Late-Arriving Hummingbirds: Behind Schedule in Georgia

The annual "flight of the hummingbirds" into Georgia appears to be running behind the usual Spring schedule in 2024 -- at least that's the case based on a lack of reported sightings.

We captured this picture of a feeding hummingbird directly in front of a sign about hummingbirds!Photo byDeanLand @ OurTravelCafe.com

The migrating masses of the tiny birds usually reach Southern Georgia by March 1, then middle Georgia and Atlanta by mid-March. By April 1, the birds have usually been spotted up to the Tennessee and South Carolina borders.

But based on local reports and those posted to onling sighting trackers, the hummingbird migration may be traveling more slowly, most likely due to weather and food availability.

Several websites like Hummingbirdcentral.com and JourneyNorth.org offer maps and online reporting where birdwatchers can register their sightings and help track the hummingbird migration schedule. Reported sightings at both sites -- and local reports on a variety of Georgia outdoor groups -- seem to indicate that the birds are just not being spotted and reported in the usual numbers -- yet -- in Georgia.

"Just saw our first ruby-throated for 2024 @4:15 pm today," reported one observer in Sharpsburg on March 20.

"Ruby-Throated Hummingbird sighted ... At dusk, taking a rest and a long drink from my feeder!," reported a Jefferson, GA, obeserver on March 25.

The 2024 hummingbird migration map at hummingbirdcentral.com shows birds arriving in fewer numbers so far by March 24, 2024.Photo byMap from Hummingbirdcentral.com

By comparison, the 2023 hummingbird migration map showed a higher concentration of migrating birds by March 24.Photo byMap from Hummingbirdcentral.com

But other eager watchers haven't spotted the late-arriving birds by March 26.

"Not yet in Kennesaw. My feeders are out," read a typical report. Others from the area had similar negative comments about spottings so far.

Recent cooler weather snaps -- especially cold fronts dipping into the Deep South -- may be responsible for the late arrivals. Hummingbirds like warmer weather, and depend on blooming flowers to feed their huge appetities. So although they may be behind schedule, the tiny flitters will arrive throughout the South and beyond in 2024.

In the spring hummingbird migration to their nesting areas, hummingbirds take a leisurely approach to their journey. Typically, they will travel approximately 20 miles per day, then stop for resting and frequent feeding periods. With the highest metabolism of any species, they feed at hundreds of flowers and up to six times or more per hour, according to Hummingbirdsplus.org. Those stops are essential as hummingbirds generally consume at least half of their weight and as much as double or triple their weight in nectar each day. They also add some protein to their diets by eating some insects and spiders.

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