The family of the tiniest birds consists of 360 species. Three of them are regularly seen in Oklahoma. The most common are ruby-throated and the black-chinned hummingbirds. These two species stay in the state the longest due to breeding and nesting. They can be spotted during the warmer time of the year. Hummingbird season in Oklahoma runs approximately from mid-April up to October. The third species, rufous hummingbirds, pass Oklahoma during their migration and can only be seen during spring and autumn.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are often spotted in the eastern part of the state, near Tulsa and Muskogee, especially in Honor Heights Park. They also appear near Oklahoma City. The males are easily recognizable due to bright ruby throats and emerald feathers. Female ruby-throated hummers look more modest with grey to white feathers. They prefer to nest in forests, on deciduous trees.
The black-chinned hummingbirds are most common in the western and southwestern parts of the state, especially near the cities of Lawton and Altus. Males are easily identified by their distinct black throat and iridescent purple base. Females have a more pale coloring with green feathers and white tips on their tails. Black-chinned hummingbirds live in lowland deserts and even urban gardens with plenty of flowers.
When do hummingbirds come to Oklahoma
Hummingbirds arrive in Oklahoma in early spring, around the first half of April. Males usually return first, followed by females in two weeks. Ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds stay for breeding and nesting through the whole summer.
When do hummingbirds leave Oklahoma
Hummingbirds return to their wintering grounds in Central America in September. The males are typically the first to leave, while females and younger birds start their migration in mid-September.
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Oklahoma
The best time to put out hummingbird feeders filled with sugary water is mid-April. To make the syrup, add one part sugar to four parts of hot water. Hummingbirds are fun to watch. They get very competitive and sometimes even aggressive near feeders as these birds usually defend their feeding territories in nature. If you spot many hummingbirds in your garden, you may need a few feeders. It's best to clean the feeder and change the solution at least twice per week. The feeders should be maintained till mid- or late October to sustain the juvenile birds, who are usually the last to complete the 500-mile (800-km) migration.
Practical info
When do hummingbirds come to Oklahoma?
Hummingbirds usually appear in Oklahoma in the early spring, around April. The males are the first ones to come back and they are followed later by the females. The birds that can be seen in Oklahoma the most during summertime are the Ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds. Show more
When do hummingbirds leave Oklahoma?
Hummingbirds typically leave Oklahoma in September and fly back to their wintering homes in Central America. The male birds are typically the first to leave while the females and younger birds travel later on in mid-September. Show more
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the ideal time to put out hummingbird feeders is during mid-April. One can make the syrup at home by adding one part sugar to four parts of hot water. Hummingbirds are quite fun to watch and they often exhibit competitive and aggressive behavior around the feeders as they tend to be very protective of their natural feeding zones. Show more
Where is the best place to see hummingbirds in Oklahoma?
The prime locations to observe hummingbirds in Oklahoma are Muskogee and Tulsa's Honor Heights Park. In Oklahoma City, hummingbirds are abound and are typically spotted near households and gardens with ample flowers. Black-chinned hummingbirds are commonly seen in the western and southwestern regions near Lawton and Altus in Oklahoma. Show more
How to attract hummingbirds to your backyard in Oklahoma?
To attract hummingbirds to your Oklahoma backyard, create a garden filled with nectar plants such as cardinal flower, coral honeysuckle, bee balm, or salvia. It is also suggested to use feeders with homemade syrup as an extra source of nutrition. Cleaning the feeder and replacing the solution at least twice weekly is important. Show more
Do hummingbirds visit cities in Oklahoma?
Yes, Oklahoma's cities and metropolitan regions have hummingbirds commonly. Hummingbirds can be attracted by providing bird feeders filled with nourishing syrup coupled with a garden filled with colorful flowers. With adequate care, it is easy to spot these tiny birds in abundance. Show more
Do hummingbirds nest in urban areas in Oklahoma?
Hummingbirds can indeed nest in urban areas in Oklahoma, predominantly during the summer months, with adequate conditions present such as gardens, parks, or blooming plants. Creating a pesticide-free and clean environment is crucial for optimal nesting, which the Ruby-throated hummingbirds prefer in wooded areas, while Black-chinned hummingbirds prefer to build their nests in the lowland desert. Show more
