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Hummingbirds are beginning their remarkable journey back north after spending the winter in Mexico and Central America. These tiny birds can travel up to 500 miles a day during migration, and birdwatchers are closely tracking their progress on Hummingbird Central.
As of Sunday, the closest sighting to New Hampshire was a male ruby-throated hummingbird, spotted on March 12 in Belhaven, North Carolina. Experts note that males typically migrate first to secure breeding areas.
Hummingbirds are the only birds capable of hovering in place and flying backward, with wings that beat up to 80 times per second, producing their signature hum. To fuel their rapid metabolism, these birds must eat every 10–15 minutes, consuming up to twice their body weight in nectar daily.
Despite their small size, some species make nonstop flights across the Gulf of Mexico, covering hundreds of miles over open water. Their vibrant colors aren’t from pigment but from light reflecting off microscopic feather structures, and they’re very smart. They remember every flower they visit, including how long it takes for nectar to refill.
To follow the migration in real time, bird enthusiasts can check the Hummingbird Central flight map here.
