ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — As summer fades in the mountains, hummingbirds begin their great journey south.
The most common species of hummingbird in the eastern United States is the ruby-throated hummingbird.
In Asheville, these birds are frequently spotted from late August into September, with some lingering into October.
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When migrating south to Central America for a warmer home, male hummingbirds typically leave first, followed by females, then the young.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, shorter days, not feeders, trigger their journey. Keeping feeders filled can help build the birds’ fuel.
It is recommended to leave your feeder up for about two weeks after you see your final bird, to feed any late migrators.