When thinking of all the wonderful things the winter season entails, hummingbirds probably don’t come to mind. However, as it turns out, several species are still flocking to the Magnolia State and will likely remain throughout winter. Take a look!
Don’t pack up those hummingbird feeders just yet!
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/Wikimedia
The most common wintering hummingbird in the eastern U.S., the rufous hummingbird typically winters in Mexico, with some stopping in Mississippi on its way.
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Wikimedia They usually arrive in the Magnolia State in August, with numbers really picking up in October and November.
According to the National Audubon Society, rufous hummingbirds have been spotted in Mississippi in much higher numbers than in years past.
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/Wikimedia What’s more, researchers believe the high number of sightings this time of year means that they’re planning to ride out winter here in Mississippi.
In recent weeks, rufous hummingbirds have been spotted in Central Mississippi, North Louisiana, and Central Alabama. The majority, though, have been sighted on the Gulf Coast.
Tommy Byrd/Flickr
So, why have there been more sightings this year? Well, according the National Audubon Society, there are a couple of reasons, including a warmer climate.
jon hayes/Flickr And thanks to hummingbird feeders and gardens, there’s plenty of food, which is another reason for the increase in sightings.
Rufous hummingbirds aren’t the only ones taking advantage of Mississippi’s mild winter weather though.
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/Wikimedia
Small numbers of black-chinned, broad-tailed, buff-bellied, and calliope hummingbirds will flock to Mississippi this winter.
Tom Benson/Google
There are a couple of things you can do to up your chances of spotting a hummingbird (or two) this winter – one of which is filling your yard with plants that are known to attract hummingbirds.
Carol Foil/Flickr Firebush, firespike, cuphea, and salvia are just a few options.
Leaving up hummingbird feeders throughout winter is another way to increase the likelihood of a sighting.
VJAnderson/Wikimedia Many people don’t do this because of an old wives tale that says hummingbirds shouldn’t be fed in the colder months because they’ll stay with the food and possibly freeze. However, you can rest assured this is not true. You won’t harm any hummingbirds by leaving up your feeder in the winter. In fact, it’s actually helpful, as it allows hummingbirds to fuel up for their migration.
So, did you know about the rufous hummingbird? Or that it winters in Mississippi? Have you seen one in years past? What about this year? Tell us in the comments section.
Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren/Wikimedia
USFWS Mountain-Prairie/Wikimedia
They usually arrive in the Magnolia State in August, with numbers really picking up in October and November.
What’s more, researchers believe the high number of sightings this time of year means that they’re planning to ride out winter here in Mississippi.
Tommy Byrd/Flickr
jon hayes/Flickr
And thanks to hummingbird feeders and gardens, there’s plenty of food, which is another reason for the increase in sightings.
Tom Benson/Google
Carol Foil/Flickr
Firebush, firespike, cuphea, and salvia are just a few options.
VJAnderson/Wikimedia
Many people don’t do this because of an old wives tale that says hummingbirds shouldn’t be fed in the colder months because they’ll stay with the food and possibly freeze. However, you can rest assured this is not true. You won’t harm any hummingbirds by leaving up your feeder in the winter. In fact, it’s actually helpful, as it allows hummingbirds to fuel up for their migration.
Hummingbird sightings aren’t the only thing you have to look forward to this winter. Read about another here.
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