during cold seasons.
For this reason, hummingbirds usually move out of Minnesota just before the winter. As early as August, some of the hummingbirds begin to migrate from Minnesota towards Mexico and Central America.
It usually takes a Minnesota hummingbird about 56 hours when flying at an average 30mph speed to fly from Minnesota to the Mexican border. Hummingbirds usually migrate individually and not in a flock like other types of birds do.
Conclusion On When Do Hummingbirds Leave Minnesota
Hummingbirds as we have seen above are migrating birds. They begin to come into Minnesota and start leaving as early as August up until the end of September. This migrating pattern is influenced by a variety of factors, particularly weather.
When expecting the arrival of Hummingbirds, it is best for feeders to be brought out a week earlier than when they are to arrive. When you do this, you are sure to attract the early comers.