From early arrivals like blackbirds to latecomers like flycatchers, find out when your favorite fliers will pass through.
Every year, a grand parade sweeps northward across the continent. Vast numbers of individuals take part, but they aren’t marching up Main Street—they are spreading out from coast to coast, and even offshore. This famous procession is the spring migration of birds.
No matter where you are, the phenomenon lasts for months. Along the southern border it starts in January, while in the far north you might not see movement until March or even later. One thing is true everywhere: Certain birds come early in the order of migration, others much later. If you know what to expect, it’s easy to plan your birding adventures.
Of the species that famously lead the way, most spend winter in the southern states, moving north as early as possible. Red-winged blackbirds and common grackles are good examples. Tough, adaptable birds that feed on almost anything, they can survive the risk of heading into cold regions.
However, not all of these early fliers travel short distances. Purple martins spend the first part of winter in South America but start their trek early, with advance scouts reaching Florida and Texas by the middle of January. In the far West, rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds that wintered in Mexico move north up the California coast by early February.
This story is from the February/March 2019 edition of Birds & Blooms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February/March 2019 edition of Birds & Blooms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Clever Cowbirds
Learn more about these birds that are infamous for letting others raise their young
Ask the Experts
Pros offer spring plant care tips and tough IDs
Rustic diy Birdhouse
Whether you're hardcore handy or an everyonce-in-a-while crafty person, you probably have a small pile of scrap wood handy. Grab your tools and turn your extra materials into any house wren's dream nest box.
THE LATEST IN Lilacs
Learn about updated varieties of this timeless classic and how to take care of them
Meet the ORIOLES
GET TO KNOW eight TYPES SEEN THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND WHAT MAKES EACH ONE STAND OUT
CBD FOR YOUR PAIN
Everyone feels the hurt as you age, but CBD can help you deal with it
Welcome, New Blooms
Update your yard with 2024's freshest florals
Western Blues
Beckon these regional bluebirds to your yard with nest boxes and mealworms
Incredible Eggs
Fun facts about these tough yet fragile wonders
Life Well Lived
Surprising facts about bird life spans