Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right for New Orleans During Their Migration This Spring

Hummingbirds make two migratory journeys every year: one in the fall and then again in the spring. Their spring migration is already underway, and luckily for us, they’ll be stopping by New Orleans as they make their way further north for the breeding season across the United States and into Canada. If you're a nature lover and wondering “when do hummingbirds come back to New Orleans,” we've got you covered. The only thing you need to do is prepare one of the best hummingbird feeders for the occasion. Here’s everything you need to know if you’d like to attract these colorful little hummingbirds in New Orleans to your yard:

Fun Fact: Some hummingbirds are so tiny that they can weigh less than a nickel. Can you believe that? Measuring anywhere between 3-5 inches long, they’re the smallest birds on the planet, and they might just be the cutest, too.

Because of their small size and quick movement, hummingbirds are easy to miss. But if you're lucky enough to spot one of these babies, it's a magical experience. Unlike other birds, hummingbirds don’t travel in large flocks and prefer to travel solo. They can travel for up to 500 miles at a time!

When you learn that, their migratory patterns don't seem quite as strenuous. Each year, they make two annual migrations, and they’re on their way back from their winter in Mexico. Their migration begins in mid-March and continues until the beginning of April.

In recent years, the hummingbird migratory patterns have changed slightly. As the weather in North America warms, hummingbirds are coming back to the continent earlier and, in some cases, spending the winters here.

So, when do hummingbirds come back to New Orleans? As of mid-February 2025, they've already been spotted around the southeastern part of the country. This means it's go-time for thousands of hummingbirds to make their way north if they're not already here!

There are several different species of hummingbirds. Each one seems to be more beautiful than the next!

As you spot hummingbirds during the migration, you'll notice lots of different colorings and plumage types. Each hummingbird is unique and they have a wide range of colors in their feathers. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most commonly seen hummingbird here in New Orleans, but you may also catch a glimpse of the rufous hummingbird.

It’s easy to spot the male ruby-throated hummingbird with their bright, iridescent red feathers around their throats. The females are much more subtle, sporting white throats and green and dark gray feathers.

If you want to attract them to your yard, you’ll need to put some feeders up. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to DIY your own nectar. All you’ll need is to mix one part sugar with four parts water, and you’ve got the perfect nectar to attract these beautiful little fellas to your yard. Just be sure not to add any food coloring or other unnatural ingredients. You want to keep it as close to their natural diet as possible.

A red feeder is also eye-catching for the birds, and planting tubular flowers (a preference for the hummingbird) can help attract even more to your backyard. The best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in New Orleans is just before their arrival. However, since some have already been spotted, you better get them out now if you haven't already!

Have you already spotted hummingbirds in New Orleans? Where is your favorite destination in New Orleans to see these beautiful flying creatures? Visit our nomination page and share them with us. We love hearing first-hand accounts from our readers.

Want more outdoor activities to do for spring? Read on for some of the most colorful places in New Orleans to visit this year.