When Do Hummingbirds Leave Louisiana? [2024]

Of all the remarkable characteristics of hummingbirds, their instinctual migration stands out. After exploring various cities, states, and countries in search of warmer climates, ideal breeding and nesting grounds, and an abundant food supply, these little birds just know when it’s time to say goodbye. Fascinating, right?

Hummingbirds seem to see Louisiana as an ideal location – a convenient stopover after their long journey across the Gulf of Mexico. One after another, these birds arrive in this state to rest and refuel before they embark on their next flight. And after some time, they leave Louisiana individually in the same pattern they arrived in. So, when does this happen?

Key Takeaways

Migration Timing: Hummingbirds leave Louisiana between late summer and early fall. Most are gone by October. Their departure is based on instinct and changing seasons.
Common Species: The main hummingbird in Louisiana is the Ruby-throated. Other species like Rufous and Allen’s occasionally pass through.
Arrival Patterns: Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive between late February and mid-March. Males come first, followed by females. Climate change affects their arrival.
Attracting Hummingbirds: To attract hummingbirds, plant nectar-rich flowers. Native plants are best. Sugar-water feeders are also effective. Put feeders out by mid-February. They can be taken down in mid-October or left out for winter species.

So, now that the four key takeaways are out of the way let’s start with the main question.

When Do Hummingbirds Leave Louisiana?

Hummingbirds typically leave Louisiana in late summer to early fall, with the majority departing by October. Their exact departure time can vary by species, and it’s based on their instinct, which is influenced by the shortening days and diminishing food sources.

What Kinds Of Hummingbirds Are Commonly Found In Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the most commonly found hummingbird is the Ruby-throated species. This species lives true to its name, as it spots a ruby-coloured throat.

Occasionally, you can find some Western species of hummingbirds migrating through Louisiana. Some of these birds are Rufous, Allen’s, Anna’s, Calliope, Black-chinned, and Broad-tailed hummingbirds.

When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Louisiana?

Typically, the Ruby-throated hummingbird arrives in Louisiana between late February and mid-March. These special birds stop in Louisiana to rest before continuing their journey north to breed and rest again.

Does The Weather Affect The Arrival Of Hummingbirds In Louisiana?

While hummingbird migration is instinctive, climate change is a major factor that influences the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds in Louisiana. These tiny migrant birds spend more time in the Gulf Coast region before coming north, as they use the extra time to rest and refuel.

Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Louisiana At The Same Time?

Interestingly, hummingbirds are solo travellers, so they don’t migrate all at once. Male hummingbirds are usually the first to arrive in Louisiana. They arrive in the state first to set up their territories, while the females join them soon after. Therefore, it’s safe to say that their arrival follows a gradual migration pattern.

Where Can You Find Hummingbirds in Louisiana?

Just like many of us enjoy fresh food, hummingbirds also enjoy fresh food, so you can often find them in areas of Louisiana that have a variety of nectar-rich plants.

Southern regions like Baton Rouge and New Orleans provide numerous chances to observe them in parks, gardens, or nature reserves as these birds gather in these places to feed.

How Can You Attract Hummingbirds in Louisiana?

If you want to entice hummingbirds, all you have to do is create a welcoming environment for them. These birds are naturally drawn to nectar-rich and insect-friendly flowers, as they provide their primary food source. Therefore, if you have enough space to cultivate a variety of plants that offer a continuous bloom, then that’s a sure way to attract them.

Alternatively, you can provide feeders for these birds. These feeders should be filled with an easy-to-prepare sugar-water solution that serves as a supplementary diet for these birds. Once you prepare your solution, fill up your feeders and hang them outside your window.

To prevent these birds from fighting over this food, you can get multiple feeders so that there’s enough to go around. But be sure to space these feeders apart.

Which Plants Can You Grow To Attract Hummingbirds In Louisiana?

Instead of cultivating invasive plants to attract these birds, it is best to plant native plants. These plants do not just provide a natural source of nectar to hummers (hummingbirds) but are also beneficial to the local ecosystem.

Here are some examples of Louisiana native plants that hummingbirds find attractive: cardinal flowers, trumpet vine, coral honeysuckle, bee balm, Mexican cigar plant, scarlet sage, red buckeye, etc.

How Can You Keep Your Feeders Fresh For Hummingbirds In Louisiana?

Even though feeders are an alternate means of feeding them, you still have to keep the content fresh and safe for your visitors.

Buy colourful feeders in shades of red, pink and orange, as these birds like vibrant colours.
The ratio of sugar to water should be 20:80
Use only granulated sugar for this solution
Use clean water.
Don’t use additives like honey, sweeteners or dye the content of the solution.
Ensure that you change the solution often, as sugar solutions are quick to ferment.
Clean your feeders regularly.

When Should You Put Out Your Hummingbird Feeders In Louisiana?

You should put out your feeders in mid-February to attract early migrators of hummingbird species in Louisiana.

Putting it out by this time is a great way to feed early migrants who will need to refuel after their long journey.

When Should Hummingbird Feeders Be Taken Down In Louisiana?

For hummingbirds passing through Louisiana, you can take down your feeders in mid-October, about two weeks after you last noticed them at your feeders.

However, leaving out your feeders during winter to provide sustenance for over-wintering species arriving from the West Coast until February or March is considered a selfless act.

Don’t be worried that your feeders are making them stay back in the state. These birds have innate biological clocks that let them know when it’s time to leave.

Can I See Hummingbirds In Louisiana During Winter?

Finding hummingbirds in the western part of Louisiana during winter isn’t unusual. Some species like the Allen’s, Calliope’s and Rufous have been seen at feeders in the state during winter.

Where Do Louisiana Hummingbirds Migrate To In The Winter?

Hummingbirds from Louisiana mostly migrate south to wintering grounds in Central America, parts of Southern America and Mexico.

Conclusion

If you love hummingbirds and you live in Louisiana, then get ready to welcome these delightful birds back early in the year as they stop over in the state after a long journey across the Gulf of Mexico.

These delightful seasonal guests are quite easy to please – so as long as you provide them with fresh food sources, you can confidently anticipate their return in years to come.

Thank you for reading. I hope you found the article helpful.

Also, before you leave, we would appreciate it if you could share your comments in the comment section below. We would love to learn from your experience because every piece of knowledge counts.

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Related Posts to Read – Hummingbirds Migrations:

When Do Hummingbirds Leave Louisiana?

Key Takeaways

When Do Hummingbirds Leave Louisiana?

What Kinds Of Hummingbirds Are Commonly Found In Louisiana?

When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Louisiana?

Does The Weather Affect The Arrival Of Hummingbirds In Louisiana?

Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Louisiana At The Same Time?

Where Can You Find Hummingbirds in Louisiana?

How Can You Attract Hummingbirds in Louisiana?

Which Plants Can You Grow To Attract Hummingbirds In Louisiana?

How Can You Keep Your Feeders Fresh For Hummingbirds In Louisiana?

When Should You Put Out Your Hummingbird Feeders In Louisiana?

When Should Hummingbird Feeders Be Taken Down In Louisiana?

Can I See Hummingbirds In Louisiana During Winter?

Where Do Louisiana Hummingbirds Migrate To In The Winter?

Conclusion

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