Male hummingbirds migrate before females for several reasons, primarily related to territory establishment and reproductive success.
Territorial Advantage: Males tend to migrate first, usually about a week ahead of females, to secure the best territories upon their arrival.
The most successful males are those that claim prime feeding grounds early, which enhances their chances of attracting females later in the season
Food Availability: By arriving first, males can access food sources that will be more abundant by the time females arrive.
This strategy ensures that they can maintain their energy levels and be in optimal condition to court females.
Reproductive Strategy: Since males do not participate in raising the young, they can afford to leave earlier.
This allows them to focus on establishing their territory and attracting mates, while females conserve energy for the demands of nesting and raising offspring.