Every year, the country experiences one of the most adorable invasions you’ve ever seen - the spring hummingbird migration! When will hummingbirds arrive this year? Well, it depends on what part of the country you live in, but don’t worry... we’ve got everything you need to know to get ready for the hummingbird migration, including what to feed hummingbirds, what type of hummingbirds you can expect to see, and how to fill your hummingbird feeders. Let's find out all we need to know about the hummingbird migration in the U.S.

Hummingbirds are one of the most marvelous creatures to watch, and the hummingbird migration of 2024 starts as early as March.

Hummingbirds are only found in the Western Hemisphere, and as the smallest of the birds, you may be surprised to learn how many different species exist. There are over 330 species of hummingbirds, but not all of them are migratory. In fact, only about 15 species will regularly make the migration from Mexico and Central America to the United States and Canada.

Many species prefer to stay put, like Anna’s Hummingbird, pictured below.

These beauties are year-round residents of the Pacific coastal and southern desert regions like California and Arizona. And you know what? We don't blame them. California is a pretty great place to live year-round.

One of the most common hummingbirds in the South is the ruby-throated hummingbird.

These are typically the ones you’ll see first as they continue to head further north reaching final destinations as far north as Canada! Folks along the Gulf Coast have seen the ruby-throated hummingbird as early as March. By early May, many have reached parts of New England including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Hummingbirds have an excellent memory and are known to return to the same location year after year, and that includes stopping by their favorite hummingbird feeder!

If you’re wondering, “What can I feed hummingbirds?” Well, we’ve got you covered. Chances are, you already have the ingredients in your home right now.

First, you’ll need a hummingbird feeder.

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, a hummingbird feeder is the easiest way to go. The migration from their winter home is the hardest on them, and they typically gain 25 to 40 percent of their body weight to make the journey. When they arrive they will be hungry!

Next, you’ll need a hummingbird feeder recipe.

The goal here is to replicate the nectar found in nature (lantana, zinnias, yentas, milkweed, and salvia are some of their favorites in the wild).

Our recommended mix is four parts water to one part sugar.

We are talking pure, white sugar here. No substitutes, no artificial sweeteners, no brown sugar, just pure, white sugar.

Do not use red dye.

This is completely unnecessary and can actually be harmful to hummingbirds. The reason many of the hummingbird feeders themselves are red is so that the hummingbirds can see them.

Please do not use red dye in your homemade mixtures!

Be sure to clean it and keep it filled, and before you know it you'll have your own charm!

Yep, a "charm" is what a group of hummingbirds is called. Perfect, right?

Now that you know more about the hummingbird migration in the U.S., don't forget to get your hummingbird feeders filled up. Once you put your feeder up and keep it filled, these little beauties will frequently stop by year after year. Remember, they've got excellent memories!

One of the best ways to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat is to go on a wildflower hike. Here are some of the best wildflowers hikes in the U.S. - if you are lucky you might even spot a few hummingbirds dancing between flowers.