Spring in Kentucky welcomes back so many heartwarming sights, from blooming flowers to newly born baby animals. Another welcome highlight of spring is the sound of birds chirping in the morning and many of these flying animals making their way back to our area. Of course, one that most of us watch for this time of year is the hummingbird. These beautiful and unique creatures are certainly an inclination that the seasons are turning. Hummingbirds in Kentucky are a sure sign of spring and upcoming summer and you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks as thousands of them return to our state. Make sure you’re ready and you’ve got the best hummingbird feeders loaded up to feed these hungry creatures.

Hummingbirds are incredible animals that spend part of their year in Mexico and Central America, but then head our way every spring. It's always a magical time of the year when the birds flutter back up to North America, heralding the warmer weather.
Flickr/Cathy
These tiny birds live a fascinating life that is dictated by the need for food, and a routine that they have down to an exact science. It is said that they can adjust their migration paths based on the weather and availability of flowering plants. That may explain why we're seeing a significant shift in the way the hummingbird population operates.
The spring migration of hummingbirds back to North America typically begins in February and lasts through May.
Flickr / cuatrok77
But this season is anything but typical. Due to dramatic shifts in the weather, including overall warmer weather during the winter, the hummingbird population is heading to Kentucky sooner and in some cases, staying in the state all winter long.
Parts of Kentucky may have already welcomed some hummingbirds this year, but either way it is time to get out your feeders!
Flickr/Michael Janke
This particular migration pattern is in reference to the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is such a delightful sight as it flutters through your yard. The ruby-throated hummingbirds, in fact, are the only type of hummingbird that breeds east of the Mississippi River. And we'll take them! These beauties are unique and, like their name implies, feature a splash of color at the throat.
Hummingbird feeders are very popular in spring and summer, and experts believe that the same birds actually return to the same feeders each year.
Flickr/likeaduck
That's right! You could be welcoming back the same group of birds that you loved last year. There's something very beautiful about that kind of human-animal connection. Hummingbirds do seem to be drawn to a pattern and thrive in consistency. Their migration journey is an incredible one, as they can fly 1,200 miles nonstop and double in size beforehand to have enough "fuel" for the trip. Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures.
These birds are after food and they typically find plenty of it between the flowering plants and feeders.
Flickr/Jim Culp
If you're interested in these fascinating birds, be sure to read up on them on the site linked below, where you'll also find information on feeders for your own yard.
If seeing the hummingbirds in Kentucky each spring is one of your favorite parts of the seasonal change, you're in luck.
Flickr / Andrew
Kentucky will be flooded with the beautiful and interesting creatures, and much sooner than regularly anticipated.

Hummingbirds in Kentucky are such a beautiful sight in the spring; and this year, we’ll welcome them back to the Bluegrass State with peering eyes and filled bird feeders. Have you spotted hummingbirds in Kentucky yet this year? Do you put out a special feeder for them? Share your love for these beautiful birds with us in the comments.

And for more on the spring migration of hummingbirds, visit this informative site.

And for another gorgeous sign of spring in Kentucky, you’ll absolutely want to check out these incredible flowering trees in Lexington.

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Hummingbirds in Kentucky

CC | February 17, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in Kentucky? 

During the spring rush, you’ll find lots of interesting hummingbirds in Kentucky, 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 should I hang a hummingbird feeder in Kentucky?

Even though most of the hummingbirds will still arrive in the spring, you don’t need to restrict your hummingbird feeder to just the warmer months. You can hang that feeder all year long if you desire. Regardless, you’ll want to find the best hummingbird feeders possible.

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Kentucky?

It is absolutely safe to feed hummingbirds in Kentucky. These birds came all the way back to your feeder after a year away and the least you can do is feed them!

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