#migrationmap

Tracking Sightings in Missouri

Overview

This guide covers everything Missouri hummingbird watchers need to know for 2026. You will learn about:

-

When to expect arrivals by region

-

Best sighting locations

-

How to set up your yard for maximum visits

-

Essential gear for the season

Missouri and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

A surprising fact: almost every hummingbird you see in Missouri is a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).

-

Rare western strays, like Rufous Hummingbirds, do appear but are uncommon.

-

If you see a hummingbird from April to October, it’s likely a Ruby-Throat.

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is an amazing migrant. They spend winter in Central America and can cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single nonstop flight of about 500 miles.

Male Appearance

The male's throat is iridescent. It can look black in poor light but shines deep crimson or violet-red in the sun.

2026 Missouri Hummingbird Migration Timeline

Migration timing depends on weather, temperature, and insect activity. The following dates are averages for 2026:

Southern Missouri and the Ozarks

First arrivals: April 18 – April 25

-

Residents in Springfield, Branson, Poplar Bluff, and Cape Girardeau should have feeders out by April 15.

-

The Ozarks are ideal for hummingbirds due to nectar-rich wildflowers and suitable nesting spots.

2026 note: Expect arrivals to trend slightly earlier than average due to warm temperatures.

Central Missouri — Columbia, Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks

First arrivals: April 25 – May 5

-

Males arrive first, followed by females within a week.

-

Feeder setup deadline: April 20 to attract the arriving birds.

Kansas City Metro and Northwest Missouri

First arrivals: May 1 – May 10

-

Feeder setup deadline: April 25.

-

Urban heat can cause earlier arrivals by 3–5 days.

St. Louis Metro and Eastern Missouri

First arrivals: April 28 – May 8

-

Reliable sighting locations include:

-

Missouri Botanical Garden

-

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

-

Forest Park

-

Feeder setup deadline: April 22.

Northern Missouri — Kirksville, Macon, Hannibal

First arrivals: May 5 – May 15

-

Feeder setup deadline: May 1.

Where Hummingbirds Nest in Missouri

Missouri is not only a migration route but also a breeding ground. Female Ruby-Throats build nests that are:

-

Tiny, cup-shaped, about the size of a golf ball

-

Made of plant fibers and dandelion down

-

Often found on sloping branches 10 to 40 feet off the ground

Preferred nesting trees include:

-

Oak trees

-

Sycamores

-

Cottonwoods

If you have mature trees, Ruby-Throats may nest nearby, often invisible until autumn.

When Do Hummingbirds Leave Missouri?

Hummingbird Migration

The departure is quieter than arrival. Adult males leave first, typically between late July and August. Females and juveniles follow through September. Most Ruby-Throats migrate by early October, but some stragglers may linger until mid-October.

Keep your feeders out until October 15 to help late migrants.

Popular Hummingbird Watching Spots in Missouri

-

Mark Twain National Forest – A wild refuge with plenty of feeding opportunities.

-

Shaw Nature Reserve – Home to native plants that attract hummingbirds.

By knowing this information, you can prepare for the exciting hummingbird season ahead in Missouri!

Attracting Hummingbirds in Missouri

From mid-May to August, hummingbird activity is high and easy to observe. Here are some great locations and tips to attract these beautiful birds to your yard.

Best Locations to See Hummingbirds

1. Runge Nature Center -

Location: Jefferson City

-

Highlights: This is Michigan’s best free nature center. It features native plant gardens and prairie restorations that help attract hummingbirds all summer. It is ideal for families and new birders.

2. Ozarks State Park -

Attraction: Hummingbirds enjoy this park from late April through September.

-

Features:

-

Flowering understory

-

Wooded coves

-

Foraging habitat that combines woodland edges with open water

3. Meramec State Park -

Location: Sullivan

-

Highlights: This park is one of the most beautiful places in central Missouri for watching hummingbirds.

-

Best Time: Late May to July

-

Attractions: Wildflower-rich meadows along the Meramec River

4. Your Own Backyard -

Tip: A well-maintained feeder with nearby native plants can attract as many hummingbirds as the locations above.

-

Why It Matters: Your backyard is close and convenient for daily enjoyment.

Making Your Missouri Yard Conducive to Hummingbirds

Setting Up a Feeder -

Number of Feeders: In peak times (late May to August), use several feeders instead of one large one.

-

Territorial Behavior: Male Ruby-Throats show territorial behavior.

-

Feeder Placement:

-

Place two feeders out of sight from each other to double the number of hummingbirds.

Nectar Recipe:

-

Mix 4 parts water to 1 part plain white granulated sugar.

-

Important: Avoid using red dye; it's not necessary and not natural.

-

Refresh nectar every 2-3 days in Missouri's summer heat.

Best Hummingbird Feeders for Missouri

1. Best Choice: Aspects HummZinger Excel Plate Feeder -

Capacity: 16 ounces

-

Features:

-

Saucer design: no drip and no vacuum-seal failure

-

Built-in ant moat

-

Cost: $22-28

-

Where to Buy: Amazon or Wild Birds Unlimited stores in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield.

2. Second Place: Pinch-Waist Glass Feeder from Perky-Pet -

Material: Glass, better than plastic

-

Features:

-

Four feeding ports with bee guards

-

Bright red background

-

Cost: $16-22

3. Budget Pick: First Nature 3055 Hummingbird Feeder -

Cost: $10-14

-

Features:

-

Allows hanging 3-4 feeders

-

Safe for the dishwasher

-

Ten feeding ports

-

Replacement: Needs replacement every 2-3 seasons due to wear.

4. More Birds Jewel Box Window Feeder -

Capacity: 5 ounces

-

Features:

-

Attaches to a window with suction cups

-

Always provides fresh nectar

-

Cost: $14-18

Hummingbird-Attracting Native Missouri Plants

Using native plants can enhance your yard's appeal to hummingbirds. Here are some top choices:

-

Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans): Orange-red tubular flowers.

-

Lobelia Cardinalis: Brilliant red spikes that bloom from July to September.

-

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Early blooming in April and May.

-

Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): Produces tubular flowers from spring to fall.

-

Bee Balm: Blooms in red shaggy flowers in July and August.

-

Royal Catchfly (Silene regia): Brilliant scarlet flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Tracking Hummingbird Sightings in Missouri

Missouri Hummingbird Migration Map

You can keep track of hummingbird sightings using these resources:

-

eBird: Helps track migratory patterns and bird presence.

-

Journey North: Displays real-time migration updates.

-

Missouri Birding Society: Offers alerts for rare birds and active community reports.

-

BirdzFly Migration Tracker: Live map showing sightings across the U.S.

By following these guidelines and using native plants, you can create a welcoming environment for hummingbirds in your Missouri yard.

The Season That Returns Each Year

For thirty years, Carol has hung her feeder on the same hook. In early April, she checks the Journey North map for migration reports. She keeps her nectar fresh and waits for the same hummingbird to return every spring.

Though it may seem like the same bird, it’s likely a descendant. Ruby-Throats typically live 3–9 years, and the relationship between a Missouri backyard and its hummingbirds is passed through generations.

Tips for Success:

-

Set out the feeder early.

-

Maintain cleanliness.

-

Plant red, tubular flowers.

When the first hummingbird of 2026 appears, take a moment to appreciate its beauty.

Latest from BirdzFly

-

The 2026 Hummingbird Migration Map – Live USA Tracker

-

Why Is A Hummingbird Hovering At My Window?

-

The Spiritual Meaning of a Hummingbird

-

Best Hummingbird Feeder Nectar Recipe

-

Top 26 Flowers for Hummingbirds

Most Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds arrive in southern Missouri between April 18-25. Here’s a breakdown of arrivals by region:

-

Southern Missouri: April 18-25

-

Central Missouri: April 25 to early May

-

Kansas City & Northwest: May 1-10

-

Northern Missouri: May 5-15

Most Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds arrive in southern Missouri between April 18-25. Here’s a breakdown of arrivals by region:

-

Southern Missouri: April 18-25

-

Central Missouri: April 25 to early May

-

Kansas City & Northwest: May 1-10

-

Northern Missouri: May 5-15

Most Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds arrive in southern Missouri between April 18-25. Here’s a breakdown of arrivals by region:

-

Southern Missouri: April 18-25

-

Central Missouri: April 25 to early May

-

Kansas City & Northwest: May 1-10

-

Track them on this migration map Hummingbirds return to the U.S. and Ohio. Hummingbirds are making their way back to the U.S. from their winter homes in Mexico and Central America. They expect to arrive in Ohio by early April. An interactive map shows their migration and gives updates on how close they are to Ohio. When do hummingbirds arrive in Ohio? Hummingbirds begin arriving in Ohio in early April. AccuWeather and other trackers say the southern part of the state usually sees the first arrivals by April 1. In the northern part, they come between April 15 and 30. In 2024, the first sighting in Ohio happened near Portsmouth on April 14. More observations in southern Ohio took place. Tracking Hummingbird Migration An interactive map allows bird enthusiasts to track migration progress. We encourage citizens to share their sightings. We then record these on the map, noting the date and location. Observations are also color-coded by species. By early March, hummingbirds start heading north from the Gulf Coast. Some have been spotted in the southwestern U.S. The first sighting of the year was on January 26 in Key West, Florida. What species of hummingbirds can you see in Ohio? Ohio is home to one primary species of hummingbird—the ruby-throated hummingbird. Other species are rare, but observers occasionally spot them. - Ruby-throated Hummingbird: The most common species in Ohio during the summer. Males have bright red throats, green backs, and white undersides. Females have green backs with white and brownish sides. - Rufous Hummingbird: Less common, but some migrate through Ohio in the winter. Males have a reddish-orange throat. In contrast, females are greenish-brown with rusty sides. - Mexican Violetear: This rare bird comes from Mexico. It can sometimes be spotted as far north as Ohio and Michigan. - Black-chinned Hummingbird: Spotted only once in Ohio, near Columbus, in 2020. - Calliope Hummingbird: This bird has been spotted in Ohio a few times. The last sighting was in Columbus in 2017. - Allen's Hummingbird: In Ohio, sightings during winter have been rare. There are no records from the last ten years. - Anna’s Hummingbird is only observed in Ohio during the winter months.

At a Glance

Ruby Throated Hummingbird Migration Ruby Throated Hummingbird Migration is important for birds living. Besides of these we have to know the characteristics and behavior for better understanding. Many types of hummingbirds live in the American tropics. You can find over a dozen in the western U.S. However, only the Ruby-throat exists east of the Great Plains. In summer, open woods and gardens often host them. Hovering in front of a flower to sip nectar, it beats its wings more than 50 times per second. Small but impressive, some Ruby-throats may migrate all the way from Canada to Costa Rica. Category: Hummingbirds IUCN Status: Least Concern Habitat: Coasts, shorelines, forests, woodlands, shrublands, savannas, thickets, and urban or suburban areas. Region - Eastern Canada - Florida - Great Lakes - Mid Atlantic - New England - Plains - Southeast - Texas - Western Canada Behavior: Flittering, hovering, rapid wingbeats Population: 36,000,000

Migration and identification

Chain absence beach. These all leave North America in the fall. They head to Mexico, the Rica coast, or Panama. Some can pass the Gulf of Mexico, but many move, concentrating along the Gulf Coast. In the spring, men move north before the women.

Description

3 1/2 "(9 cm). An adult mast has a rainbow's throat, black air in most lights. The white breast fades to a dark throat, with green sides. The tail is completely black and split. The green woman is below, with white tips on her tail feathers. You can best identify her by the string. Size: About the size of a sparrow. Color: Black, Green, Red, Tan, White Wing Shape: Narrow, rounded, short Tail Shape: Multi-pointed, notched, rounded, square-tipped. Songs and Calls: Mouse-like, twittering squeaks. Call Pattern: Flat Call Type: Buzz, Chirp/Chip, Trill Habitat Gardens, wood edges. Many semi-open habitats host summer. These include open woods, clearings, forest edges, gardens, and city parks. Winters mainly happen in open or dry tropical scrub. They rarely occur in rainforests. Migrants may pause in any open habitat with flowers.

Behavior

Eggs 2. White. Incubation is by females only, 11 to 16 days. Young Female feeds the young. Nest stretches as the young grow. The age of the young at first flight is about 20-22 days. Usually, there are 1-2 broods per year, sometimes 3. The female may begin building a second nest while still feeding the young in the first. Feeding Behavior At flowers, it usually feeds by hovering. It extends its bill and long tongue deep into the flower's center. At feeders, it may either hover or perch. To catch small insects, it may fly out and seize them in midair, or hover to pluck them from foliage. Sometimes it takes spiders (or trapped insects) from spider webs. Diet Nectar and insects are in large quantities. It takes nectar from flowers and will feed on tiny insects as well. It favors tubular flowers such as those of trumpet vine. It will also feed on sugar-water mixtures in hummingbird feeders. Nesting During courtship, male flies move in a wide U-shaped "pendulum" arc. They fly back and forth in front of the female, making a whirring sound on each dive. They also buzz back and forth in short passes in front of the perched female. The nest site is in a tree or large shrub, 5-50 feet above the ground, usually 10-20 feet. It is on a horizontal branch or one that slopes down from a tree, usually surrounded by leaves. The nest (built by the female) is a compact cup of grasses, plant fibers, spider webs, lined with plant down. Lichens and dead leaves camouflage the outside. Related Why Photographers Should Reconsider Using Playback in the Field The illegal trade in these love charms is a growing threat to hummingbirds. Senators Cardin and Boozman introduced legislation to invest in migratory bird conservation. Help feed the birds. Native Plants Database Find bird-friendly native plants for your ZIP code.

Conservation

Ruby Throated Migration Map Conservation Status Surveys show no clear decline in some regions, despite earlier thoughts. Climate Map Birdzfly’s scientists used 140 million bird observations and advanced climate models. They projected how climate change will impact the Ruby-throated Hummingbird's range. Climate Threats Facing the Ruby-throated Hummingbird Pick a temperature scenario below to learn about the threats this species will face as it warms. Climate change threats that hurt birds will also affect other wildlife and people.

Explore More

At a Glance

Ruby Throated Hummingbird Migration Ruby Throated Hummingbird Migration is important for birds living. Besides of these we have to know the characteristics and behavior for better understanding. Many types of hummingbirds live in the American tropics. You can find over a dozen in the western U.S. However, only the Ruby-throat exists east of the Great Plains. In summer, open woods and gardens often host them. Hovering in front of a flower to sip nectar, it beats its wings more than 50 times per second. Small but impressive, some Ruby-throats may migrate all the way from Canada to Costa Rica. Category: Hummingbirds IUCN Status: Least Concern Habitat: Coasts, shorelines, forests, woodlands, shrublands, savannas, thickets, and urban or suburban areas. Region - Eastern Canada - Florida - Great Lakes - Mid Atlantic - New England - Plains - Southeast - Texas - Western Canada Behavior: Flittering, hovering, rapid wingbeats Population: 36,000,000

Migration and identification

Chain absence beach. These all leave North America in the fall. They head to Mexico, the Rica coast, or Panama. Some can pass the Gulf of Mexico, but many move, concentrating along the Gulf Coast. In the spring, men move north before the women.

Description

3 1/2 "(9 cm). An adult mast has a rainbow's throat, black air in most lights. The white breast fades to a dark throat, with green sides. The tail is completely black and split. The green woman is below, with white tips on her tail feathers. You can best identify her by the string. Size: About the size of a sparrow. Color: Black, Green, Red, Tan, White Wing Shape: Narrow, rounded, short Tail Shape: Multi-pointed, notched, rounded, square-tipped. Songs and Calls: Mouse-like, twittering squeaks. Call Pattern: Flat Call Type: Buzz, Chirp/Chip, Trill Habitat Gardens, wood edges. Many semi-open habitats host summer. These include open woods, clearings, forest edges, gardens, and city parks. Winters mainly happen in open or dry tropical scrub. They rarely occur in rainforests. Migrants may pause in any open habitat with flowers.

Behavior

Eggs 2. White. Incubation is by females only, 11 to 16 days. Young Female feeds the young. Nest stretches as the young grow. The age of the young at first flight is about 20-22 days. Usually, there are 1-2 broods per year, sometimes 3. The female may begin building a second nest while still feeding the young in the first. Feeding Behavior At flowers, it usually feeds by hovering. It extends its bill and long tongue deep into the flower's center. At feeders, it may either hover or perch. To catch small insects, it may fly out and seize them in midair, or hover to pluck them from foliage. Sometimes it takes spiders (or trapped insects) from spider webs. Diet Nectar and insects are in large quantities. It takes nectar from flowers and will feed on tiny insects as well. It favors tubular flowers such as those of trumpet vine. It will also feed on sugar-water mixtures in hummingbird feeders. Nesting During courtship, male flies move in a wide U-shaped "pendulum" arc. They fly back and forth in front of the female, making a whirring sound on each dive. They also buzz back and forth in short passes in front of the perched female. The nest site is in a tree or large shrub, 5-50 feet above the ground, usually 10-20 feet. It is on a horizontal branch or one that slopes down from a tree, usually surrounded by leaves. The nest (built by the female) is a compact cup of grasses, plant fibers, spider webs, lined with plant down. Lichens and dead leaves camouflage the outside. Related Why Photographers Should Reconsider Using Playback in the Field The illegal trade in these love charms is a growing threat to hummingbirds. Senators Cardin and Boozman introduced legislation to invest in migratory bird conservation. Help feed the birds. Native Plants Database Find bird-friendly native plants for your ZIP code.

Conservation

Ruby Throated Migration Map Conservation Status Surveys show no clear decline in some regions, despite earlier thoughts. Climate Map Birdzfly’s scientists used 140 million bird observations and advanced climate models. They projected how climate change will impact the Ruby-throated Hummingbird's range. Climate Threats Facing the Ruby-throated Hummingbird Pick a temperature scenario below to learn about the threats this species will face as it warms. Climate change threats that hurt birds will also affect other wildlife and people.

Explore More