24 July 2025
If you’re missing hummingbirds at your feeders this year don’t despair. The best eight weeks for ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) abundance in Pittsburgh has just begun. Juvenile hummingbirds are fledging and migrants will arrive soon to swell the population.
Each brood of ruby-throated hummingbird babies consumes about 9-10 weeks of the female’s time. Beginning with her arrival in Pittsburgh in late April she engages in …
- Nest building for 6-10 days
- Egg laying: 2 eggs laid 1-3 days apart
- Incubation for 12-14 days
- Hatching: Asynchronous. One of the nestlings is oldest.
- Nestling phase for 18-22 days until each one fledges.
- Fledglings fed by mother: 4-7 days
Egg dates in Pennsylvania range from 9 May to 28 August. There’s enough time to raise two broods.
By late July the first broods are on their own and visiting your feeders. The presence of these juveniles nearly doubles the local population.
Late next week the first migrating hummingbirds will arrive and further increase the population. You can see them ebb and flow in this animation from eBird Status and Trends.
The Best 8 Weeks has begun! Watch them this summer. They’ll all be gone by the end of September.
Very welcome info! Tks!
I have noticed more activity at my feeders the last few days. This explains it. Thanks, Kate!
Since I wasn’t getting any action at my old feeder decided to buy a new one. Have seen a male and a female come and feed. I like to sit out on the deck and watch them come and listen to their wings hum. What a sight!!
Thanks for the great info! I have [not] seen my male hummer this year. I have two females, that’s what they appear to be unless they’re immature males. I plant flowers to attract and keep my feeders clean and filled fresh.
I meant to say I have not seen my male hummer this year!?