Each spring, hummingbirds begin their push north from wintering areas in Mexico and Central America, with Texas serving as one of the first major U.S. “welcome stops” on the route. Hummingbird Central’s Spring 2026 Hummingbird Sightings & Migration Map is updated as first sightings are reported, helping Texans track when hummingbirds are arriving in different parts of the state.
Because Texas spans so many climates, timing can vary by region—but the earliest spring arrivals are often seen along the Gulf Coast and southern Texas first.
Gulf Coast & South Texas: First arrivals (often males) can be seen as early as late January into mid-March, depending on local conditions.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds in Texas: Early arrivals are typically late February through mid-March in Texas and Louisiana, with later arrivals farther north.
Central & North Texas: Expect the wave to move northward as spring progresses, especially when temperatures stabilize and flowers begin blooming consistently.
Ruby-throated 
Rufous 
Black-chinned 
Anna’s 
Allen’s
Costa’s 
Calliope 
Blue-throated 
Broad-billed 
Broad-tailed
Buff-bellied 
Rivoli’s 
Other/Unknown
If you want to support early arrivals (and increase your chances of seeing the first hummingbird of the season), small steps make a big difference:
1) Put feeders out early—especially in South & Coastal Texas
Because first arrivals can begin as early as late January in parts of Texas, getting feeders up early helps migrating birds refuel when natural nectar sources may still be limited.
2) Plant (or prioritize) early-blooming nectar sources
Hummingbird Central notes hummingbirds fly by day and take advantage of nectar sources like flowers along the way—so a yard with blooms can become a reliable stop.
3) Watch the weather
Strong cold fronts moving south over the Gulf can make migration harder and delay movement north. If a front moves through, keep feeders available—birds may pause for a few extra days.