Hummingbird Migration and Sighting Spring 2026
Hummingbird Map 2026
Learn more about Hummingbirds in the Turnbull NWR BLM/USGS, Seattle Audubon Society, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The bulk of hummingbirds overwinter in Central America or Mexico. They begin migrating toward the southern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast, as soon as February. Some come later and migrate northward to higher latitudes over the course of spring.
Hummingbird Foraging Behavior
Hummingbirds do their most active foraging during the day when there are more flowers and nectar-producing plants available. They can scout and locate food caches as they fly. They are also experts in leveraging a tailwind to reach their destination more quickly and with less effort.
Migration Statistics
Recent research reveals that a hummingbird may travel as many as 23 miles in a day. However, during migration, especially over the Gulf of Mexico, they can fly up to 500 miles at a time. Their typical flight speed is 20-30 miles per hour, but they slow down to one-third of that speed during courtship dives.
Policies for Reporting Sightings
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In case of multiple reports from the same location, only one report will be shown on the map.
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Not all reports are posted on the site, but most appear there — generally within a day or so.
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Please note that our small staff may not respond to everyone immediately due to limited space on the map.
During migration season, you will be asked to post your sightings with proof (i.e., a photograph) on Facebook. This is especially important in areas where the hummingbirds have just begun to arrive, often referred to as the migration's "leading edge."
Share Your Sightings
We have been monitoring hummingbirds for over 20 years. Here’s what to look out for over the next couple of weeks in spring. Our map shows how hummingbird migration unfolds from late January until May. We continuously update this map, which will span the last weeks of January 2026.
Hummingbird Flight Dynamics
During migration, a hummingbird's wings flap between 15 and 80 times per second, and their heart rates can exceed 1,260 beats per minute. They accumulate fat reserves to sustain them during busy seasons, increasing their body weight by 25-40% before migration.
Males generally arrive first during the breeding season in spring. Some do not migrate to California, the Northern Pacific Coast, Southern U.S., or the Atlantic Coast.
2026 Hummingbird Spring Migration Map
The Fall Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds begin heading south in the fall, typically between mid-August and September. They often retrace the same path they took in spring, but in reverse. For instance:
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Ruby-throated hummingbirds move through Florida and Louisiana.
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Rufous hummingbirds migrate down the east side of the Rocky Mountains.
Tips for Spotting Hummingbirds
Keep an eye out for hummingbirds when spring arrives. When flying, a hummingbird’s heart rate is 1,260 beats per minute, and its wings beat at 15-80 times per second. This high energy expenditure may explain why they put on 25-40% of their body weight before migrating.
During migration, baby hummingbirds must find their own way without parental guidance. They fly during daylight hours, traveling in straight lines where nectar-bearing plants grow. They can easily spot food while flying close to the ground and are skilled at using tailwinds to save energy.
Challenges During Migration
Cold fronts may create strong headwinds and rain, making it difficult for hummingbirds to fly over the ocean. Since there’s no food out there, they have to be very careful during their migration over water.
