Did you know that there are 300 hummingbird species found in the world?Most hummingbird species live in the southern tropical regions such as the Caribbean but are also found in North America, South, and Central America. Of the 300 hummingbird species, there are only eight species that regularly breed in the US.Hummingbirds are from the biological family Trochilidae, which is the largest group of birds in the world. This family has two subspecies: the Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) and Phaethornithinae (Hermits). These tiny birds range in measurements of 3-5 inches (7.6-13 cm). The smallest hummingbird weighs less than 0.07 oz (2.0 g). Hummingbirds are polygamous, and females are the ones who build nests, protect their eggs and raise their offspring.The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is another species which is also known as the fawn-breasted hummingbird, which is medium-sized. The average weight for males is 0.14 oz (4.07 g), but for females, the weight is a mere 0.11 oz (3.40 g).The hummingbird’s primary food source is nectar, which helps them gain the energy they need to fly and be healthy. That’s why some hummingbird feeders fill their birdfeeders with nectar. Some people put small insects as food in feeders during fall migration. Most of the hummingbirds that live in America either live in southern America or Central America.As the seasons change, we get to watch different birds. The birds that migrate have to do a lot of preparation. The birds that migrate head south for the cold season, while some will stay. Let’s find out more about hummingbirds, like what do hummingbirds do in winter?If you would love to know more fun facts about birds, check out, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Facts, where do owls live? Here on Kidadl.Where do hummingbirds go in the winter, and how do they get there?To understand hummingbirds, we need to know their migration strategy. There are several migration strategies of different hummingbirds. Ruby-throats are lovely birds that are the most famous for migration as they travel from the Gulf of Mexico and Central America to eastern Canada. All the other hummingbirds fly towards central and western Mexico using the Gulf Coast from Texas passing through the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.Hummingbirds go far south in winter, beginning in September, to find flowers, insects, and other food sources. Usually, North Americans put bird food supplies in their back yard and hummingbird feeders; that’s why most hummingbirds don’t want to migrate to the south during the winter these days. There are some places in Northern America where weather change is significantly less, and food and shelter will be found throughout the year. Some of these places include the Pacific coast, Texas, Vancouver Island, and southern Florida. Even though hummingbird migration happens every year, all species of hummingbirds don’t migrate. Some will spend the winter in North America and the western coast. The Rufous hummingbirds, due to habitat destruction, have declined in population, but thanks to hummingbird feeders, hummingbirds are growing and living in backyards now.Where do ruby-throated hummingbirds go in the winter?Undoubtedly, hummingbird species are the most fragile birds in the world. They are unique birds that visit backyard gardens and bird feeders. Some people are lucky enough to have these hummingbirds as visitors in their gardens. Ruby-throats can fly speeds up to 25 mph (40 kph), and fly up to 500 mi (804.6 km) non-stop by taking advantage of the wind and flying across Mexico. In early spring, hummingbirds start their return journey to north feeder grounds in Canada and the US.These hummingbirds migrate in two stages: to the north for spring and to the south for fall. Ruby-throats generally spend the winters in Central America, Florida, and southern Mexico and migrate to eastern North America and Canada to breed in summer. A species called, Black-chinned hummingbirds, occupy a significant portion of the western US in winter.Where do hummingbirds go in the winter from Ontario?Not all hummingbird species migrate. In summer, Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate northward in the US and southern Canada and return in early spring, August, or early September. While some adult birds can be seen migrating as early as July.If you get to see hummingbirds in Ontario, they belong to the Ruby-throated family. These are the only ones found in Ontario (Eastern Canada). They have the longest migration paths and fly to reach Central America and Mexico in the winter.Rufous hummingbirds have the most prolonged migration period. They can fly more than 3,000 miles (482.8 km) to their winter habitats in southern Mexico and Canada. They fly north through Mexico’s Pacific coast to California and northern Canada, and Alaska to their breeding grounds. Many species like Anna’s, Allen’s, Costas, Rufous, and Black-chinned hummingbirds can be seen breeding together to create hybrid species.Where do American hummingbirds go in the winter?Did you know hummingbirds use their sense of smell to guide themselves back to the same breeding place they used before?Different species of hummingbirds have different migration strategies. Hummingbirds can easily migrate south alone and they don’t depend on other birds. On the other hand, Buff-bellied hummingbirds can be found in southern Texas and the Gulf of Mexico all year long.Hummingbirds are seen throughout North America during summer. Did you know most hummingbirds survive in the winter months? People say that hummingbirds go into a state of inactiveness. Hummingbirds are warm-blooded animals, which helps them to survive the cold weather.Even though hummingbird migration happens every year, not all hummingbirds migrate. Some will spend the winter in North America, in California and the western coast, and some travel in winter along the Gulf Coast. All the North American hummingbirds travel a little longer during their migration except Anna’s hummingbird. Anna’s hummingbird is an exception that stays along the Pacific coast year-round.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for where do hummingbirds go in the winter? Ruby-throated hummingbird facts, then why not take a look at do you know what are huckleberries? And where do huckleberries grow? Or do you know where do rats li
Did you know that there are 300 hummingbird species found in the world?
