Spring is approaching! You may already be planning your garden, deciding which mulch to buy, and more importantly… wondering, when will hummingbirds arrive in Maryland. Hummingbirds are one of the many wonderful markers of spring arriving in North America and winter-weary Marylanders love to see those energetic birds flitting into feeders around their neighborhoods. The hummingbird’s arrival is theoretically weeks away but you can start planning for their visit now. For example, make sure you have one of the best hummingbird feeders ready to go. Read on to learn more about these fascinating creatures and prepare to become an expert on the migration of hummingbirds in Maryland.

Have you ever spotted hummingbirds in Maryland? Or have you wondered, "When do hummingbirds come back to Maryland?" There are over 300 species of hummingbirds in the world (wow!), but it's the ruby-throated variety that's known to inhabit the East Coast during warmer months.
Flickr / Anne Davis 773
You'll spot other species and learn that each one has its own distinctive coloring and plumage, a veritable art gallery of hummingbirds.
Male ruby-throated hummingbirds have the iconic crimson feathers on their neck...
Flickr / MrClean1982
...and female ruby-throated hummingbirds have a white throat that's sometimes dusted with a bit of gray or brown.
Flickr / ehpien
That's an easy way to tell whether you're spotting a male or a female. Even if you're not an official birdwatcher it's fun to be able to identify some characteristics of the nature you're admiring.
When cool temperatures arrive in autumn, these miniature birds fly south to Florida, Mexico, and Central America.
Flickr / Lorie Shaull
Who can blame them? Winters on the East Coast can be brutal and we can sympathize with their desire to avoid frigid winds and snow.

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They then make their way back up north as spring approaches. So, when is the best time to see hummingbirds in Maryland? Usually, you'll start spotting them in the Maryland area in mid-April.
Flickr / Anne McKusker Frosch
Interestingly, the hummingbird migration pattern has been shifting slightly due to warmer temperatures in North America. Hummingbirds have been spotted earlier than usual, and some have even begun staying around through the winter. Their migration patterns are dictated by weather and food availability, so putting out a feeder year-round may yield more winter hummingbirds.
Mid-April is also the best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in Maryland. So, plan to buy some feeders for your window or yard!
Flickr / ehpien
Be sure to place the hummingbird feeders (or sweet flowers) near a window so that you can admire these fast-moving critters. But don't use any food coloring or other additives in the feeder, just plain sugar water which is what these fast-moving birds thrive on. Anything that's not in their natural diet will throw these birds off, and we don't want to disrupt their natural cycle.
And if you don't have a feeder, you'll still want to keep your eyes peeled. Flying all the way from Central America and Mexico is tiring! You may be able to spot hummingbirds taking a rest among nearby branches...
Flickr / Lore Sjoberg
Or anywhere else they can perch.
Flickr / Šarūnas Burdulis

Learn more about the annual migration of hummingbirds in Maryland by visiting hummingbirdcentral.com. Scroll down to see this year’s migration map, which already shows hummingbirds moving up from the south!

With the arrival of warm weather also comes the arrival of BUGS! These 14 bugs found in Maryland will send shivers down your spine.

These 14 Bugs Found In Maryland Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

 

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Hummingbirds In Maryland

CC | February 18, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in Maryland?

During the spring migration, and more and more often year-round, you’ll find lots of beautiful hummingbirds in Maryland like the following:

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird
  • Rufous Hummingbird
  • Anna’s Hummingbird
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird
  • Calliope Hummingbird
  • Allen’s Hummingbird

 

When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in Maryland? 

Now that hummingbirds are migrating earlier to North America, it’s really never too soon to put out your feeder. There are some hummingbirds that stay in Maryland year-round and would appreciate some chow. No matter what, you’ll want to find the best hummingbird feeders possible.

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Maryland?

It is very safe to feed hummingbirds in Maryland. These quick-flitting birds need all the sugar they can get to keep flying at warp speeds. Feed on!

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