Hummingbirds typically begin arriving in Texas around mid-March to April each year; however, some species may arrive earlier than others so it’s always best to consult your local bird guides for an estimated arrival date.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds, one of the most frequent visitors to our area during migration, migrate from breeding grounds in Canada and the U.S. south through Mexico and Costa Rica.
March 7th through November 1st
Hummingbirds make an annual journey between North America and their southern wintering grounds in North America, creating a spectacle to behold. Patio-sitters, backyard birdwatchers and even cats can gather to observe these teeny-tiny creatures darting from feeder to flower and back again.
Hummingbirds may be small in stature, but they’re mighty pollinators when it comes to flowering plants and bushes such as hibiscus, salvias, Hamelia patens (Hummingbird or Fire Bush) and bee balm. Their long beaks are designed for probing into tubular flowers while their tongues can flick 13-17 times per second when taking nectar.
Texas boasts eight species of hummingbird that can be observed during migration. Others, like the ruby-throated hummingbird, remain year-round residents and can be found across many parts of the state.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the most captivating species to observe, often congregating together in swarms of 25-40 as they migrate north from their breeding grounds in Mexico and Central America through southern Canada and back again. Weighing only 0.1 oz (3 g), these tiny birds can cover over 1,500 miles (2,400 km) per journey with their wings drooping to keep warm.
These tiny hummers are also known for their nest-building skills, creating nests of plant down and spider silk on branches or twigs atop trees. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you might just get lucky enough to spot one of these nests!
Western Texas is the perfect spot to spot broad-tailed hummingbirds during their breeding season, which runs from May through August. After they migrate back to their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and western Canada in September and October, you might spot them again!
Hummingbirds can be found throughout central and western Texas during the fall and winter. Though less common than some other hummers, these beauties often visit nectar feeders as well as gardens with flowering shrubs and trees such as hummingbird bushes or honeysuckle.
The black-chinned hummingbird is a common species across Texas and can be found near feeders. They’re known for their fiestiness when sharing feeders with other hummers and may become aggressive when provoked.
May through August
Hummingbirds can be found throughout Texas all year long. Some are permanent residents while others only visit during certain times of the year. Whether you’re an expert birder or simply enjoy watching nature’s smallest creatures, San Antonio Texas’ hummingbird season offers you a rare chance to get up close and personal with these remarkable creatures.
In May, you can witness thousands of Ruby-throated hummingbirds as they make their way southward from Canada to winter destinations in Mexico and Central America. These tiny critters have been known to travel up to 1,500 miles in one single journey!
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, start by planting native flowers that provide plenty of nectar. Plants like Turk’s cap, silver-leaf sunflower, coral vine, esperanza or yellow alder, trumpet vine, all honeysuckle, and hibiscus make excellent choices!
Another way to attract hummingbirds is by installing a feeder. There are various types available, and they’re simple to set up.
Once your hummingbird feeder is set up, be sure to regularly clean and refill it – especially during hot weather. Moldy food can prove fatal for these tiny birds.
Hummingbirds will be attracted to the nectar of many flowering plants throughout Texas in spring and summer. While they are attracted to a wide range of flowers, they typically feed on those with plenty of nectar.
Hummingbirds migrate along two major flyways, giving you the opportunity to spot eight species either passing through Texas on their journey or staying to breed here in our state. In addition to Black-chinned and Rufous hummingbirds, you may spot Lucifer, Broad-tailed, Costa’s, Anna’s, or Calliope hummingbirds too!
As fall approaches, some hummingbirds will stopover in Texas on their way south to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. To fuel these long migrations, these little birds need food, so you’ll often see them congregated together.
Keep your hummingbird feeders filled all year to enjoy a variety of hummingbirds. However, during winter months they may be scarcer and you may not even spot them at all.
September through November
San Antonio is an energetic city that celebrates cultural diversity. Situated 150 miles (240 km) from Mexico’s border, it has a unique blend of Spanish, Mexican, and American history that’s evident in its historic buildings and culture.
Hummingbirds are essential to the local ecosystem. Not only do they pollinate native plants, but they also attract many other birds to the area.
Hummingbirds that nest in Texas often migrate south for their winter home in Mexico or Central America. Ruby-throated and Black-chinned hummingbirds are two of the most frequent species found here.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically breed in open coniferous forests and mixed woodlands, though they also nest in meadows, towns, and suburbs with flowering shrubs such as honeysuckle or lantana.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be identified by their short, stout bill, yellow green back, and long tail that sticks out past their wingstip. They are commonly observed in western Texas, particularly around the Davis Mountains.
Another species commonly observed in the area is the Rufous Hummingbird. These tiny hummers tend to be more common west of I-80 than elsewhere in California.
These tiny birds migrate over 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from their breeding grounds in Canada to winter homes in Mexico and Central America. During migrations, they become extremely active, sometimes forming swarms of 25-40 individuals at one location at once.
Hummingbirds leave the United States each fall and migrate south for wintering in Mexico or Central America. This migration typically begins in September, with adult males leaving first, followed by adult females and juveniles of both sexes.
Hummingbirds must adjust to their new home as the days grow shorter and colder. This is especially true for migratory hummingbirds at the end of their breeding season, who need time to become adjusted to new environmental conditions.
Hummingbirds are not the only insects feeding off nectar in this area; monarch butterflies and swallows also frequent this time of year.
Winter
Hummingbirds, North America’s tiniest birds, make annual pilgrimages to Texas from breeding grounds in northwest Alaska and wintering grounds along Mexico’s Gulf Coast. From spring until fall, these vibrant creatures feed on flowering trees, vines, and bushes across Texas.
Hummingbird feeders make an excellent addition to any yard, and many native plants produce beautiful tubular blooms that hummingbirds love. Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), firebush (Hamelia patens), and pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) are among the best choices for attracting hummingbirds as well as other spring and fall migrants.
Hummingbird-friendly perennials like sedum (Euphorbia x sedum), wild rose (Rosa canina), and coral bells (Cantharia sagittata) make excellent choices for Texas gardens. These native flowers produce tubular blooms in an array of colors; if pruned regularly during summer and fall, you’ll enjoy repeat blooms all season long.
Make sure your hummingbird feeders are kept clean and filled with fresh nectar, and don’t leave them unattended in hot weather. Doing so can lead to mold buildup and an inadequate diet for your birds; so make sure they get cleaned at least twice a week.
If you’re going to hummingbird-feed your birds, invest in some feeders designed specifically for this species. This will make it easier to maintain the feeder and prevent your hummingbirds from getting sick or hurt.
One of the most stunning hummingbird species is the ruby-throated hummingbird, native to Texas and breeding in its eastern half. They arrive in our area around mid-March and depart again in October for their wintering grounds.
Another species that stays year-round in Texas is the rufous hummingbird, which breeds in Colorado but migrates here for winter. You may spot them along the southern part of Texas as they make their way south towards Mexico and the Gulf Coast.
Broad-tailed hummingbirds, which nest in high meadows and open woodlands up to 10,000 feet elevation, can also be found in the northwestern corner of New Mexico. Although these birds are rare winter residents, they make appearances during their migrations southward during spring and fall.
