BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Ruby-throated hummingbirds are expected to arrive in Alabama this week, signaling the start of their annual spring migration and giving residents a chance to spot the tiny, vibrant birds as they pass through the state.
The hummingbirds, which winter in Central America and Mexico, typically begin appearing in Alabama between March 10 and March 20. Their arrival coincides with the blooming of flowers that provide nectar, a vital energy source for the birds after their long journey across the Gulf of Mexico.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are known for their extraordinary stamina during migration. Weighing less than a nickel, they can fly up to 500 miles nonstop over open water. Before making the trip, they nearly double their body weight by feeding on insects and nectar. Once they arrive in Alabama, they often return to the same gardens and feeders year after year.
For decades, Alabamians have welcomed these birds by setting out feeders filled with a simple mixture of sugar and water—no red dye needed—and planting native flowers such as honeysuckle and bee balm. These efforts not only support migrating hummingbirds but also help preserve an ecological connection that has existed for centuries.
Experts encourage residents to put out feeders now to help the birds refuel as they continue their journey northward to breeding grounds across the eastern United States and Canada. Most Ruby-throated hummingbirds will remain in Alabama until late summer before heading south again in the fall.
The annual migration is a reminder of nature’s resilience and beauty, offering bird enthusiasts across the state an opportunity to witness one of the natural world’s most impressive feats.