As the fall months become nearer and nearer, people may begin to notice they are seeing fewer of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at their feeders. According to the Forest Preserve District, the hummingbirds have already begun migrating to the south for the winter. However, one need not worry that they will not see another hummingbird this year just yet. Bob Byerton, an interpretive naturalist, says that hummingbirds migrate groups at a time, not all at once.

Although Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are eastern north America’s only breeding hummingbird, the pairs are only together for a short time. During late July and early August, the male hummingbirds are the first to begin the trip south as they will have no responsibility in raising the offspring. Normally, hummingbirds will migrate all the way through October.

In Oklahoma, people might see more hummingbird fluctuation than other states due to the migration of hummingbirds from the north as well. Hummingbirds will continuously look for food to fuel up on their way south. Ruby-throated hummingbirds have great color vision, and they tend to be more attracted to orange and red flowers. Ruby-throated hummingbirds fly at tree-level, so Oklahomans should make sure their feeders are full and their gardens are healthy this fall to see them.