When spring is springing here in Wisconsin, the most delightful sign of the season is undoubtedly the arrival of the hummingbirds. These adorable little birds will be arriving in Wisconsin soon, and it’s something you won’t want to miss. Since hummingbirds don’t migrate in flocks like other birds, their arrival is staggered; however, you’ll likely notice an influx in the upcoming months — and there are even a few things you can do to attract the colorful creatures to your yard. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this much-anticipated annual spectacle, including when thousands of hummingbirds will arrive in Wisconsin this spring.

Many birds migrate seasonally, and hummingbirds are no exception.
Sandy Chase/Flickr
They typically spend winter in Central America or Mexico, and as early as February, they begin migrating north to the U.S. for breeding.
Hummingbirds migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles, traveling up to 23 miles a day -- an incredible feat for the world’s smallest birds!
SldfromMT/Flickr
The map below depicts the migratory patterns of the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is the most common species found in Wisconsin.
Ken Thomas/Wikimedia
The yellow indicates the birds’ migratory path, while the green represents the summer-only region and the blue shows the winter-only region.
Migrating hummingbirds usually begin to arrive in the Badger State during the first week of May, staying throughout the summer and into the fall.
Joe Schneid/Wikimedia
Unlike other birds, hummingbirds do not migrate in flocks.
Pslawinski/Wikimedia
However, the males head out first and usually arrive about a week to 10 days earlier than the females.

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As far as the ruby-throated hummingbird is concerned, you can differentiate between males and females by their coloring.
Michael Janke/Flickr
Males have a ruby-red throat (hence the name). Females have a green back and white, black, and grayish-green tail feathers.
Creatures of habit, hummingbirds stick to a strict (and quite impressive) routine.
Centpacrr/Wikimedia
They migrate at the same time each year and often return to the same yards within a day or two of their previous visit.
While migrating, the colorful little birds are more visible than usual because they fly low, in search of food, i.e. nectar from flowers -- or hummingbird feeders!
BudOhio/Flickr
There are a couple of things you can do to increase your chances of seeing hummingbirds in Wisconsin this spring.
likeaduck/Flickr
In addition to putting up your hummingbird feeders, you can also plant brightly-colored, tube-shaped flowers in your yard which appeal to hummingbirds. Their favorite color is red, so try and plant some red flowers!
Of course, you can always go to the hummingbirds, instead of waiting for them to come to you.
Rotary Botanical Gardens/Facebook
Wisconsin's Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens, particularly the Children’s Garden, is a hot spot when it comes to hummingbird sightings.

Are you excited for when the hummingbirds will arrive in Wisconsin? Have you spotted any yet this year? Tell us in the comments section!

And for more on Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens, one of Wisconsin’s best places to see the hummingbirds, definitely check out our previous article!

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When Will Hummingbirds Arrive In Wisconsin?

Sarah | February 22, 2021

When can we expect the hummingbirds to arrive in Wisconsin this spring?

Up here in The Badger State, we have to wait a bit longer to see the hummingbirds -- but trust us, it's worth it! The hummingbirds are expected to arrive in Wisconsin right at the beginning of May, during the first week. Of course, hummingbirds follow their own timeline and aren't beholden to a calendar, so you could expect them beginning the third week of April. In fact, experts recommend having your hummingbird feeders ready two weeks before the birds' expected arrival, just in case. You definitely won't want to miss out!

Where are the best places to go bird watching in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is full of beautiful places where you can get an up-close look at nature. Some of our favorite places to go bird watching in Wisconsin are at the International Crane Foundation, where some 15 different crane species can be found. The Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is another favorite; you'll take the scenic Great River Road to get there, and you'll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for beautiful birds along the way! Once you're there, you'll find a number of bird species who travel up and down the Mississippi River, from eagles to pelicans to terns. And for an epic bird watching adventure, head to Prairie du Chien, which is known as a hotbed for bald eagles. They nest here, and it's not unusual to see a number of them flying up and down the river as they search for fish to feed on. It's something you truly must experience.

What are some beautiful places to visit during spring in Wisconsin?

One of the very best parts of spring in Wisconsin is all the new growth. The vibrant colors and intoxicating smell of all the new plants, trees, and flowers are really what makes this season so amazing -- and after the rough Wisconsin winters, we certainly deserve it! Wisconsin has some of the very best botanical gardens in the country, and the state is also home to a number of parks, preserves, and trails where you can experience the full splendor of the season.

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