Posted in Colorado Nature, Seasonal February 13, 2022 by

Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right For Colorado During Their Migration This Spring

The world is a place that is constantly changing. Luckily for us, there are a few things we can always count on, like beautiful summers, chilly winters, and colorful springs. Speaking of spring, there’s another thing we can always count on: the wonderful arrival of thousands of hummingbirds, in droves, during their annual migration. When will hummingbirds arrive in Colorado? At the same time as most years, of course.

Beginning in mid-April, keep your eyes peeled, as hummingbirds should start trickling into the state!
Charles J. Sharp/Wikimedia
We can expect literally thousands of the little guys as they make their annual trek north.
Every February, hummingbirds — who have been living in warm and humid places like South America and Mexico since late fall — begin making their long trip north, which can span hundreds to thousands of miles depending on the whereabouts of their nesting grounds. 
Wolfgang Wander/Wikimedia
For a bird so tiny, they sure are strong - and fascinating!
Despite beginning their trip in late February and traveling every day, the hummingbirds will not reach their final destination (typically Canada) until the very end of spring, thanks, in part, to their small frames and wings that flap 15 to 80 times per second.
Dan Pancamo/Wikimedia
While their bodies are small and their destination is far, hummingbirds can still travel up to 23 miles per day, which is made possible by healthy hearts that beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
MDF/Wikimedia
Do you wish to help the hummingbirds along with their journey?
Centpacrr/Wikimedia
You can do so by providing them with fresh sugar water, which should be emptied no later than 2 weeks after your last bird sighting. It's also advisable that you choose clear nectar over anything with red dyes in it - it is unknown whether red dyes in hummingbird food harms them, and you're definitely better safe than sorry. After all, they need to be in tip-top shape for the big trip!
What kind of hummingbirds can you expect to see during the springtime migration?
Tom Benson/Flickr
In Colorado, the most common types of hummingbirds include the Purple-throated Calliope, Ruby-Throated, and brown and green Rufous (pictured), though during the migration you may see tons of varieties!
These little guys are super-strong and super-ready to make their dramatic treks north for the year, and we are so very excited to see these beautiful little creatures in action!
Lara Eakins/Flickr

Did you get a chance to watch last spring’s migration? Tell us about it in the comments! Looking for some things to do in colorful Colorado? Check this article out for some ideas!

Address: Colorado, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

When will hummingbirds arrive in Colorado?

February 17, 2021
Tori Jane

When is the hummingbird migration in Colorado?

Hummingbirds spend their time from around September to around April in warmer climates nearer to the equator. In April, though, they begin a mass migration northward – arriving in colorful Colorado in late April, and staying until about August. They make a fall migration southward again at the end of summer, usually in September. Their ultimate goal during spring migration tends to be to arrive in Canada, though many simply stay in the central United States during their journeys.

What is spring in Colorado like?

Spring in Colorado can vary from location to location – however, on average, highs tend to be in the 50s and lows still tend to be below freezing in some areas. Parts of Colorado also experience severe weather such as large hail and tornadoes during the spring months, though that activity tends to be limited to east and northeast of Denver.

Where can I find hummingbird feeders in Colorado?

You can buy hummingbird feeders in lots of places! Home department stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot have a great selection for your consideration, and so do a lot of tack and feed stores. You can also purchase them online, where you’ll have a great deal of selection, and have them shipped to your door. The possibilities are endless, so feed away!

Address: Colorado, USA