Hummingbirds are a fan favorite among birdwatchers, and for good reason — they’re playful, energetic and tiny (which makes them even cuter). While plenty of gardeners actually tailor their flower choices to attract hummingbirds, it’s helpful to know when exactly these vibrant creatures will make their way towards your geographic area so you can catch a glimpse.
Typically, hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico before migrating north to the United States. Using sighting reports from their viewers throughout the migration season, Hummingbird Central has created an interactive map that details their current location.
Check in daily to keep track of hummingbirds in your region, and once they’re nearby, try a few easy hacks to attract them, whether it’s incorporating a bird bath or hanging a sugar-water feeder in the yard.
If you’re a birdwatching expert, the site even tracks sightings of different species of hummingbirds so you know exactly which type to look out for. From ruby-throated to black-chinned hummingbirds, the map has a colored icon for each type. Just use the key to identify which birds are in your area.
When you finally spot a hummingbird, you can submit your sighting to Hummingbird Central, contributing to the accuracy of the map.
At the end of the 2024 migration season, the site released a video detailing the migration journey for the year. Although it’s based on last year’s sightings, the animation provides a helpful visualization of where hummingbirds might be in future weeks or months in the 2025 season so you know when to expect these spring visitors.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
