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The answer to when do hummingbirds come back to Kansas is actually quite simple. Find out when these beautiful creatures return!
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Migration Patterns
Hummingbirds are one of the most interesting creatures in Kansas. Every year, these tiny birds migrate south for the winter. But when do they come back to Kansas? Let’s take a look at the migration patterns of hummingbirds.
Spring Migration
Most hummingbirds begin their journey north in late February or early March. They typically follow the coastlines, so you may see them earlier on the west coast and a bit later on the east coast. They will continue to migrate north through May, with some stragglers making their way as late as July.
Fall Migration
As the weather begins to cool and food sources dwindle in the northern hemisphere, hummingbirds begin their journey south for the winter. This is known as fall migration, and it typically starts in late August or early September.
During fall migration, hummingbirds will travel anywhere from 500 to 3,000 miles to reach their wintering grounds. Some hummingbird species will even cross the Gulf of Mexico during their migration!
While most hummingbird species migrate alone or in small groups, some will form large flocks of up to 100 birds. These flocks typically consist of females and young birds, as males typically migrate ahead of them.
As hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, they will stop to rest and refuel at feeders along the way. If you live in an area where hummingbirds migrate through, you can help them out by keeping your feeders full and clean!
When to Expect Them
Migration patterns of hummingbirds are fascinating to study and marvel. While we cannot know the answer with 100% certainly, we can take a look at the patterns of previous years to give us a general idea. According to Hummingbirds.net, in the spring, hummingbirds start to migrate back north from Central America.
Arrival Dates
The average arrival date for the first ruby-throated hummingbird in Kansas is April 15. That’s just an average, however, and some birds may arrive as early as late March or as late as early May. The rufous hummingbird generally arrives a few weeks after the rubies.
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, put up your feeders by the middle of April. That will give them time to find your backyard before they start nesting and raising young. Keep your feeders clean and full of fresh nectar throughout the summer months to keep them coming back!
Departure Dates
Between August and October, adult hummingbirds begin to migrate south for the winter. Most Kansas hummingbirds have left the state by early October, with a few stragglers staying until mid-month. Some individual birds don’t migrate at all, but most will return to their breeding grounds in early to mid-April. First arrival dates in Kansas are typically in late April, with the majority of migrating birds arriving by early May.
What to Do If You See One
If you see a hummingbird in Kansas, the best thing to do is to take a picture and then report it to your local Audubon Society. There are only a few species of hummingbirds that are native to North America, and the most common one in Kansas is the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Take a Picture
If you’re lucky enough to spot a hummingbird in Kansas, make sure to take a picture! Hummingbirds are very rare in this state, so it’s definitely a special sighting.
Enjoy the Sighting
If you’re lucky enough to see a hummingbird in Kansas, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these creatures. Whether it’s a ruby-throated hummingbird or another species, simply enjoying the sighting can be a rewarding experience.
If you have a little time, try to observe the hummingbird’s behavior. Hummingbirds are interesting creatures and watching them can be fascinating. You might even be able to identify the species of hummingbird you’re seeing based on its behavior.
If you have a camera handy, try to get a few photos of the hummingbird. Hummingbirds are fast, so it can be challenging to get a good photo. But if you’re persistent, you might be able to capture a beautiful image of these birds in action.
