Hummingbird migration heading to New York: See where they are with interactive map

Hartriono B. Sastrowardoyo, Rockland/Westchester Journal News
Updated ·3 min read

The great North American eclipse is behind us, flowers in the northern states are starting to bloom and all the signs of spring are here. That means hummingbirds are on the move.

Known for their long, nectar-sipping beaks and ultra-fast wing flutters, hummingbirds are only found in the Americas.

Many hummingbird species migrate north in late winter and spring after spending the cold winters in Central America or Mexico. According to the American Bird Conservancy, some hummingbirds travel up to 5,000 miles every year.

When will hummingbirds arrive to New York?

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the dominant species in New York. They usually appear in late April or early May.

However, owing to the warmer weather among other factors, they could fly here earlier. In 2023, a spotter noted the species was sighted in Chappaqua on April 20, "seven days earlier than last year."

Some people are reporting early arrival dates this spring as well, the Hummingbird Central staff said in an email. As of April 11, and according to Hummingbird Central's interactive map, the ruby-throated hummingbird was sighted near King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, as well as near Pine Beach, New Jersey. Citizen spotters report the sightings.

It is possible that at this time, sightings will be occurring in Westchester County, "no guarantee, just an educated guess," Hummingbird Central staff added.

According to bird sighting data from Project FeederWatch, a joint effort of The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, as of April 14 hummingbirds have already arrived in New York in these counties:

  • Westchester County - 1 sighted

  • Orange County - 3 sighted

  • Dutchess County - 2 sighted

  • Sullivan County - 4 sighted

  • Greene County - 1 sighted

  • Columbia County - 1 sighted

  • Chautauqua County - 1 sighted

  • Saratoga County - 1 sighted

  • Delaware County - 2 sighted

  • Nassau County - 4 sighted

  • Suffolk County - 19 sighted

Also in New York

The Bird Advisors website states the ruby-throated hummingbird is one of five species spotted in New York. Of the others, three are considered to be rare or accidental, another as near-threatened.

The calliope hummingbird is considered an accidental species, as are Anna's and broad-billed hummingbirds. A calliope hummingbird, whose normal range is the Pacific Coast of North America, was last spotted in Long Island in November 2022, while an Anna's hummingbird was last seen in New York in 2017.

The broad-billed hummingbird is considered extremely rare and was last spotted in 2006 in Owego. They mostly reside all year in central Mexico and the Pacific coast of Mexico with some migrating into southern Arizona and New Mexico.

The Anna's hummingbird is considered an accidental species since they are most common along the Pacific Coast and also do not migrate.

The rufous hummingbird is the near-threatened species, its numbers declined by around 60% since the 1970s, and is rarely spotted in New York. However, they were last seen in Baldwinsville in 2021.

Tips for feeding hummingbirds

According to the National Audubon Society, native, flowering plants are the best food source for hummingbirds. But you can help it along its migration journey with a simple feeder.

Mix refined, white sugar and water in a 1:4 ratio, boil it and cool it, and put it out for the birds in feeder. Don't use any food coloring or sweetening agents, as it could harm the birds, the Audubon says.

The Audubon also recommends the following for feeding hummingbirds:

  • Empty and clean the filter once a week in cold weather, twice a week in hot weather.

  • Put the feeder out about a week before the birds usually arrive in your area.

  • Avoid using pesticides or dish detergent.

If you're not having any luck seeing hummingbirds at your feeder, the Audubon Society suggests hanging it nearby red or orange tubular flower plants, which they are naturally attracted to.

Previous Gannett stories were used in this report.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 2024 New York hummingbird spring migration: Interactive map, feeding tips