Is there anything more beautiful than spring in Ohio? Well, yes, actually, yes there is: Hummingbirds in Ohio! Thousands of joyful, colorful hummingbirds, like a miniature feathered rainbow fluttering through the air. Each spring, the hummingbird migration in Ohio will have thousands of these beautiful little birds appear in the skies over the Buckeye State. Are you wondering, “When do hummingbirds come back to Ohio?” You can usually start to catch them in late April, during their annual migration. They’ll be easy to spot in quiet yards, especially those armed with hummingbird feeders, all across the country. Read on to find out more about these bejeweled birds:

In February, hummingbirds began migrating from Mexico and Central America to the U.S. and Canada.
C Watts/Flickr
Fun fact: There are more than 300 recognized species of hummingbirds, but only about a dozen migrate to the U.S. and Canada.
Stephen A. Wolfe/Flickr
Ohio hummingbirds are ruby-throated hummingbirds. The males are particularly easy to spot, with their bright red throats that give the species its name.
Tibor Nagy/Flickr
The ruby-throated hummingbirds, in fact, are the only type of hummingbird that breeds east of the Mississippi River.

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Male hummingbirds typically arrive about two weeks before the females on the hummingbird migration in Ohio.
Norvig/Wikimedia Commons
Males usually arrive in early April. Visit the Hummingbird Central website to stay up to date about their migration patterns and the best time to see hummingbirds in Ohio.
These tiny little birds are quite extraordinary.
Dennis Church/Flickr
At just under four inches long, the ruby-throated hummingbird is tiny but mighty. In fact, they flap their wings an average of 53 times every second and fly up to 25 miles an hour.
If you'd like to spot some hummingbirds in your yard this year, it's a good idea to put your feeders out a few weeks before their expected arrival.
k.draper/Flickr
You don't have to purchase anything fancy, just a basic hummingbird feeder like those from an online retailer like Bed, Bath and Beyond will do.
Get your sugar water ready, have your camera on hand, and sit back and wait for the hummingbirds to arrive in Ohio!
DC Gardens/Flickr
It will put a big smile on your face, we promise.

While waiting to catch a glimpse of the hummingbird migration in Ohio, check out this great video of a ruby-throated hummingbird male at a feeder:

Now that we’ve answered the question, “When will hummingbirds return to Ohio?” — it’s time to prepare for their arrival! So set yourself up for success with a hummingbird feeder, charge your camera, and get ready for Ohio’s most charming springtime star. Share your thoughts, Ohio hummingbird photos, and experiences with us in the comments below!

And if you’re feeling major spring vibes, be sure to check out this butterfly house in Cleveland — it’s stunning!

You’ll Want To Plan A Day Trip To Cleveland’s Magical Butterfly House

 

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When Will Hummingbirds Return To Ohio?

Sarah | February 17, 2021

What types of hummingbirds are in Ohio?

Hummingbirds in Ohio are the most delightful harbinger of spring, aren't they? In terms of the Buckeye State's native avian species, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only native hummingbird to Ohio, famous in the state during their breeding season, arriving in the spring, usually late April or early May.

During the spring rush, you’ll find lots of interesting hummingbirds in Ohio, like these species, among many others.

  • Ruby-throated hummingbird
  • Rufous Hummingbird
  • Black-chinned hummingbird
  • Mexican violetear
  • Red buckeye
  • Eastern redbud
  • Tulip tree
  • Northern catalpa

 

When is the best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in Ohio?

The annual hummingbird migration is one of the most charming things to experience, and luckily, here in Ohio, we don't have to wait too long. Hummingbirds normally arrive in Ohio sometime around early April. More specifically, male ruby-throated hummingbirds usually make their way into the Ohio area in early April, not long after the official beginning of spring. However, some early birds usually show up during the first week of March, perhaps to get ahead of the game during mating season. Because, of course, this is Mother Nature we're talking about -- so we advise having your feeders and cameras ready earlier in the month! Mother Nature doesn't always adhere to a strict schedule.

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Ohio?

It is, provided you follow a few guidelines. Experts recommend putting up your hummingbird feeders in Ohio around the first week of April, as the birds happily accept food after their big migration! You can even continue to provide the feeder after your hummingbirds disappear—late migrants or out-of-range species can show up into early winter.

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