Migrating Hummers– Little Birds, Big Appetites

By C. Rae Hozer, Cumberland County Master Gardener

I recently got a good buy on a well designed, easy–to-clean hummingbird feeder. My purchase was timely as well as a bargain because I put out additional feeders when the ruby-throated hummingbirds, whose summer nesting place is Tennessee, start to migrate. Other Plateau Gardeners can also help these avian travelers by adding more feeders.

Hummingbirds that nest here begin their migratory journey to Mexico and Central America in July or early August. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds in a nesting region start out about two weeks before mature females and imatures from that same area depart. Male ruby-throats are smaller than the females. A typical male weighs 2.5 to 3.5 grams. A female’s average weight is between 3.5 and 4.5 grams. For comparison; a paper clip weighs one gram, a nickel five grams. (Statistics courtesy of the website www.rubythroat.org. Visit this page via computer. Learn more about ruby-throated hummingbirds and how to create the type of  habitat that makes your yard a hummingbird haven.)

Ruby-throated hummingbirds take flyways through Tennessee to states along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. They then cross over the water non-stop (approximately 600 miles). The thought of a creature with less heft than a 5-cent coin traveling such distances is amazing.

Tennesseans can expect to see migrating hummers through the end of October. As local hummers head south, hummingbirds from more northerly nesting sites will be passing through our state. Other species (Rufous, Black-chinned, Allen’s and Calliope hummingbirds) come through here from the west. You may spot one at your  feeder between August and the end of October. Rufous hummingbirds are the only species with authenticated sightings here during winter (as late as January). Ruby-throats don’t linger in Tennessee past the end of October because they’re unable to tolerate cold temperatures.

Nectar, pollen, soft-bodied insects and spiders make up the typical diet of these tiny flying marvels. Flower nectar (or sugar water from feeders) is a carbohydrate supply but protein and fats from insects are essential to building the fat reserves required for migration.

Before they start for the tropics hummingbirds chow down, instinctively aware they won’t safely reach their winter homes without lots of stored energy. A male ruby-throat weighing 2.5 grams will eat enough to nearly double his weight to 4.5 grams. Along the migratory route hummingbirds stop off for days at a time to feed and rest. Favored spots will have water for drinking and bathing, as well as sheltered areas near food sources. Hummingbirds drawn in by a backyard feeder will also feast on any available insects nearby. 

Hummingbird Feeder Basics

Clean feeders about every three days in summertime. Hot weather and sun can spoil the sugar water and promote black mold on feeders. Hummingbirds won’t drink bad nectar. Rainwater may seep in, diluting the solution. In that event, empty watered-down food. Clean the feeder. (Don’t use soap. Wash with bleach and water, instead.) Refill it.

Sugar water recipe: Stir 1 part white granulated sugar into 4 parts hot water until dissolved. (1 cup sugar with 4 cups water for a lot. 1/2 cup sugar and 2 cups water yields less.) Never use honey. Add no red food coloring. Cool. Fill feeders. Store excess solution in refrigerator. 

Plateau Gardening is written by Master Gardeners for those tending home landscapes and gardens in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Region. Contact UT Extension Smith County, 125 Gordonsville Hwy, Suite 300, Carthage, TN 37030, (615-735-2900) for quick answers to specific questions, free publications, or to learn about becoming a Master Gardener. Email comments or yard and garden inquiries to Master Gardener Rae, mgardenerrae@frontiernet.net.