Springtime is a magical time of year, especially in the state of Virginia. The trees and plants come to life with new growth and blooms, and we can all look forward to the arrival of our feathered friends. One species that many nature lovers look forward to seeing each spring is the hummingbird. But when do hummingbirds arrive in Virginia? Let’s take a closer look!
When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Virginia?
The annual arrival of hummingbirds is dependent on several factors, including weather patterns and air temperature. As males establish breeding territories earlier than females, you will typically see them first. It’s safe to say that you should start looking for hummingbirds in early April, although some may arrive as early as late March or even late February if conditions are favorable.
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Most Hummingbirds migrate south from their winter homes in Central America and Mexico during this time each year. It’s not unusual for them to show up before other migratory birds such as warblers or orioles due to their ability to fly quickly over long distances. Once they reach Virginia, they will establish territories and search out nectar-rich flowers for sustenance.
Hummingbirds are also well known for their aggressive behavior when defending their territories against other hummingbirds or even larger birds such as crows or hawks. If you happen to spot two hummingbirds chasing one another around your backyard or garden, don’t be alarmed – it’s just a territorial dispute!
It’s important to note that different species of hummingbird have slightly different migration patterns; for instance, ruby-throated hummingbirds typically arrive later than rufous hummingbirds due to their long migration route from Central America and Mexico. In addition, female hummingbirds tend to arrive slightly later than males because they are responsible for building nests and caring for young chicks during the breeding season.
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When Do Hummingbirds Leave Virginia?
Hummingbirds have a unique migratory pattern that can vary year-to-year depending on the availability of food sources and other factors. Generally, if the temperatures are warm enough and there is sufficient food, hummingbirds will begin departing Virginia at the end of August as they make their way toward Mexico.
However, it’s not unusual for some hummingbirds to linger in the state until mid-to-late September.
As temperatures cool, these hardy birds gradually migrate further south into Mexico and Central America where they spend winter months in more temperate climates with plentiful food sources before making their way back up to the U.S. in March or April.
Where To Find Hummingbirds In Virginia?
From the gentle ruby-throated hummingbird to the feisty rufous hummingbird, Virginia is home to a variety of these delightful birds. Whether you’re an avid birder or just getting started in birding, knowing where to find hummingbirds can be key to your success.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is one of the most common species of hummingbirds that can be found in Virginia.
This species of hummingbird is usually found around open woodlands and meadows, but they also enjoy visiting gardens and feeders with nectar-rich flowers.
The rufous hummingbird is characterized by its bright orange-red throat and back, as well as its greenish-brown head and body. They are typically seen from March through October in Virginia.
Anna’s Hummingbirds
Another species of hummingbird that can be found in Virginia is Anna’s Hummingbird. This species of bird is easily identified by its dark green head and back, as well as its bright pinkish-red gorget (throat).
These particular species enjoy visiting gardens with nectar-rich flowers such as columbine, larkspur, delphiniums, and foxgloves. They are usually seen from April through October in Virginia.
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Rivoli’s Hummingbirds
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are another species of hummingbird that can be found throughout Virginia during certain times of the year. This particular species has a distinctive pinkish-purple gorget (throat), which makes it stand out from other types of hummingbirds.
They are usually seen from March through September in Virginia and they enjoy visiting flower gardens with nectar-rich blooms such as honeysuckle, trumpet creeper, morning glories, cardinal flowers, bee balm, phloxes, and others.
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds
The black-chinned hummingbird is another type of bird that can be found throughout much of the state during certain times of the year. This bird has a distinctive black chin along with a bright green throat patch surrounded by an iridescent purple patch on its neck area and tail feathers that are pearl grey tipped.
They are usually seen from April through October in VA and they enjoy visiting flower gardens with blooms such as Indian paintbrushes, petunias, zinnias, and others for their nectar source.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are one of the most common species of a hummer in Virginia and can be seen all over the state during both the breeding season (summer) and migration season (spring/fall).
Look for them near woodland edges, gardens, parks, open fields with tall grasses or wildflowers, meadows with plenty of trees or shrubs – anywhere nectar-producing plants are abundant!
Males have distinctive ruby-throats and emerald green feathers that make them very easy to identify from other species while females do not possess this trait but still have beautiful iridescent feathers that make them stand out among other hummers if you know what to look for!
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When Should I Put Hummingbird Feeders Out In Virginia?
Once you spot the first hummingbirds of spring in Virginia, it’s time to put out your hummingbird feeders. This will give them easy access to the nectar they need for energy, and provide you with great opportunities to watch and photograph these amazing birds.
It’s important to note that hummingbird feeders should only be put out between April and October, as this is when the birds are most active in Virginia. If you leave your feeders up year-round, they may attract other species of birds that can cause damage to the feeders or spread disease among the hummingbird population.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds typically arrive in Virginia during early April and are most active between April and October. Once you spot your first hummingbirds, it’s time to put out the feeders so they can get easy access to the energy-rich nectar they need to survive during their stay in Virginia. Enjoy!
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