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 is enhanced during spring and fall hummingbird migrations, which roughly peak in March to May and August to October.
Some of the most promising spots to check out include Highland Lakes west of Austin and Hill Country in Central Texas, north-west 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.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most remarkable in Texas. A wee bird weighing some 0.1 oz (3 g) can travel for 1,500 mi (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!
Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration (September 15–18, 2022)
The secret is Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration 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.
Some Texans used to take the feeders down after Labor Day for the 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, the recipe is one part sugar to four parts water. No food coloring allowed—the red vessel itself is attractive enough for a hummingbird. Note that in summer, the mixture will soon turn into toxic alcohol. So clean your feeder up on time.
Practical info
When can hummingbirds be spotted in Texas?
Hummingbirds can be spotted in Texas during their migration periods, which occur in spring (March to May) and fall (mid-September to October). Different species of hummingbirds can be spotted during these periods. Some hummingbirds, however, can be found in Texas all year round, particularly in Big Bend National Park and Padre Island National Seashore. Show more
Which places are best for hummingbird sightings in Texas?
Place like Hill Country and Highland Lakes, located west of Austin and north-west of San Antonio, are some of the best for hummingbird sightings in Texas. Big Bend National Park and Padre Island National Seashore are other great places to observe hummingbirds too. The city of Houston is also a promising spot for these sightings. The Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration, which takes place annually in September near Corpus Christi, is an excellent place to see ruby-throated hummingbirds. Show more
What species of hummingbirds can be found in Texas?
There are around 18 different species of hummingbirds in Texas, with the dominant species being ruby-throated, black-chinned, Anna's, and rufous hummingbirds. Some of these hummingbirds breed in Texas, some winter in Texas, and others pass through. If you are very lucky, you may also spot other species such as Allen's, broad-tailed, calliope, Costa's, Lucifer, and magnificent hummingbirds. Show more
What is the Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration?
The Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration is an event, occurring every year in mid-September near Corpus Christi, which celebrates the migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds through the Gulf Coast. Visitors have the chance to watch the birds up close. During the Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration, locals open their gardens to the public and the birds. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, learn about hummingbirds and their habitats, and shop for bird-related products. Show more
How can I create my own nectar to lure hummingbirds?
To create your own hummingbird nectar, mix one part sugar with four parts boiled water, let the mixture cool, and then use a red feeder to attract them. Avoid using food coloring, as it may be harmful to hummingbirds. It is important to keep the birds' feeders clean and fresh, as the mixture ferments quickly in the summer heat and can be toxic to the birds. Show more
