Oklahoma's Summer Jewels

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

Migration

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are considered Neo-tropical migrants, which means they nest in North America and winter in Central and South America. The ruby-throats' range extends from southern Canada throughout the eastern half of the United States to Central America. They are able to fly across the Gulf of Mexico by gaining significant weight during the end of summer.Contrary to one popular myth, they do not hitchhike on the backs of geese for this remarkable journey.

During spring migration, hummers begin to arrive in Oklahoma in mid-March and early April, with males arriving first. In fall, males migrate first and may be gone by September. Females and young are mostly gone by mid-October, although some stragglers will remain. Occasionally, ruby-throats overwinter in Oklahoma.

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