31-03-2025
Hummingbird migration map: when will hummingbirds arrive in Wisconsin for spring?
It's officially spring, which means the arrival of hummingbirds in Wisconsin isn't far off.
Hummingbirds typically start arriving in Wisconsin in the beginning of May, though a few outlier birds may arrive in mid to late April. Like most bird species, male hummingbirds will migrate first, with female birds following a few weeks later.
After a few warmer months in Wisconsin, hummingbirds will start migrating south again from August through April.
Here's the latest on hummingbird migration to Wisconsin, including where you can report bird sightings around the state.
As of March 31, ruby-throated hummingbird sightings in the U.S. have been reported across much of the southern U.S., ranging from Texas to North Carolina, according to Hummingbird Central. A variety of hummingbirds have also been spotted on the West Coast, including dozens of Allen's Hummingbird sightings in Washington and Oregon. No birds have been reported in the Midwest yet.
You can follow Hummingbird Central's live map throughout the spring and summer, as well as report your own sightings here.
The best way to encourage hummingbirds to your yard is to plant plenty of food resources for them.
You should ideally grow a variety of nectar-producing flowers, with feeders to supplement when blooms are in short supply, according to the UW-Madison Department of Horticulture.
The department also recommends staggering bloom times to make sure hummingbirds have a food source for the entire season, as well as providing a source of water and trees or tall shrubs for nesting and perching. Make sure to avoid using pesticides that kill small insects that hummingbirds regularly eat.
Here are some of the best Midwestern plants to grow for hummingbirds, according to UW-Madison. There are many other plants that will also attract the birds, so find a longer list here.
Cuphea, especially "David Verity" cuphea plants
Cardinals
Coral honeysuckle
Beebalm
Texas or scarlet sage
Blue anise sage
More: What plant zone is Wisconsin in? A look at the best flowers to plant in every part of the state
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 DNR office.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hummingbird migration map: when do hummingbirds migrate to Wisconsin?
