Hummingbirds are the tiniest migrating birds in America. In the Eastern United States, ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are the most common species. It's the only kind that breeds and nests in the state, so the birds can often be spotted here from late April up to the end of September. Rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) are the second most common species in Maryland, which can be seen in the spring and fall.
Ruby-throated males are easily recognizable by their red throats, white collars, emerald green feathers, and forked tails. Females don't have a red throat, their feathers are grey with green streaks. As ruby-throated hummingbirds prefer to nest in the woods, they can be spotted near forest edges and streams. They also visit gardens and meadows to collect nectar. Hummingbirds often have been spotted at Patuxent Research Refuge near Laurel.
Rufous hummingbirds could be occasionally spotted in the gardens and backyards. Males boast beautiful orange-red throats, while females look more modest with green feathers and white-tipped tails.
When do hummingbirds return to Maryland
Male hummingbirds are usually the first to arrive in Maryland in mid- or late April, dominating feeding grounds before the arrival of females, which get to the state in the first or second week of May. They shortly start their breeding rituals. Male hummingbirds perform an impressive dance with sharp dives and loops to attract the opposite sex.
When do hummingbirds leave Maryland
In September, hummingbirds start their amazing 1000-mile (1600-km) migration south. These birds usually spend their winter in Florida, Mexico, or other countries in Central America. The juveniles are generally the last to leave Maryland since they require more time to mature and accumulate fat for the challenging trip.
Attracting hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are attracted to bright flowers of tubular forms. Trumpet creeper, morning glory, petunia, or lupine are some of their favorite plants. Also, keep in mind that pesticide use can negatively impact tiny birds. Another sure way to lure hummingbirds into your garden is to put out a feeder with nectar. To prepare the sugary solution, mix ¼ cup of sugar with a cup of hot water. Make sure to clean the feeder and change the solution twice a week.
Practical info
What is the best time of year to see hummingbirds in Maryland?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be observed in Maryland from late April to late September, when they breed and nest. Male birds arrive first, while females join them in the first or second week of May. These birds embark on a long migration back to South America in September after spending the summer in Maryland. Show more
Where is the best place to spot hummingbirds in Maryland?
Hummingbirds can be found near Maryland's forest edges, gardens, meadows, and streams. If you're looking for a good place to see them, visit the Patuxent Research Refuge near Laurel. The gardens and backyards of Maryland are also known to attract Rufous hummingbirds occasionally. Growing flowering plants such as trumpet creeper, petunia, morning glories, and lupines, as well as feeding them with nectar, will entice hummingbirds to your garden. Show more
How can I attract hummingbirds to my backyard in Maryland?
To attract hummingbirds in your backyard garden, make sure to plant bright, tubular-shaped flowering plants, and eliminate the use of pesticides that could harm the tiny birds. You can also offer them a feeder filled with nectar made by mixing hot water with sugar in a ¼ cup to cup ratio. It would be best to change the nectar and clean the feeder twice per week to prevent contamination. Show more
What is the most common species of hummingbirds in Maryland?
In Maryland, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most popular breed. These birds are the only kind that breeds and nests in the state and can be distinguished by their red throat, white collars, emerald green feathers, and forked tails. Female Ruby-throated hummingbirds lack the red throat and have gray feathers with green streaks. Rufous hummingbirds are occasionally sighted in the state during spring and fall. Show more
When do male and female hummingbirds arrive in Maryland for breeding season?
Male Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate to Maryland first in mid- to late-April, and females arrive the following week of May. These tiny birds immediately begin their mating dance, which involves dives and loops, after arriving in Maryland. The juveniles leave the state last in September, as they need more time to mature and accumulate fat for their long migration to South America. Show more
