Every year, the skies of Arkansas fill with the unmistakable sound of hummingbird wings flapping. It’s a beautiful sight that many Arkansans look forward to each year, but when do hummingbirds arrive in Arkansas? Let’s find out.

Arkansas

Arkansas is a state in the southeastern United States with a rich history and natural beauty that draws visitors from all over the world. From its lush forests and majestic mountains to its crystal-clear lakes and rivers, Arkansas has something for everyone.  One of its most beloved residents is the hummingbird, a tiny bird that comes to Arkansas every year in the spring.

Read more: When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Massachusetts? 

When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Arkansas?

In general, hummingbirds start arriving in Arkansas in early April. This usually coincides with when flowering plants and other sources of nectar are starting to bloom, making it the perfect time for hummingbirds to start their journey north. By May, most of Arkansas is teeming with these lively little birds and they can be seen all over the state.

Hummingbirds are drawn to Arkansas for its plentiful food sources and warm weather, as well as its diverse landscapes. From woodlands and swamps to mountain peaks and grasslands, Arkansas provides a perfect habitat for these migrating birds.

Hummingbirds typically stay in Arkansas until late August or early September, when they start their journey south again for the winter months. During this time, you’ll be able to observe hummingbirds at your local feeders or in your backyard as they take advantage of the warm temperatures and plentiful food sources.

Read more: How Often Do Hummingbirds Eat?

Types Of Hummingbirds Found In Arkansas

In this blog section, we’ll take a look at some of the most common types of hummingbirds found in Arkansas.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is one of the most common types of hummingbirds found in Arkansas. These tiny birds have bright green backs and greyish-white undersides with distinctive red throat patches. Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Arkansas in the spring and can be seen around feeders, flowers, and other sources of nectar.

They feed on nectar feeders and direct nectar from flowers, as well as small insects that they catch while flying or perched on branches. A ruby-throated hummingbird weighs only about 3 grams and can fly up to 30 miles per hour. The Black- female ruby-throated hummingbirds are usually slightly larger than the males, and they can be identified by their bright red throat patches.

Black-Chinned Hummingbird

The Black-Chinned Hummingbird is another type of hummingbird found in Arkansas. This species has dark upperparts and greyish underparts with an iridescent purple crown and throat patch. While these birds are not as common as the Ruby-Throated, they can often be seen around wooded areas during migration season or nesting season. Like their Ruby-Throated counterparts, Black-Chinned Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from flowers but will supplement their diet with small insects when available.

Rufous Hummingbirds

The Rufous Hummingbird is a species that is relatively uncommon but can sometimes be spotted around water sources such as streams or ponds during migration season or nesting season. These birds have reddish-brown upper parts and yellowish underparts with distinctive orange throats and crowns. They feed primarily on flower nectar but will occasionally eat small insects when available.

Allen’s Hummingbirds

The Allen’s Hummingbird is another type of hummingbird found in Arkansas during migration season or nesting season. These birds have green backs and greyish underparts with an iridescent orange throat patch that makes them easily identifiable among other species. Like other hummingbirds, Allen’s hummers feed mainly on flower nectar but will supplement their diet with small insects when available.

Learn more: Can Hummingbirds Fly Backwards? 

Where Do They Migrate From?

Hummingbirds that visit Arkansas during the spring and summer months typically come from southern Mexico and Central America. They start their journey north in late March and usually arrive in Arkansas by May. These birds will then stay in the area until August or September before flying south again for the winter months.

By taking advantage of Arkansas’s plentiful food sources and diverse landscapes, hummingbirds can have a successful migration season and will be able to make their return journey in the fall.

Where To Spot Hummingbirds In Arkansas?

Arkansas is a great place for birdwatchers of all kinds. For those looking to spot hummingbirds, the state has plenty of places where you can see them in their natural habitat. Here’s a look at some of the best spots to find these fascinating creatures.

The Ozarks And Ouachitas Mountains

One of the best places to spot hummingbirds in Arkansas is in the Ozarks and Ouachitas Mountains. These two ranges have some of the highest populations of hummingbirds in the state, with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Black-chinned Hummingbirds being especially common. When searching for these birds, focus on wooded areas and gardens near rivers or creeks, as these provide ideal habitats for them to find food and shelter.

The White River National Wildlife Refuge

The White River National Wildlife Refuge is another great destination for birders hoping to spot hummingbirds. This refuge stretches along nearly 30 miles of the White River and provides an ideal habitat for only species, including ruby-throated hummingbirds, black-chinned hummingbirds, calliope hummingbirds, Anna’s hummingbirds, rufous hummingbirds, and broad-tailed hummingbirds. The best time to visit this area is during spring migration season when most species are on the move from one region to another.

Moro Bay State Park

If you’re looking for a place closer to civilization where you can spot some hummers without having to venture too far into nature’s wild side then Moro Bay State Park might be your best bet. This park has been known as a great place for spotting hummers since its establishment in 1977 due to its ideal environment where they can find food and shelter among other wildlife species such as egrets and herons. During spring migration season they can usually be seen flitting around anywhere from early April through mid-May.

Read more: When Do Hummingbirds Lay Eggs? 

Tips To Attract Hummingbirds

If you’d like to attract hummingbirds to your backyard or garden, here are some tips:

• Place a few hummingbird feeders around your yard so that the birds can easily find them.

• Use bright colors such as red and orange in your flower beds and plants – these will attract hummingbirds.

• Plant native plants that produce nectar and provide shelter for hummingbirds.

• Make sure to keep fresh water available for drinking and bathing.

• Avoid using pesticides on your plants; these can be toxic to hummingbirds.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to provide a safe and inviting habitat for these beautiful creatures.

Learn more: Do Hummingbirds Pollinate?

Conclusion

Hummingbirds are truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting out, Arkansas is a great place to spot these fascinating birds in their natural habitat. With some luck and patience, you could be lucky enough to witness their incredible migration or even attract them to your own backyard!