Last Updated on October 4, 2021 by Guillermina
Are you wondering when do hummingbirds leave North Carolina? Let’s find out. Migration for hummingbirds can slightly vary in different regions.
Generally, hummingbirds will arrive at our region for breeding, nesting, and feeding around spring. Then they will migrate and leave to spend winter in Central America or Mexico.
Their migration period may slightly vary from region to region. This is usually estimated based on research done on each state. This is why hummingbird lovers always wish to have an idea of when these remarkable birds will arrive in their states. This way, bird lovers can make preparations so as to have enough of these lovely birds hovering around our vicinity.
In this article, we will be discussing when do hummingbirds leave North Carolina and many more, so continue reading for information on this.
Hummingbird Season In NC
Generally, hummingbird season is in spring and you may start seeing them arrive our way as early as February. However, the particular season hummingbirds arrive in can slightly vary from state to state.
In North Carolina, hummingbird seasons are known to start around late March to early April. The male hummingbirds are the first to arrive followed by the female hummers one or two weeks later. However, there are some hummingbirds that reside in North Carolina all year round.
When Do Hummingbirds Return To North Carolina?
A few hummingbirds will return to North Carolina around late March. Then you will start noticing more of them return around April. As we said, the male hummers are the first to arrive and the female hummers will arrive a week or two weeks after male arrival.
When Do Hummingbirds Leave North Carolina?
The period hummingbird leaves North Carolina is around winter. The most common hummingbird in North Carolina is the Ruby-throated species and they usually depart middle of November. They will migrate or leave NC and travel south to Central America and Mexico to spend winter.
However, some Ruby-throated and Rufous hummers can spend the whole winter in North Carolina. Hence, some of these hummingbirds are year-round or residents of North California. So, we encourage you not to take down your feeders too soon as some hummers may be here to stay all year.
Hummingbirds In NC
In North Carolina, there have been 11 known hummingbird species found here. Let’s take a look at these species and some info on them:
1. Ruby-throated hummingbird
They are the most common hummingbird species generally in the United States and in North Carolina. Some Ruby-throated hummers in North Califonia are seasonal while some are resident.
They love to nest and breed in places such as open woodlands, gardens, parks, and backyards.
The Ruby-throated hummingbirds species that migrate usually arrive around late March and they will leave North Carolina around October ending. Then others will remain and spend winter in North Carolina.
2. Rufous hummingbird
The reddish-brown Rufous hummingbirds are the second most sighted hummingbird in North Carolina. Referred to as vagrant winter visitors to North Carolina.
The Rufous hummingbirds can be pretty aggressive and territorial to other hummingbirds and even other animals. These hummers have been seen attacking squirrels and even chipmunks. They can also attack any other animals that may come too close to their nesting site.
They are so talented in their flying acrobatic skills and they can outmaneuver all other species of hummingbirds especially while feeding.
Another great quality of Rufous hummers is their top-notch memory retention. They have been spotted investigating locations of old hummingbird feeders even years after it must have been removed.
3. Calliope hummingbird
Calliope hummingbirds are accidental migrant species. They are mostly seen close to the winter period as they migrate. Although they are referred to as accidental visitors, their sightings have increased in North Carolina.
They are so unique that they communicate by singing and they also make a buzzing noise by manipulating their feathers as they fly. This noise usually acts as a type of language and communication.
4. Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds are vagrant species in North California. Spotted around late March up until November. These bird love breeding and nesting ground spots similar to Ruby-throated hummer and they include parks, gardens, backyards, and open woodlands.
They are quite small in size hence at risk of being preyed upon by bigger animals. These birds can also be pretty territorial. However, if they find themselves in an area with a large population of hummers in a food source location, they will be less aggressive with their territorial and will share.
5. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbirds are rare vagrant species of North Carolina. Their territorial dive display is one of the most complex types of any North American hummingbird. They are very territorial and aggressive to other hummingbirds and even other animals.
6. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbirds are rare or vagrant species to North Carolina. These birds are unique with their singing high-pitched and squeaky songs during courtship.
7. Broad-billed Hummingbird
Broad-billed hummers are accidental vagrant to North California.
8. Green-Violetears
Green vilotears are native to Mexico. They are only seen when they migrate and wander north. Known to be accidental vagrants of North Carolina.
9. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed hummingbirds are residence in Mexico and Guatemala during winter. They can be accidentally seen in North Carolina when they are migrating. Therefore, they are referred to as accidental vagrant species.
10. Buff-bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied hummers are usually sighted migrating south during spring, fall, and winter. Known as accidental vagrants to North Carolina.
11. Green-breasted Mango Hummingbird
Green-breasted hummingbirds are known as accidental vagrant species. They are native to Mexico and reside in tropical deciduous forests from Central America all the way down to Panama.
When Do Hummingbirds Leave North Carolina: Final Say
When hummingbirds do leave North Carolina is around winter. The most common type of hummingbird which is Ruby-throated will leave North Carolina around November. However, we have some Ruby-throated species that are residence in NC. Hence, they are all year round and will spend winter in North Carolina.
Read more about Hummingbird Season In California
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.