Hummingbird Migration in Texas 2025

If you ever wanted to spot a hummer, Texas is among the best destinations to make your wish come true. The state hosts around 18 different species, with the dominant ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris), black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri), Anna's (Calypte anna), and rufous (Selasphorus rufus) hummingbirds. Some species breed here, whereas others winter or stay all year round. Anyway, the chances of encountering one of these entertaining little creatures are doubling during spring and fall hummingbird migrations.

Hummingbird Migration Season

Because Texas is situated within two migration pathways, such as the Central Flyway and the Mississippi Flyway, numerous hummingbirds stop in the state to rest and feed. The sightings reach their peak in March to May and August to October. During spring, starting from early March and through late May, hummingbirds can be spotted in Texas, on the way from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.

The fall migration takes place from August to October, with ruby-throated hummingbirds most commonly seen in early September. Ruby throats also tend to gather along the South Texas coast in September before traveling to their wintering grounds.

Most Common Species

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most remarkable in Texas. A wee bird weighing some 0.1 oz (3 g) can travel for 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from its breeding grounds reaching southern areas of Canada to winter homes in Mexico and Central America. You could search for a long time and finally see (or not) a single hummer. But knowing the right time and place, you can observe swarms of 25–40 ruby-throats at a time! Ruby-throats tend to begin their spring migration in late February and are most commonly spotted in East Texas.

Beautiful broad-tailed hummingbirds, which boast iridescent green on female species and rose throats on males, are mostly common in West Texas. During migration, these birds travel to the north of the state. While rufous hummingbirds are native to Arizona and can be spotted year-round in the Grand Canyon State, they only pass through western Texas for a few weeks, with some sightings near Dallas.

Where to See Hummingbirds in Texas?

Some of the most promising spots to check out include Highland Lakes, west of Austin, and Hill Country in Central Texas, northwest of San Antonio. The most avid birdwatchers are welcome to Big Bend National Park and Padre Island National Seashore to chase all-year residents. However, you can also catch a glimpse of a hummer elsewhere across the state, including large metropolises such as Houston.

Big Bend National Park

Situated in West Texas, Big Bend National Park attracts a variety of hummingbird species year-round, thanks to the higher elevations of the Chisos Mountains and an abundance of flowers. Here, you have a chance to spot ruby-throated hummingbirds, lucifer hummingbirds, most common in Mexico, and rufous, broad-tailed, calliope, broad-billed hummingbirds. The list goes on–birdwatching trips to Big Bend National Park can last a few days. Besides wildlife observation, you can always go on a hike, embark on a scenic drive, or stay longer for some stargazing.

Hours & Tickets

Big Bend National Park is open year-round, with no time restrictions. Visitors must purchase a pass to enter the grounds. The Standard Entrance Pass costs $15 per person, $30 for private vehicles, and $25 for motorcycles. Annual Park Pass costs $55.

Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration (mid-September)

Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration is held annually in mid-September near Corpus Christi. On their southern migration, ruby-throated hummingbirds stop by coastal Texas to fatten up at human-made feeders before the non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. During the celebration, locals open their gardens to both birds and the public, so mesmerizing sightings are guaranteed. Stand still and quiet, and they will come right up to your side.

Besides the feeding tradition, the festival features numerous talks and panels about the hummingbird population, birding trips, hummer home bus tours, and goods offered by local vendors. The celebration normally takes place at Rockport-Fulton High School Auditorium and Aransas County Airport.

Feeders for Hummingbirds

Some Texans used to take the feeders down after Labor Day for fear the birds would postpone their migration while food is aplenty, but lately, things have changed. Ornithologists claim that the trigger setting hummers on the move is the day's length rather than the lack of food, so feeders are relevant all year round.

Just in case you'd like to buy a feeder and prepare your artificial nectar, use a simple recipe: one part sugar to four parts water. Avoid adding food coloring—the red vessel is already attractive to hummingbirds. Keep in mind that during summer, the mixture can quickly ferment and turn into toxic alcohol, so be sure to clean your feeder regularly.