When Do Hummingbirds Leave Oregon? A Guide to Their Seasonal Migration

Did you know that despite their small size, hummingbirds (also called hummers) have one of the longest migrations of any bird in the world? Also, they are such remarkable creatures in the avian world.

Interestingly, these birds embark on long journeys seeking warmer climates, ideal breeding and nesting grounds, and abundant food sources every year. So, if you’ve been curious about where or when exactly hummingbirds leave Oregon every year, then you’re in the right place.

When Do Hummingbirds Depart From Oregon?

4 Key Takeaways

1. Migration Patterns in Oregon: Hummingbirds migrate from Oregon towards the end of summer, but species like Anna’s hummingbirds remain as year-round residents.
2. Species in Oregon: Oregon hosts 7 common hummingbird species, each identifiable by unique colours and features.
3. Hummingbird Arrival in Oregon: They usually start arriving in late February or early March, with males arriving first.
4. Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds: Planting native plants and setting up nectar feeders with a sugar-water solution are effective ways to attract and feed hummingbirds in Oregon gardens.

Related post to read about Best Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird Species Commonly Found In Oregon

There are around 350 species of hummingbirds globally, and Oregon is home to about 7 species of them. To explain better, here are the seven species that are common to Oregon:

1. Anna’s Hummingbird: Predominantly found in Oregon, Anna’s Hummingbirds are known for their dazzling emerald feathers and rosy-pink throats.
2. Allen’s Hummingbird: These birds are characterised by their orange and green hues, blending beautifully with Oregon’s natural landscapes.
3. Black-chinned Hummingbird: Identified by their black chin and shimmering purple collar, they offer a unique spectacle in Oregon’s skies.
4. Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Recognisable by their iridescent green bodies and rose-red throats, their wings make a distinct trilling sound.
5. Calliope Hummingbird: The smallest hummingbird species in North America, they have beautiful streaked magenta feathers around their throats.
6. Costa’s Hummingbird: Known for their elongated violet crown and throat, they bring a dash of colour to Oregon’s gardens.
7. Rufous Hummingbird: With their radiant orange and iridescent red throat, they are amongst the most common hummingbirds spotted in Oregon.

When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Oregon?

Hummingbirds usually make their way to Oregon during the latter part of February or early March. However, the precise date may differ yearly due to weather conditions and food availability. Some late migrants may continue to arrive as late as June. 

Male hummingbirds are usually the first to arrive, scouting for potential nesting sites. They are followed by the females, who arrive a few weeks later. They arrive first in Oregon’s south before making their way north. 

How to prepare for the arrival of hummingbirds in Oregon

An effective way to prepare for the arrival of this fascinating creature as a hummingbird enthusiast in Oregon is by planting native plants. Native plants are often well-suited to the local environment and can be particularly beneficial for attracting different hummingbird species. 

To attract hummingbirds, you can create a garden filled with a diverse selection of plants that bloom throughout the year, as the nectar from flowers serves as their primary food source. Such variety will provide a rich food source, making your garden a welcoming haven for these charming birds.

Here are some of the best plants to attract hummingbirds: columbine, orange honeysuckle, salvia, Indian paintbrush, fuchsia, clarkia,  salmonberry, crabapple, dogwood, and penstemon, amongst many others.  

To make your garden a welcoming place for hummingbirds, the best approach is to use organic gardening products. This means avoiding pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilisers, as these can be harmful to both the birds and the plants they depend on for food. So, let’s keep those lovely little hummingbirds happy and healthy!

How to feed hummingbirds in Oregon?

While the nectar derived from plants is the primary food source of hummingbirds, another way to feed them is through nectar feeders. You can easily hang up these feeders on a tree branch to attract them to your space. If there are several hummingbirds in your area, you can hang up several feeders far apart to prevent the birds from fighting over them.

The hung-up feeders should contain a specially prepared nectar solution that is derived by mixing water with granulated white sugar. Note that honey, brown sugar, and artificial sweeteners should be avoided, as they can be harmful to hummingbirds. 

This nectar solution can be easily prepared by mixing a cup of sugar with about 4 cups of water. Then, put this solution in a microwave to keep it mold-free, as mold can contaminate the nectar. Once this mixture cools off, pour it into a clean feeder and change it out every few days to make sure it is fresh and safe for the birds.  

Alternative To Preparing The Nectar Solution For Feeders?

If you don’t want to go through the stress of preparing this nectar yourself, you can purchase pre-made hummingbird nectar solutions from stores. These solutions are often available in a concentrated form and can be easily mixed with water.

Aside from the nectar’s sweetness, hummingbirds are naturally attracted to bright colour feeders, particularly those in shades of red, orange, and pink. However, this does not mean you should have the feeder solution dyed or add red food colouring to attract them, as this could be dangerous. 

The Best Time To Set Up Your Feeders In Oregon

The best time to set up your feeders in Oregon is early Spring, typically in the middle of February. This is the season when many hummingbirds start their migration and visit Oregon.

When Should Hummingbird Feeders Be Taken Down In Oregon?

You can leave your hummingbird feeders set up all year in Oregon, mainly because Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents in the region, and in case of the old or injured hummingbirds that are unable to migrate and will purely rely on the feeders for sustenance. 

However, if you decide to leave your feeders up all year, you must remember to clean the feeders regularly to ensure the health and safety of the birds.

On the other hand, If you do not see any hummingbirds at your feeders for at least two weeks, you can take them down in the fall when they leave Oregon, typically in late November or early December. 

Where Do Hummingbirds Migrate To?

Most hummingbirds that leave Oregon before winter migrate south to Mexico, where there is a constant supply of flowers. Other hummingbirds travel further south to warmer climates like Central and South America.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although there may be slight fluctuations from year to year, the estimated arrival and departure timeline provides a reliable guide for when hummingbirds usually arrive and leave Oregon. And it’s a wonderful time for hummingbird lovers to prepare their gardens to welcome these tiny visitors. 

Since hummingbirds have excellent memory, they may return to your location, especially if they found a reliable food source and nesting spot during their previous visits. Therefore, creating a welcoming environment can lead to repeat visits from these charming creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What time of year do hummingbirds generally leave Oregon?

A: Hummingbirds in Oregon begin their migration towards the end of summer, usually from late August to September.

Q: To which destinations do Oregon hummingbirds migrate for the winter?

A: They migrate to warmer destinations like Mexico, Central America, or South America.

Q: Are all hummingbirds migratory?

A: Not all hummingbird species leave Oregon during the winter months. For instance, Anna’s hummingbirds, also known as Calypte anna, are year-round residents of Oregon.

Q: How many species of hummingbirds are found globally, and how many are in Oregon?

A: There are around 350 species of hummingbirds globally, and Oregon is home to about 7 common species.

Q: How can one attract hummingbirds to their backyard in Oregon?

A: One effective way is by planting native flowers like columbine, orange honeysuckle, and salvia, which serve as a rich source of nectar. It’s also beneficial to set up nectar feeders with sugar water solutions.

Q: Which hummingbird species is known for its dazzling emerald feathers and rosy-pink throat?

A: Anna’s Hummingbird, scientifically known as Calypte anna, is known for these distinct features.

Q: How can you differentiate between a Rufous Hummingbird and a Black-chinned Hummingbird?

A: Rufous Hummingbirds have radiant orange and an iridescent red throat, whereas Black-chinned Hummingbirds have a black chin and shimmering purple collar.

Q: Are hummingbirds attracted to coloured feeders?

A: Yes, hummingbirds are naturally drawn to bright colour feeders, especially those in shades of red, orange, and pink.

Q: When setting up nectar feeders, should you dye the solution to attract hummingbirds?

A: No, it’s not recommended to add dye or red food colouring to the feeder solution as it could be harmful to the birds.

Q: How can one prepare the nectar solution for hummingbird feeders?

A: The nectar solution can be prepared by mixing a cup of granulated white sugar with 4 cups of water. Also, it’s best you use warm water, although it’s not compulsory.

Q: Are there any store-bought alternatives to homemade hummingbird nectar?

A: Yes, pre-made hummingbird nectar solutions can be purchased from stores, which are usually available in a concentrated form to be mixed with water.

Q: What is the best time to set up hummingbird feeders in Oregon?

A: The best time to set up feeders in Oregon is in early Spring, typically around mid-February.

Q: Can hummingbird feeders be left up all year round in Oregon?

A: Yes, especially because Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents. However, it’s essential to clean the feeders regularly.

Q: Where do most migratory hummingbirds from Oregon spend their winter?

A: Most migratory hummingbirds from Oregon migrate south to Mexico, where there’s a continuous supply of flowers.

Q: Do hummingbirds have a good memory when it comes to locating food sources?

A: Yes, hummingbirds have an excellent memory and might return to a particular location if they found a reliable food source during their previous visits.

Q: Which is the smallest hummingbird species found in North America and also common in Oregon?

A: The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird species in North America and is among the most common species in Oregon.

Q: Can pesticides and synthetic fertilizers harm hummingbirds?

A: Yes, using pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers can be harmful to both hummingbirds and the plants they rely on for food.

Q: When do male and female hummingbirds usually arrive in Oregon during migration?

A: Male hummingbirds typically arrive first during the latter part of February or early March, followed by the females a few weeks later.

Q: How many species of hummingbirds are typically found in Central Oregon?

A: Central Oregon is home to several hummingbird species, with around 7 of them being more commonly spotted.

Q: How can individual hummingbirds be identified among common species?

A: Individual hummingbirds can often be identified based on their unique colours, features, and markings, such as a speckled throat or iridescent throat. Specific species have distinct features; for instance, the Calliope Hummingbirds have beautiful streaked magenta feathers around their throats.

Useful Links:

Related Posts to Read: Hummingbirds Migrations:

• Best Hummingbird Feeders.
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Ohio?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Michigan?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Pennsylvania?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Florida?

Related Posts to Read: Hummingbirds Availability by Locations:

• Are there Hummingbirds in Albuquerque?
• Are There Hummingbirds in Arizona?
• Are there Hummingbirds in Alberta?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Alabama?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Mexico?
• Are There Hummingbirds In The Caribbean?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Canada?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Jamaica?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Florida?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Massachusetts?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Michigan?
• Are There Hummingbirds In Texas?
• Are There Hummingbirds In New Jersey?
• Are There Hummingbirds In New York?

References:

• About Hummingbird (Wikipedia).
• About Oregon (Link)
• Greenewalt, C. H. (1960). Hummingbirds. New York: Doubleday. Google Scholar.
• Carey C. The impacts of climate change on the annual cycles of birds. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2009 Nov 27; 364(1534):3321-30. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0182. PMID: 19833644; PMCID: PMC2781852.