This year’s most glorious migration is already underway and it’s something you won’t want to miss. Springtime in Illinois is a real treat. This spring, thousands of hummingbirds are headed right for Illinois, and it’s one of the most magical things you’ll ever see. Seriously, thousands. To prepare you’ll want to make sure you have your camera at the ready and your best hummingbird feeders set up. If you find yourself asking, “When do hummingbirds come back to Illinois?”, keep reading!

The season is upon us to put out hummingbird feeders full of sugar water to attract some of the most incredible birds of the season. Spring is certainly the best time to see hummingbirds in Illinois.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest
Hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds on the planet and they fly extremely fast. They can also fly for very long distances without rest, hummingbirds can in fact fly up to 1,300 miles in one stretch.
These tiny-but-tough little birds spend the winter in South and Central America, before beginning their great migration north in late February.
Flickr/Eric Kilby
In recent years, hummingbirds have been migrating to the United States even earlier or in some cases staying year round due to the overall warming of the climate. Weather and food availability are the two factors that dictate hummingbird migration patterns.
Most paths of this hummingbird migration are traced through Texas and the Deep South, where the birds will breed on their way to the northern part of the country.
Pexels/Omer Abas

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Hummingbirds migrate by day when nectar is available, and they are known to expend a great deal of energy during this time.
Wikimedia Commons/Bettina Arrigoni
Hummingbirds flap their wings 50 to 80 times per second, and their hearts beat 1,200 beats per minute -- and they work up quite an appetite! As you can imagine, they need a lot of food to fuel these laborious migrations.
If you're wondering when to leave out hummingbird feeders in Illinois, during the first couple of weeks of April is the perfect time to start setting up your feeder and putting out sugar water for these beautiful creatures, as they begin their migratory return -- especially if you did so last year.
Wikimedia Commons/jeffreyw
Hummingbirds are creatures of habit, and it's believed that these birds will return to the same feeders, year after year. In fact, some scientists even believe that these smart birds will also stop at the same feeders along the same route on the same day, year after year. Fascinating, right? You could have lifelong bird friends who have been stopping at your feeders for years and you didn't even know it!
When do hummingbirds leave to Illinois from Mexico? The hummingbirds are expected to arrive in Illinois around the fourth week of April. Soon hummingbirds in Illinois will light up the sky with bright, beautiful colors.
Pixabay/davidircastaneda
Experts recommend putting out your feeder two weeks before their arrival, in case they are ahead of schedule. (They love red, by the way.)
Give the hummingbirds a warm Illinois welcome this spring!
Jennifer C/Flickr
Set up a feeder, and delight as these beautiful creatures arrive in The Land of Lincoln. It's the very best way to usher in springtime in Illinois. Add sugar water to your feeder but don't put any dyes in the water. Even though bright colors do attract the birds, it's best to stick as close to their natural food sources as possible. Planting tubular flowers is another great way to attract these beauties.

If you were asking yourself, “When do hummingbirds come back to Illinois?”, now you know! Are you prepared for this year’s hummingbird migration? Did you put out a feeder last year? Let us know in the comments.

As you prepare to welcome a new season in The Land of Lincoln, you’ll definitely want to check out these places in Illinois that completely transform when spring arrives.

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When Will Hummingbirds Arrive In Illinois

CC | February 21, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in Illinois?

Although the Ruby-throated hummingbird is the one most often spotted during the annual migration, you might also see these beautiful species of hummingbird flying around Illinois this year. Types of hummingbirds in Illinois include:

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

 

When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in Illinois?

Hang a hummingbird feeder in Illinois in spring for best results.

If you’re a Good Samaritan you can leave your feeder out in the cold months for the hummingbirds that don’t migrate. But most people put the feeders out in the spring when the majority of the birds come to town. The biggest priority is putting out the best hummingbird feeders for hungry newcomers.

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Illinois?

Yes, it’s definitely safe to feed hummingbirds in Illinois. They need to eat up after that long and arduous journey!

Where can I see other bird migrations in Illinois?

Places you can see other bird migrations in Illinois include:

 

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