Good news, North Carolina! The annual hummingbird migration is nearly underway and we’re ready to begin spotting the graceful Ruby-throated hummingbird in backyards around parts of the Tar Heel State! This spring, make sure your backyard is ready by setting up one of the best hummingbird feeders possible for these oncoming beauties. Each fall, thousands of these exquisite winged creatures migrate south from as far as Canada all the way down to Central America, Mexico, and parts of Florida – until it’s time to head north again in the spring to breed. So, if you want to see hummingbirds in North Carolina, read on to find out more about how and where to look.

Spring is the time to pull out your hummingbird feeder, clean it up, and fill it with sweet nectar to fuel the flight of the ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Flickr/Michael Janke
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are some of the most common in the United States, but you're likely to see other species during the migration period as well.
If you want to know when hummingbirds come back to North Carolina, this migration map from HummingbirdPots.com (check out their great feeders!), shows the typical migration dates of the most common of hummingbirds found in the Eastern United States.
Facebook/Hummingbird Pots
This is a helpful guide, and also showcases how hummingbirds have been migrating a bit earlier in the year as the weather in North America warms up year to year.
From mid-March through the beginning of April, thousands of them will take flight and land in backyards all over North Carolina to rest and eat as they make the journey.
DansPhotoArt on flickr / Moment Collection via Getty Images
Hummingbirds are amazingly strong birds despite their small size. Though they're only 2-4 inches long, they can fly up to 1,300 miles in one go. Those super fast wing speeds really come in handy.

Related Stories

This North Carolina Cherry Blossom Festival Will Have Over 20,000 Visitors This Spring

This North Carolina Cherry Blossom Festival Will Have Over 20,000 Visitors This Spring

 Enjoy The Most Colorful Spring Festival In North Carolina At Artsplosure — The Raleigh Arts Festival

Enjoy The Most Colorful Spring Festival In North Carolina At Artsplosure — The Raleigh Arts Festival

 Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In North Carolina

Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In North Carolina
And while some may make the Tar Heel State their breeding ground of this season's new additions, most will travel farther north to build their nest in a shrub or small tree.
Photography by Alexandra Rudge/Getty
Before you know it you might be spotting baby hummingbirds learning to fly all around your backyard.
Most of us know the ruby-throated hummingbird as having a bright red bib. But that's actually only true for the males in the species.
Flickr/Annie Davis 773
The females, on the other hand, are a bit less colorful, but still dainty and fascinating. They tend to have grey or brown feathers at the throat area.
In some cultures, a hummingbird's visit is believed to bring good luck, joy, and love to the person gifted with spotting them. We certainly agree!
Facebook/Hummingbird Pots
The best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in North Carolina is early April. In addition to putting out a hummingbird feeder with sugar water in it, you can plant tubular flowers to attract these delicate but strong birds. Bright colors are also likely to bring them your way, but DO NOT add any food coloring to the sugar water you put in the feeder. We want to keep the food as close to the birds' natural sustenance as possible, and the dye can be toxic.
Have you spotted any hummingbirds in North Carolina yet this year?
hummingbirdcentral.com
There's actually a live interactive map on hummingbirdcentral.com where you can report sightings in order to take part in tracking this year's hummingbird migration. How fun!

As you can see from the above map, the best time to see hummingbirds in North Carolina in droves is during peak migration, which tends to be the first few weeks of April. But that doesn’t mean you won’t see these beauties before or after that window!

Whether you believe the lore about hummingbirds bringing love and good luck or are just simply fascinated by this tiny, winged bird, prepare for some springtime delight as they meander in and out of the backyard in the upcoming weeks.

Have you placed your feeder outside yet? Be sure to use clear nectar that’s free from harmful dyes and preservatives!

For more springtime adventure, read about the 13 very best places to go in North Carolina this spring.

Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In North Carolina

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hummingbirds in North Carolina

CC | February 19, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in North Carolina?

Although you’re likely to spot the Ruby-throated hummingbirds most often during the migration, you might also see these species of hummingbird in North Carolina this spring.

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • Rufous Hummingbird
  • Anna’s Hummingbird
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird
  • Calliope Hummingbird
  • Broad-tailed hummingbird
  • Allen’s Hummingbird

 

When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in North Carolina?

If you’re feeling generous, leave your hummingbird feeder out year-round to cater to the birds that spend the winter in North Carolina. Otherwise, put your feeder out in the spring just before most birds arrive - which tends to be around early April. And if you're looking for some gorgeous destinations to hang out this spring and do some bird watching, we've got a whole list!

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in North Carolina?

It is extremely safe to feed hummingbirds in North Carolina. In fact, it’s downright necessary! These birds need fuel after a long journey from South America. Just remember to avoid dyes and artificial colors - in fact, avoid all store-bought nectar entirely! Make a DIY version by mixing one part sugar with four parts water (1:4). Total hummingbird populations in North America have declined by around 29% (that's 3 billion birds!), so we want to help these beauties as much as possible.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina