Ready or not, South Dakota – here they come! That’s right! The return of spring also means the arrival of hummingbirds in South Dakota. We know that spring is officially here when we see our first hummingbirds of the season. You might want to start looking for the best hummingbird feeders for your yard now before supplies are all gone! So just when do hummingbirds come back to South Dakota? We’ve got all the details here:

Slated to take place from mid-May through September, the spring hummingbird migration is a highly-anticipated event in South Dakota.
Flickr/bettyloulou70
During this period of time, avid bird watchers are giddy with the prospect of watching thousands of these tiny birds making their long trip north. It's the best time to see hummingbirds in South Dakota.
Spanning hundreds to thousands of miles, the hummingbirds — known as the smallest bird in the world — begin their trips from South America or Mexico.
Flickr/Putneypics
That is where they settle every fall to avoid freezing temperatures and inclement weather in the late winter/early spring.
Despite beginning their trip in late February/early March...
Flickr/USFWS Mountain-Prairie
...the hummingbirds will not reach their nesting grounds in Canada until after September when they finish their "break" in South Dakota. Even though they have such small frames, their wings are mighty - flapping rapidly about 15 to 80 times per second.

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While their wings are impressive enough, the heart of these tiny birds is even more incredible, as their heart can beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
Flickr/dragonseye
On the contrary, if we were running, say, on a trail, our heartbeat would only beat between 100 and 160 bpm, on average!
Since traveling up to 23 miles a day can be exhausting for hummingbirds, experts recommend helping them along their way with fresh sugar water.
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState
Start shopping for the best hummingbird feeders now and they should be emptied no later than two weeks after your last bird sighting.
Though there are more than 300 known species of hummingbirds...
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the most common in South Dakota is the ruby-throated Hummingbird, which is most commonly found in the eastern part of the state. 

Are you looking forward to seeing hummingbirds in South Dakota? Did you get a chance to see some of last year’s migration? Tell us about it (or share your photos) in the comments!

For even more springtime fun around the Mount Rushmore State, check out this article: Seeing The Arc Of Dreams Is The Perfect Way To End Your Evening In Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

For some breathtaking views of South Dakota, check out this video:

 

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Hummingbird Migration in South Dakota

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 24, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, typically, the only type of hummingbird you will find is the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. They are characterized by white underparts, a green back, and a ruby red throat. The tail is what distinguishes the females from the males. Also, the females weigh significantly less at 0.13 ounces, while the males typically weigh 12 ounces. They're among our favorite birds to see in South Dakota.

 

When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in South Dakota?

The best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in South Dakota is mid-May or about a week or so before their projected first arrival. Make sure that the environment around the feeder is peaceful and conducive for them to feed and if that can be in a garden with plants attractive to hummingbirds, all the better. Also be sure to place it high enough that other animals can’t reach it.

 

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in South Dakota?

There are currently no official warnings against feeding hummingbirds in South Dakota. The main thing is to provide as much nectar as you can (again, if that can be in a garden with plants attractive to hummingbirds, all the better), and be sure that the area where you have the feeder will be most conducive for their daily activities. Cleaning the feeder now and again may help protect them against catching any human-borne illnesses.

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