Discover When Hummingbirds Are Set to Flee Oklahoma

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade, hummingbird enthusiasts in Oklahoma bid farewell to these tiny wonders. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of these agile creatures, exploring when and why they embark on their long journey southward. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind the departure of hummingbirds in Oklahoma.

3 Hummingbirds in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to three species of hummingbirds:

• Black-chinned Hummingbird
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Rufous Hummingbird

Black-Chinned Hummingbird

The black-chinned hummingbird is a small bird with an iridescent green back and crown, a white throat with a black chin, and a forked tail. It can be found in the western quarter of Oklahoma, often hovering around flowers and feeders in gardens and parks. The male has a purple-red throat, while the female has a white throat with an indistinct black band.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a hummingbird species native to the eastern three-quarters of Oklahoma. This species is easily identifiable due to its small size and distinctive plumage. It has a metallic green back, white throat, grey chest and belly, and a small red patch on its throat.

The male has a longer and more pointed bill than the female. The wings are short and pointed, and the tail is forked. They measure between 3-3.5 inches in length and weigh only a few grams. They can be seen feeding on nectar from flowers, small insects, and spiders and can reach a top speed of 36 miles per hour in flight.

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous hummingbird is a beautiful bird with a rufous-colored back and tail, a white breast, and a pale greenish-gray head and throat. It has a long, thin bill and two white stripes just below the eyes. The males have a bright, metallic-green back, while the females have a more dull green back.

Although the Rufous hummingbird is a migratory bird, it does not nest in Oklahoma but instead travels through the state in spring and fall.

Where Do Oklahoma Hummingbirds Go in Winter?

Each year, thousands of hummingbirds migrate from Oklahoma to warmer climates throughout the fall. These tiny birds begin their journey in late summer and early fall when the days become shorter, and the temperatures drop.

The species of hummingbird found in Oklahoma, the ruby-throated hummingbird, usually migrates south to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Some individual hummingbirds may even travel as far south as Colombia or Venezuela. During their journey south, the birds fly hundreds of miles, crossing the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight.

In the winter, the hummingbirds feed on small insects and nectar from flowers. They also rely on the protection of the trees and shrubs for shelter from the elements.

The ruby-throated hummingbird typically returns to Oklahoma around March or April, when the temperatures begin to rise and the days become longer. During their return journey, they often take advantage of the ample food sources available along the way.

The annual migration of hummingbirds is an amazing sight to behold! Each fall, these tiny birds travel thousands of miles to warmer climates, overcoming obstacles with their determination and courage. It is truly a fascinating phenomenon to witness.

When Do Hummingbirds Leave Oklahoma?

Hummingbirds typically leave the state of Oklahoma in September as they begin their southward migration. As temperatures drop and nectar sources become scarce, hummingbirds set off in search of warmer climates and more plentiful food sources. During the fall migration, hummingbirds may fly up to 1,000 miles in a single day in order to reach their destination.

Factors that Influence Hummingbird Migration

Hummingbird migration is influenced by a variety of factors, including day length, the timing of male and female departures, and their food intake prior to leaving.

Day length is an important factor, as it affects when the hummingbirds will begin their migration. Generally, when the days become shorter, it signals the start of the migration season.

Male hummingbirds usually leave two weeks before females. This is thought to be due to the need of the males to establish nesting sites in anticipation of the females arriving.

Additionally, hummingbirds will increase their food intake prior to leaving on their migration. This is to ensure that they have enough fat stored to sustain them through the long journey. Most hummingbirds will double their body weight to prepare for the long, arduous journey ahead!

How to Create a Hospitable Environment for Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are a delightful addition to any backyard, and creating a hospitable environment for them is not difficult. Here are some tips for making your backyard a haven for these beautiful birds:

• Plant native flowering plants. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of native plants, so surrounding your backyard with native plants will help make it more hospitable.
• Hang nectar feeders. Nectar feeders provide an easy source of food for hummingbirds, and they can be hung from trees or other nearby structures. Keep them up until Halloween in Oklahoma to be sure all of the late stragglers have plenty of food to eat.
• Add a birdbath. Hummingbirds need to drink water regularly, so adding a birdbath to your backyard will provide them with a reliable source of hydration.
• Provide shelter. Hummingbirds need places to hide from predators, so adding shrubs or trees to your backyard will give the birds a safe place to rest.

By following these simple steps, you can create a hospitable environment for hummingbirds in your backyard.

What Happens After The Hummingbird Fall Migration?

Hummingbirds have an amazing yearly cycle; in the fall, they migrate south to find warmer climates for the winter months. After their fall migration, hummingbirds have several tasks to complete.

First, hummingbirds will molt or shed their old feathers and grow new ones. This helps them stay warm in the colder winter months and helps keep their feathers in good condition for the upcoming spring migration.

Second, hummingbirds must recover from the long flight by gorging on nectar and insects. This gives them the energy they need to survive the winter and rebuild their strength for the upcoming migration.

Third, hummingbirds need to fatten up for the spring migration back north. This means eating as much as possible, as well as storing energy in the form of fat.

Finally, hummingbirds will rest and prepare for the long journey ahead. This means finding a safe place to roost during the night and conserving energy as much as possible.

All of these activities are essential for hummingbirds to survive the winter and complete their yearly migration cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Attracting Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are an enchanting sight to behold, and there are several ways to attract them to your backyard. However, it’s important to be mindful of the potential pitfalls that can thwart your efforts. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to attract hummingbirds:

• Avoid using pesticides or other chemicals near your hummingbird feeders. These can be harmful to the birds and disrupt their natural habitat.
• Be sure to keep the feeders clean and free of yeast, mold, or bacteria, as this can also have a negative impact on the health of the birds. This is especially true in warm temperatures, as the sugar water can ferment.
• Clean your hummingbird feeder every 7 days in cool weather and every 3 days if the temperatures are over 80°F.
• Don’t put out too many feeders, as having too many can cause territorial disputes and overcrowding. Having more than one feeder is great. Just keep them 15 feet apart from each other.
• Make sure the feeders are easy to access for the birds, as they may not be able to maneuver around obstacles or difficult-to-reach places. Place them far off the ground so that outdoor cats cannot get to the birds.
• Don’t use artificial food coloring, as this can be harmful to the birds. Stick to using plain sugar water in a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water

By following these tips, you can ensure that you’ll have a safe and successful hummingbird-attracting experience.

Preparing Your Yard for the Arrival of Hummingbirds in Oklahoma

Preparing your yard in Oklahoma for the arrival of hummingbirds can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some tips for getting your yard hummingbird-ready this Spring:

Plant Early Blooming Flowers

Adding early blooming flowers to your yard is a great way to welcome the arriving hummingbirds. Some early blooming flowers that attract hummingbirds in Oklahoma include:

• Columbine
• Bleeding Heart
• Red Buckeye
• Butterfly Weed

Hang a Feeder Early

Having your feeder ready to go by April 10th will ensure that the hummingbirds have a reliable food source when they arrive. Make sure to keep the feeder clean and filled with fresh nectar. Additionally, if temperatures drop below 35 degrees, move the feeder indoors so it doesn’t crack.