Date: 11/9/25 8:44 am From: Susan Campbell <susan...> Subject: Winter Hummingbirds in the Carolinas
All—
It is now Winter Hummingbird Season across NC. Yes— we can have hummers here in the cooler months! In all but our northwestern counties, a hummer or two may be present all season.
For those along the coast (who can smell saltwater), you are likely to be hosting Ruby- throated. But inland of the Sounds, a hummer is more likely to be a Westerner at this point. Rufous is the most likely but NOT the only possibility. And identification at this time of the year can be very tricky since most hummingbirds are not adult males in distinctive plumage.
We have already had a couple Rufous confirmed as well as a Black-chinned and the state’s fifth Broad-billed Hummingbird. Also, there are or have been several Rufous/Allen’s documented. These hummers may stay just a few days or weeks— or may remain on site until Spring.
If you still are seeing a hummer now or have one turn up in the coming weeks: please let me know (<susan...>) right away! As part of our research here in NC, we maintain a database that includes all of the winter hummers we hear about. This is just as valuable (if not more so) than the banding we do.
Be aware that a hummingbird may not find your late blooming flowers or feeder until after this frost that is coming— or maybe not until a good freeze. So, maintain a feeder hung in a spot where it is easy to see- especially early in the morning- if you want a shot at hosting one of these hardy gems during the next several months…..I it is now Winter Hummingbird Season across NC. Yes— we can have hummers here in the cooler months! In all but our northwestern counties, a hummer or two may be present all season.
For those along the coast (who can smell saltwater), you are likely to be hosting Ruby- throated. But inland of the Sounds, a hummer is more likely to be a Westerner at this point. Rufous is the most likely but NOT the only possibility. And identification at this time of the year can be very tricky since most hummingbirds are not adult males in distinctive plumage.
We have already had a couple Rufous confirmed as well as a Black-chinned and the state’s fifth Broad-billed Hummingbird. Additionally, there are or have been several Rufous/Allen’s documented. These hummers may stay just a few days or weeks— or may remain on site until Spring.
If you still are seeing a hummer now or have one turn up in the coming weeks: please let me know (<susan...>) right away! As part of our research here in NC, we maintain a database that includes all of the winter hummers we hear about. This is just as valuable (if not more so) than the banding we do.
Be aware that a hummingbird may not find your late blooming flowers or feeder until frost— or maybe not until a good freeze. So, maintain a feeder hung in a spot where it is easy to see- especially early in the morning- if you want a shot at hosting one of these hardy gems during the next several months…..
Hope to hear from at least a few of you in the weeks ahead!
Susan Campbell
Co-founder and Science Director
Cape Fear Bird Observatory
