Birdwatchers, are you ready for warmer weather? And have you been wondering when do hummingbirds return to Alabama? Good news! They’ll be here before we know it. Each year, the Yellowhammer State experiences two hummingbird migrations. One in the fall and one in the spring. Bird lovers look forward to the hummingbird migration in Alabama each year, many will prep their best hummingbird feeders in anticipation. For information regarding this year’s migration and when to put out hummingbird feeders in Alabama, take a look below.

We can all agree that not only are hummingbirds beautiful, they're also quite fascinating. After all, what other type of bird can beat its wings 50 to 80 times per second and fly at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour?
when do hummingbirds return to alabama
flickr/Indiana Ivy Nature Photographer
The hummingbird biannual migration makes a lot more sense when you understand how much ground they're covering with those fast speeds.
In February, hummingbirds began their yearly spring migration from Mexico and Central America to the United States and Canada.
flickr/Chad Horwedel
In recent years, hummingbirds have been migrating earlier due to overall warmer temperatures in North America. In some cases, hummingbirds have even been staying north for the winter, changing the dynamics of the migration pattern in a very interesting way.
There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds in the world, and one of the most well-known ones here in the United States is the ruby-throated hummingbird. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America.
Mark Moschell/Flickr
You can identify these by the beautiful red stretch at their throat, as the name suggests.

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If you've ever seen a hummingbird in your backyard, chances are it was a ruby-throated hummingbird. If you wondered whether it was a male or female, it's simple. A male ruby-throated hummingbird has a red throat and...
flickr/jeffreyw
...a female ruby-throated hummingbird doesn't. A male ruby-throated hummingbird also has brighter colors.
flickr/Henry T. McLin
It's an interesting dynamic. You'll spot other species of hummingbirds throughout the migration period and they come in all different color patterns and plumages. Many are brightly and beautifully colored. They make a stunning photograph if you can catch them. These birds are notoriously difficult to spot and capture due to their small size and fast speeds.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically pass through Alabama from mid-March through mid-April. If you're planning on providing water for the hummingbirds, you'll want to put out your hummingbird feeder soon. Also, don't forget to have your camera easily accessible. You'll definitely want to snap some shots of these beautiful birds.
when do hummingbirds return to alabama
flickr/C. L. Ricketson
Supposedly hummingbirds will often go back to a place they've been fed before year after year. So without knowing it, you might have been feeding the same hummingbirds for years!

Have you seen any hummingbirds in your backyard? Do you keep a hummingbird feeder in your backyard to attract these beauties? If so, let us know in the comments. We love to hear the first-hand experiences of our readers.

One of Alabama’s most popular places to view other types of migratory birds is Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur. For information, be sure to take a look at the following article: One Of The Largest Wildlife Refuges In The U.S. Is In Alabama.

One Of The Largest Wildlife Refuges In The U.S. Is In Alabama

 

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When Will Hummingbirds Arrive In Alabama?

CC | February 18, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in Alabama?

During hummingbird migration, you’ll be able to spot all different species of hummingbirds. Keep an eye out for the following:

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

Be sure to visit our website to learn more about the hummingbirds in Alabama.

When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in Alabama?

There are some hummingbirds that stay year-round in Alabama and would appreciate being fed, so you can definitely put the feeder out early for them. Traditionally though, feeders go out in the springtime. You’ll want to find the best hummingbird feeders possible no matter what.

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Alabama?

It’s absolutely safe to feed hummingbirds in Alabama. After a long journey from Latin America, these birds will relish the chance for a good meal.

Aside from the hummingbirds in Alabama, what are some other birds that migrate to the region?

While the hummingbird migration is a favorite of bird lovers, the sandhill cranes and other waterfowl migrate to Alabama as well. The cranes typically begin their migration during the late part of fall and peak at the end of January. The best place to see these majestic birds is at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, where thousands flock every year. Be sure to check out our article telling you more about these migratory birds in Alabama.

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