ARKANSAS, USA — Hummingbird season is here and experts are asking for help in tracking them by submitting sightings online.
Hummingbirds are easy to recognize as they tend to fly low and hover over flowers with their wings flapping extraordinarily fast. Experts say they can flap their wings at about 15 to 80 times per second.
According to Hummingbird Central, these birds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico before migrating to the U.S. around February. However, hummingbirds that live in places like California, parts of Mexico and some south Atlantic ocean areas, do not migrate, experts say.
Officials say hummingbirds first migrate to the southern part of U.S. and will continue north in the late spring. Research shows that hummingbirds "can travel as much as 23 miles in one day." According to experts, a hummingbirds average speed can range from 20-30 mph, and "up to three times that fast during courtship dives."
Hummingbird Central says "to support this high energy level, a hummingbird will typically gain 25-40% of their body weight before they start migration."
Hummingbirds are also good at using tail winds travel faster while using less of their energy.
Hummingbird Central tracks these birds in the U.S. by the submissions of viewers. If you see a hummingbird and would like to contribute to the migration map, click here.
Scroll down to see hummingbird sightings for this year in Arkansas and feel free to text us any photos at 479-785-5000.
Migration Map
Arkansas Sightings
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