When Do Hummingbirds Leave Wisconsin?

Birdwatchers in Wisconsin are always curious about when hummingbirds leave the state. Hummingbirds are usually best watched during spring and summer in most US states. However, as winter comes, they leave for warmer places because they can’t handle the cold. 

Every year, Wisconsin birdwatchers eagerly expect hummingbirds’ arrival. Their unique skills, like flying backwards, make them a fascinating sight!

One thing to remember is that certain factors can affect the hummingbird’s departure time every year. Knowing when they leave will help you prepare for their seasonal presence in Wisconsin.

When Do Hummingbirds Leave Wisconsin?

Hummingbirds leave Wisconsin in late summer and early fall as temperatures drop and food sources decline. The males typically migrate first, starting their southward journey by late August. 

The adult females remain longer, not leaving until September or early October once they have trained youngsters to feed and migrate independently. 

By mid-October, most hummingbirds have departed Wisconsin for their overwintering grounds farther south. Only very rare stragglers may be spotted in the state beyond that time. The migration timing allows hummingbirds to follow seasonal flower blooming and avoid harsh winters in northern climates.

Related post to read about Best Hummingbird Feeders.

What Species Of Hummingbirds Are Commonly Found In Wisconsin?

Just like most states in eastern North America, the Ruby-throated species is the most commonly sighted seasonal species in Wisconsin. This is the only native species that can be found breeding and nesting in the state.

Other hummingbird species found in this state are only visitors passing through the state. They are Rufuos, Allen’s, Anna’s, Broad-billed, and Green-Violetear species.

Where Can You Find Hummingbirds In Wisconsin?

Your best bet at finding hummingbirds in Wisconsin during summer months is in nature parks, forests and gardens where their primary food source is in abundance.

In Wisconsin, ruby-throated hummingbirds are particularly common in Milwaukee suburbs, thanks to its milder climate and abundant food sources. 

However, if you can’t visit this region, you can still easily attract hummers (hummingbirds) to your backyard by planting flowers that are rich in nectar.

When Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Wisconsin?

Ruby-throated hummingbirds, Wisconsin’s most common species, start arriving in late April. However, mid-May is the peak time to witness the majority of these migrating hummingbirds in the state.

Bear in mind that their arrival timing varies slightly from year to year depending on weather conditions and availability of food supply.

Do Hummingbirds Arrive In Wisconsin At The Same Time?

Hummingbirds don’t travel in large packs like other birds. As independent migrants, they travel according to their own schedules and routes. As a result, they don’t arrive in Wisconsin all together at the same time.

Their arrival follows a gradual migration pattern. Male hummingbirds are usually the first to arrive in Wisconsin. They arrive in the state earlier to set up their territories, while the females join them a week or two later.

Do The Migration Patterns Of Hummingbirds In Wisconsin Change?

The migration patterns of hummingbirds in Wisconsin are not fixed and can change from one year to the next. Factors like weather conditions and food supply influence their migration pattern from Wisconsin. 

These birds migrate long distances to locate regions with tropical climates that assure them of abundant food supply from their primary food sources – nectar from flowers.

How To Prepare For The Arrival Of Hummingbirds in Wisconsin

To attract these birds in Wisconsin, start by planting native plants that produce nectar. 

Hummers (hummingbirds) are naturally drawn to nectar-rich flowers, as they provide their primary food source. So, if you have a backyard where you can cultivate a variety of plants that offer a continuous bloom, then that’s number 1 on the list of ways to attract them.

No matter how much humans enjoy eating a particular food, one thing is sure – it gets boring after some time. Interestingly, the same applies to these birds. Nectar is their primary food source, but they also feed on insects like small bugs, ants, etc. These insects supply them (particularly young hummingbirds) with essential nutrients like fats and proteins that aid their growth.

What Kinds Of Plants Should Be Grown To Attract Hummingbirds In Wisconsin?

Instead of investing in imported plants, native nectar-rich tabular flowers are a better option,  as they are hummingbird-friendly. 

Cardinal climber vine, columbine, wild bergamot, hummingbird mint, honeysuckle vine, bee balm, black and blue salvias, blazing star, royal catchfly, and skyscraper salvia are some of the best plants that should be grown to entice these birds to your backyard.

Can You Attract Hummingbirds With Feeders In Wisconsin?

Definitely! You can attract these birds by providing feeders in Wisconsin. These feeders should be filled with a sugar-water solution known as artificial nectar prepared simply with a cup of white granulated sugar and 4 cups of water. 

Nectar feeders are only a supplementary diet for hummingbirds since they don’t provide their full nutrients. Once you prepare this nectar, fill them up in your feeders and hang them outside your window.  

You might want to consider getting multiple feeders, as these birds are territorial, and I’m sure bird fights are not fun to witness. 

When Should You Put Out Your Hummingbird Feeders In Wisconsin?

It’s generally advised that you put out your feeders about a week or two before the arrival of hummers. In Wisconsin, mid-April is a good time to put out your feeders in Wisconsin to attract early migrants.

To keep your solution safe for your bird visitors, remember to change it every few days, especially in warm weather, as sugar solutions are quick to ferment.

When Should You Take Down Hummingbird Feeders In Wisconsin?

While it is recommended that you take down your feeders at least two weeks after you last spotted them at your feeders, it is a kind act to leave out your feeders even after hummingbird season. This is a great way to help over-wintering or old species in the state.

Don’t be worried that your feeders are stopping them from migrating. They have internal biological clocks and will leave when they’re ready to. 

Can I See Hummingbirds During Winter In Wisconsin?

Yes, you can see some hummingbirds in Wisconsin during winter. More often, the hummingbird species you will find in the state during winter is likely the Rufous species. 

In fact, if you live in Wisconsin, winter is sometimes the best time to watch the species of hummingbirds called Rufous. 

Where Do Wisconsin Hummingbirds Migrate To In The Winter?

Hummingbirds in Wisconsin mostly migrate south to warm, tropical weather during the winter. They travel to Central America and Mexico. 

In these regions, the weather is tropical, and there are lots of flowers with nectar for hummingbirds to eat during the winter months.

Conclusion

In Wisconsin, observing hummingbirds is always a delightful experience in all seasons – spring, summer, and even winter! That’s why bird lovers in the state prepare in advance for their arrival.

When they finally arrive, take your time to enjoy their beauty. Get your camera ready to capture memories you can cherish when they eventually leave.

And that’s all on this post; I hope you found it helpful. If you do, please leave your feedback in the comment section below. I will be more than happy to hear from you…

Until next time, thanks for reading.

Useful Links:

Related Posts to Read – Hummingbirds Migrations:

• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Ohio?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Michigan?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Pennsylvania?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Florida?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Oregon?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave New York?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Oklahoma?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Minnesota?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave South Carolina?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Louisiana?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Virginia?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Texas?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Indiana?
• When Do Hummingbirds Leave Colorado?

Related Posts to Read:

• Hummingbird Diet and Nutrition
• Do Hummingbirds Beaks Open When Feeding?
• The Mysteries of Hummingbird Flight.
• 6 Fascinating Facts About Hummingbird Sizes.
• Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Migration Map.
• Where Do Hummingbirds Go When It Rains?
• How Much Does A Hummingbird Eat Per Day?

References:

• About Wisconsin.
• About Hummingbird (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.
• Rico-Guevara A, Rubega MA, Hurme KJ, Dudley R. Shifting Paradigms in the Mechanics of Nectar Extraction and Hummingbird Bill Morphology. Integr Org Biol. 2019 Jan 2;1(1):oby006. doi: 10.1093/iob/oby006. PMID: 33791513; PMCID: PMC7671138.
• Tyrrell LP, Goller B, Moore BA, Altshuler DL, Fernández-Juricic E. The Orientation of Visual Space from the Perspective of Hummingbirds. Front Neurosci. 2018 Jan 30;12:16. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00016. PMID: 29440985; PMCID: PMC5797624.
• Hummingbirds Sighting (Journey North Map).
• About Hummingbird’s Characteristics.