One of the biggest questions on our lips come springtime is, when do hummingbirds return to Texas? Hummingbirds embark on two migratory journeys each year: in spring and in fall. Once the spring migration is underway, thousands of the tiny creatures will take to the skies as they prepare to spend the breeding season in the U.S. and Canada. Spring in Texas is a magical time even if you ignore the arrival of these bejeweled little creatures, but catching a glimpse of them makes the season even more wonderful! Here’s everything you need to know about the hummingbird migration in Texas:
Hummingbirds are the smallest type of bird on earth by an overwhelming margin, measuring between two and five inches in length. Their name refers to wings that make a distinct buzzing sound due to beating up to 80 times per minute.
C Watts/Flickr
As evidenced by this 1899 painting, hummingbirds are quite a diverse entourage. In fact, there are currently over 300 recognized species, but only about a dozen regularly migrate northward into the U.S. and Canada.
Ernst Haekel/Wikipedia
Breeding occurs during the spring, which means it’s a race to the best feeding territories. The striking Anna’s Hummingbird has a clear advantage, as it remains on the West Coast year-round.
Norvig/Wikipedia
This is the springtime migratory path of the Ruby-throated hummingbird, which passes through Texas later this month into early April. Other species follow similar routes, with minor differences based on their final destinations.
Wikipedia
You may be wondering how you can spot hummingbirds in Texas on their migration. To attract hummingbirds and replenish their nutrient stores, put a feeder outside your home! Not only are they adorable to look at, but keeping them well-fed also supports the completion of their migration.
k.draper/Flickr Make sure to just use plain sugar and water in your feeder - no dye is necessary. The red dye that some people use can actually harm the little creatures.
Many offspring will result from a successful season. After growing into adult birds, they’ll migrate back southward for winter and begin the whole process all over again.
Kevin Bondelli/Wikipedia
Aren’t these little guys just the cutest things? Fun fact: hummingbirds have the highest metabolic rate of any animal, and consume up to half their weight in nectar each day!
DC Gardens/Flickr
Are you looking forward to seeing hummingbirds in Dallas or any other part of Texas this year? While awaiting their arrival, check out this great video of a stunning male Anna’s hummingbird:
C Watts/Flickr
Ernst Haekel/Wikipedia
Norvig/Wikipedia
Wikipedia
k.draper/Flickr
Make sure to just use plain sugar and water in your feeder - no dye is necessary. The red dye that some people use can actually harm the little creatures.
Kevin Bondelli/Wikipedia
DC Gardens/Flickr
If you’re looking for more information about the hummingbird migration in Texas and for more incredible facts, visit the Perkey-Pet website to learn more.
What do you think? Do you plan to watch the hummingbird migration in Texas this year? Have you ever witnessed a hummingbird migration? Let us know in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hummingbirds In Texas Migration February 26, 2021 Marisa Roman What is the weather like in the spring in Texas? Spring in Texas is one of the most magical times of the year. Depending on where you are in the state, you might have a different spring experience. Texas has an interesting weather pattern when compared to the rest of the country as the summers are long and hot, meanwhile, winters are short and cold. So, what about spring? Spring is said to be from March through June and usually lasts only three months. While the rain does come during these months, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Texas in the springtime. Check out these 11 top places to visit in Texas during spring. What is the most well-known migration in Texas? Hummingbird migration in Texas is only one of the many popular migrations through the state. For instance, out of the 630+ species of birds in Texas, over two-thirds of them are migrants! Birds pass through Texas on their way south, then back up when the weather gets warmer north. In addition to birds and hummingbirds, Monarch butterflies also migrate through Texas every year! Taking place within late-September to the third week of October, millions of Monarch butterflies pass through Texas for the ultimate seasonal migration. Are there any animal encounters in Texas? While you’re hanging your hummingbird feeders in Texas this spring, you might start to wonder what other types of wildlife encounter you could have in the state. One of the coolest animal encounters you can have in Texas includes cuddling with kangaroos at Janda Exotics Animal Ranch! In this family-owned and operated private zoo, guests will be able to cuddle with fox cubs, take photos with ostriches, and enjoy the baby kangaroo joeys.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hummingbirds In Texas Migration
February 26, 2021
Marisa Roman
What is the weather like in the spring in Texas? Spring in Texas is one of the most magical times of the year. Depending on where you are in the state, you might have a different spring experience. Texas has an interesting weather pattern when compared to the rest of the country as the summers are long and hot, meanwhile, winters are short and cold. So, what about spring? Spring is said to be from March through June and usually lasts only three months. While the rain does come during these months, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Texas in the springtime. Check out these 11 top places to visit in Texas during spring. What is the most well-known migration in Texas? Hummingbird migration in Texas is only one of the many popular migrations through the state. For instance, out of the 630+ species of birds in Texas, over two-thirds of them are migrants! Birds pass through Texas on their way south, then back up when the weather gets warmer north. In addition to birds and hummingbirds, Monarch butterflies also migrate through Texas every year! Taking place within late-September to the third week of October, millions of Monarch butterflies pass through Texas for the ultimate seasonal migration. Are there any animal encounters in Texas? While you’re hanging your hummingbird feeders in Texas this spring, you might start to wonder what other types of wildlife encounter you could have in the state. One of the coolest animal encounters you can have in Texas includes cuddling with kangaroos at Janda Exotics Animal Ranch! In this family-owned and operated private zoo, guests will be able to cuddle with fox cubs, take photos with ostriches, and enjoy the baby kangaroo joeys.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Spring in Texas is one of the most magical times of the year. Depending on where you are in the state, you might have a different spring experience. Texas has an interesting weather pattern when compared to the rest of the country as the summers are long and hot, meanwhile, winters are short and cold. So, what about spring? Spring is said to be from March through June and usually lasts only three months. While the rain does come during these months, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Texas in the springtime. Check out these 11 top places to visit in Texas during spring.
What is the most well-known migration in Texas?
Hummingbird migration in Texas is only one of the many popular migrations through the state. For instance, out of the 630+ species of birds in Texas, over two-thirds of them are migrants! Birds pass through Texas on their way south, then back up when the weather gets warmer north. In addition to birds and hummingbirds, Monarch butterflies also migrate through Texas every year! Taking place within late-September to the third week of October, millions of Monarch butterflies pass through Texas for the ultimate seasonal migration.
Are there any animal encounters in Texas?
While you’re hanging your hummingbird feeders in Texas this spring, you might start to wonder what other types of wildlife encounter you could have in the state. One of the coolest animal encounters you can have in Texas includes cuddling with kangaroos at Janda Exotics Animal Ranch! In this family-owned and operated private zoo, guests will be able to cuddle with fox cubs, take photos with ostriches, and enjoy the baby kangaroo joeys.