Hummingbirds are tiny fast-paced creatures, flapping their wings so fast they look like a blur. And that's what makes them so amazing. Let's find out what kinds of hummingbirds you can spot around Alabama and what is the best way to spot a hummer.
Kinds of hummingbirds in Alabama
If you’re in Alabama during the season, expect to witness the most common kind of hummers—the ruby-throated ones (or known as Archilochus colubris). More rarely, but still, there is a chance to spot rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus). You can find both of these kinds in gardens or parks with hummingbird feeders.
You can easily distinguish between females and males by their looks. For example, the ruby-throated male hummer has a deep red throat patch and a dark-green back. On the other hand, the female can be recognized by a light-green back and the absence of the red patch on her neck.
When do hummingbirds come to Alabama
In general, hummers have two migratory seasons: spring and fall, and the summer isn’t as attractive to them. This way, hummingbird season in Alabama kicks off between late April and early May, and this is when you should expect to see the first sightings of these birds. As usual, male hummers are the first to depart, and the females, along with the little ones, follow about two weeks later.
When do hummingbirds leave Alabama
Hummingbirds usually leave Alabama in mid- to late October, but keep your feeders outside for as long as the birds need. These birds have an incredible instinctive compass, which tells them exactly when to leave. In some cases, right before the migration, they will eat all the food from the feeders and then vanish into thin air (until next year, of course).
How to attract hummingbirds?
If you want to catch a glimpse of hummingbirds, remember that these tiny creatures burn many calories, so they have to eat around four times an hour. That’s why the best tactic for attracting hummers is creating all favorable conditions (aka food) for them. If you can, turn your back porch into the perfect hummer area with feeders full of nectar. Or go to a special garden, which already has all the conditions—and they already know all the nuances about hummingbird nutrition and lifestyle.
Practical info
What are the two most common hummingbirds in Alabama?
Alabama typically attracts mostly Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds to gardens and parks with hummingbird feeders. Male Ruby-throated have a dark-green back with a deep red throat patch, while females have a light-green back with no red neck patch. Both species visit during their migratory season between mid-April to October. Show more
When do hummingbirds start migrating in Alabama?
Hummingbirds begin their migratory journey from Alabama during late April or early May. Male hummers leave first, followed by the females and young ones two weeks later. They usually migrate twice a year; during fall and spring. Hummers are not so active in summer, and the feeders play a vital role in attracting them to homes or gardens. Show more
What is the prime time to observe a hummingbird in Alabama?
Migratory season, which is between mid-April to October, is the best time to observe hummingbirds in Alabama. They usually visit gardens or parks with hummingbird feeders or bright flowers such as bee balm and cosmos. Mornings and early evenings are the ideal times for sightings. These small creatures can be observed during their migratory season in Alabama if one takes the time to look for them. Show more
When do Alabama's hummingbirds usually depart?
Hummingbirds usually depart Alabama for their migration journey during late October. However, before leaving, they may consume all the supplies of food from the feeders. Hummingbirds have an excellent sense of direction and know when to embark on their migratory journeys each fall and spring. Once the hummingbirds leave, they will not be returning until the next migratory season. Show more
How can someone attract hummingbirds to their garden or backyard in Alabama?
To attract hummingbirds, one can set up a hummingbird-friendly environment containing water boiled in a 4:1 part sugar ratio. Consistently keeping the feeders full is essential, as hummingbirds may eat up to four times an hour. Planting brightly colored flowers like bee balm or cosmos can also attract hummingbirds. Gardeners can even create a hummingbird-specific sanctuary in their garden. All of these methods can help attract hummingbirds to a garden or backyard in Alabama. Show more
