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

While winter is dark and gloomy, the welcome signs of spring in Massachusetts are something to look forward to. One of the best ways to get outside and relax is to sit and watch the birds fly by. While the Bay State is home to tons of birds, there's nothing like hummingbirds in the springtime. So, when do hummingbirds come back to Massachusetts? What is the deal with the migration of hummingbirds in Massachusetts? Thousands of these beautiful, tiny birds will migrate north and make their way through here around mid-April.

Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world, with over 300 unique types. Measuring between 2-5 inches, hummingbirds are the smallest birds on the planet! Out of the 300 different species of hummingbirds, only about a dozen migrate to the U.S. and Canada, and that migration is coming up quickly, so you'll want to keep your eyes peeled.

Let's take a look at the predictions for the next hummingbird migration in Massachusetts because they will be here soon, and you'll want to know what to look out for and when to have your hummingbird feeders ready.

With the coming arrival of spring in Massachusetts, it is almost time for thousands of hummingbirds to migrate north and pass through the state.

For bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, this time of year is a highly anticipated event.

There are five types of hummingbirds in Massachusetts: Black-Chinned hummingbirds, Calliope hummingbirds, Rufous hummingbirds, Allen’s hummingbirds, and Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Consider yourself extremely lucky if you see any of the first four—Ruby-throated hummingbirds are by far the most common.

There are more than 300 species of this beautiful bird (that's quite impressive in the animal kingdom!); however, only about a dozen migrate north. Twice a year, these gorgeous birds make their migration, and they're going to hit Massachusetts before we know it.

When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Massachusetts? Typically, hummingbirds make it to the Bay State around mid-April. The southern states will begin seeing them around early March, and the hummingbirds show up to Massachusetts fashionably late to the party. Geographically speaking, it just takes a little longer to get up here.

These wonderful birds fly by day and feed off the nectar of flowers...

...so once the flowers bloom, hummingbirds really get moving!

To be able to make the long journey, hummingbirds put on about 25-40% of their body weight before migration.

Most of us probably do everything we can to keep our bodies slim and trim, but hummingbirds need to pack a little one because they burn a lot of energy making it up north. They've got a long journey ahead, after all!

In fact, hummingbirds travel roughly 23 miles a day and flap their wings 15 to 80 times per second! These tiny birds sure are mighty.

They make their nests using lichen, fiber, and spider webs or pine resin which hold them together like glue. The nests are only about the size of a large thimble, and this is where the female will lay 1-3 eggs during spring.

Soon enough, thousands of these wonderful creatures will make their way into yards all over Massachusetts.

So you'll definitely want to start shopping now for the best hummingbird feeders, and make sure to keep them filled with delicious nectar! The best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in Massachusetts is just before the expected mid-April arrival. It's best to be prepared!

It's easy to make your own hummingbird food. You probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen! All it takes is one part sugar to four parts water. Just normal, white granulated sugar will do. Skip the red dye; there's some research that suggests it does more harm than good. They will find the feeders, I promise!

Hummingbirds have excellent memory and often return to the same feeders every year! So, if you fed them last fall, don't be surprised if they come knocking in the spring.

For more information on the upcoming hummingbird migration, you can visit the Hummingbird Central website. They have an awesome, interactive map where you can watch the 2025 hummingbird migration updated daily.

Have you been wondering about the arrival of hummingbirds in Massachusetts? Have they visited your yard in previous years? You can also tag us at #onlyinmassachusetts on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

Share this article with your favorite bird nerd and start browsing for hummingbird feeders to add to your garden. Some of them are more like works of art! Keep them full, and you'll have your very own charm! That's right, a group of hummingbirds is called a charm. It's my favorite fact about hummingbirds and I'll share it every chance I can!

To learn more about these beautiful birds, check out this video: