Hummingbirds are starting to leave Wisconsin. Here's a look at their migration pattern

During the late summer and early fall, hummingbirds will migrate back to warmer weather after arriving in the Midwest earlier this spring . Bird-watchers can expect to see hummingbirds — the tiny birds that get their name from the sound of their wings — leaving the state toward the end of August.

Here's when you can expect to see hummingbirds leave Wisconsin, and how to see them before they leave for the winter.

You can see hummingbird migration patterns

USA TODAY compiled bird sightings from Project FeederWatch to show migration patterns. Here's a look:

When do hummingbirds migrate?

Hummingbirds start leaving in late August to October. Male birds start to come back to Wisconsin in March and April, and female birds follow after them. The birds migrate as they sense changes in daylight duration and the abundance of flowers, nectar and insects, according to Hummingbird Central .

Most hummingbirds migrate in the winter to Central America or Mexico, but some hummingbirds spend the winter on the Gulf Coast and may be found in South Texas and South Louisiana during mild winters.

When should I take my hummingbird feeders down in the fall?

Experts recommends you leave up your feeders for about two weeks after what you think is the final bird sighting.

Will I see the same hummingbirds in Wisconsin next year?

Hummingbirds can remember their favorite feeding locations, and experts have shown that some hummingbirds have returned to the same spot year after year, according to Hummingbird Central .

Where to find Wisconsin birding hotspots:

Wisconsin has more than 300 birding hotspots, including wildlife areas like the Horicon Marsh and the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. To find a birding hotspot near you, click here to visit the Travel Wisconsin website.

How to track your bird sightings in Wisconsin:

Amateur birders can report and track their daily bird sighting on the following sites:

• Wisconsin eBird : Allows you to report and track your daily sighting from your birding excursions. You can also see real-time bird sightings from other birders across the state.
• Wisconsin Society of Ornithology : Provides information to document rare birds and how to use eBird for seasonal reports.
• The Great Backyard Bird Count : A global project to record bird abundance and distribution. You can contribute by reporting your observations of Wisconsin birds.
• Report a rare bird : This information is used for species on Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Working List.
• Report a sick or dead bird by using the directory of wildlife rehabilitators or contacting your local Department of Natural Resources office.

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USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hummingbirds are starting to leave Wisconsin. Here's a look at their migration pattern