Where do hummingbirds go in the winter

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and familiar hummingbird in eastern North America and is considered a medium- to long-distance migrant. It winters in Central America and returns in spring to the eastern half of the United States, with some individuals continuing north to breed as far as Canada. During migration between its wintering grounds in Central America, this species may either cross the Gulf of Mexico directly or follow the coastline; its preferred routes may differ between spring and fall migrations.

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is one of the most widespread and adaptable hummingbirds in western North America. It breeds in western Canada and the western United States and winters in Mexico, making it another medium- to long-distance migrant. After the breeding season, many adults move to higher-elevation mountain habitats to take advantage of late-season blooms before heading south. This species follows a consistent migratory pattern, arriving at breeding grounds in spring and departing in fall. Nearly the entire population winters in Mexico, though some individuals may stray eastward during fall migration and occasionally winter near the Gulf Coast.

The Rufous Hummingbird has an exceptionally wide range and breeds farther north than any other hummingbird species. Known for its long-distance migration of nearly 4,000 miles, the Rufous can be seen in California during spring, in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska in summer, and along the Rocky Mountains in the fall.

Allen's Hummingbird is a migratory species that spends its summers along the Pacific Coast of the United States, from Oregon to Southern California. During southward migration, males leave the breeding grounds first while females remain to care for the young. The females then depart, and finally, the young birds set off on their journey as well. Compared to most migratory birds in North America, Allen's Hummingbird begins its seasonal movements earlier. Northbound individuals may start migrating as early as December, arriving at their breeding grounds by January. Adult males may begin heading south by mid-May, reaching their non‑breeding areas as early as August.

Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in North America and the smallest known long‑distance migratory bird. It completes two migrations each year, covering a total distance of about 5,600 miles. Adult birds migrate earlier than the young of the year, meaning that juvenile Calliope Hummingbirds undertake their very first migration entirely on their own, without guidance from their parents.

A rare and distinctive hummingbird of the southwestern United States. Across most of its range, little is known about its population size or migration patterns.

Based on available records, the Lucifer Hummingbird is considered a short‑distance migrant. It breeds primarily in arid highlands and mountain slopes of central and northern Mexico, with only a small number of individuals entering the United States to breed in western Texas, southwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Arizona. 

The largest hummingbird species nesting in the United States, and the biggest hummingbird found north of Mexico, the Blue‑throated Mountain‑gem can weigh up to 10 grams, over three times the weight of a typical Ruby‑throated Hummingbird. It is rarely observed in the U.S. and considered a short‑distance migrant. It prefers edges of pine‑oak forests in the highlands of Mexico, and the shaded understories of streamside deciduous woodlands within the “Sky Islands” mountain ranges of the southwestern United States.

As the second‑largest hummingbird in North America, Rivoli’s Hummingbird breeds in scattered mountain areas of the southwestern United States and spends the winter mostly in Mexico and Central America. While its migration patterns are not well understood, those that do migrate are thought to travel only relatively short distances to find appropriate nesting sites. 

The Broad-billed Hummingbird ranges from the southwestern United States into Mexico. Throughout most of its distribution, it is a year‑round resident, but populations from the northernmost areas migrate south in the fall. While most breeding populations in Mexico are resident, northern groups move south in winter to join the resident populations within Mexico’s borders.

Little is known about the biology of this hummingbird. In the United States and northern Mexico, it is considered a migratory species; however, recent records suggest that some individuals are capable of overwintering in Arizona.

With a range stretching from Mexico to Central America, the White‑eared Hummingbird is generally a permanent resident across most of its distribution. In the United States, it is an uncommon visitor to the Southwest and occasionally breeds there. It occurs north of the Mexican border mainly in summer, though there have been a few winter records at feeders in Arizona. 

Its migratory behavior varies geographically and is still not fully understood. Available records suggest that many individuals that nest in desert areas in spring migrate toward the coast for other seasons. However, in locations where flowers are available year‑round, Costa's Hummingbirds may remain throughout the year.

This is likely the least‑studied hummingbird that occurs regularly in the United States, due both to its limited range in the U.S. and a lack of historical data. In southern Texas, it is more commonly seen in summer, though some individuals remain year‑round. A small number move northward along the coast in fall and may winter as far north as the Texas coast or Louisiana.