When thinking of all the wonderful things the winter season entails, hummingbirds probably don’t come to mind. However, as it turns out, several species are still flocking to the Magnolia State and will likely remain throughout winter. It's so refreshing when springtime in Mississippi comes along. When will hummingbirds arrive in Mississippi? Take a look! We've got all the answers about winter-bound hummingbirds in Mississippi below and break out your best hummingbird feeders for them to fuel up.

Don’t pack up those hummingbird feeders just yet!

You may think of Mississippi hummingbirds, and most birds, as coming alive in the spring with warbling songs and bright feather coats that are in keeping with the season of rebirth. But there are a few that can be seen out and about during the winter season.

The most common wintering hummingbird in the eastern U.S., the rufous hummingbird typically winters in Mexico, with some stopping in Mississippi on their way.

If you're wondering when to put out hummingbird feeders in Mississippi, they usually arrive in the Magnolia State in August, with numbers really picking up in October and November. That's why you may see many more hummingbirds in your area during that time.

According to the National Audubon Society, rufous hummingbirds have been spotted in Mississippi in much higher numbers than in years past.

What’s more, researchers believe the high number of sightings means that they’re planning to ride out winter here in Mississippi. Who can blame them? We'd never want to leave this spectacular state either!

Rufous hummingbirds have been spotted in Central Mississippi, North Louisiana, and Central Alabama. The majority, though, have been sighted on the Gulf Coast.

This abrupt change in hummingbird behavior may have something to do with the changing weather patterns.

Let's dig deeper into that. Why have there been more sightings? Well, according to the National Audubon Society, there are a couple of reasons, including a warmer climate.

And thanks to hummingbird feeders and gardens, there’s plenty of food, which is another reason for the increase in sightings and the overall changes in the hummingbird migration in Mississippi. That's right! Everyday folks' desire to feed hummingbirds may have changed their entire behavior.

Rufous hummingbirds aren’t the only ones taking advantage of Mississippi’s mild winter weather though.

They may be the best known but they're joined by other breeds of hummingbirds that are taking advantage of the warm weather as well.

Small numbers of black-chinned, broad-tailed, buff-bellied, and calliope hummingbirds will flock to Mississippi.

Aren't they stunning? The coloring of these hummingbirds is completely different from other varieties.

There are a couple of things you can do to up your chances of spotting a hummingbird (or two) this winter – one of which is filling your yard with plants that are known to attract hummingbirds.

Firebush, firespike, cuphea, and salvia are just a few options. This way you get both a lush and diverse garden and (hopefully) a flock of hummingbirds to enjoy it!

Leaving up hummingbird feeders throughout winter is another way to increase the likelihood of a sighting. Like many of us, hummingbirds flock to where the food is.

Many people don’t do this because of an old wives' tale that says hummingbirds shouldn’t be fed in the colder months because they’ll stay with the food and possibly freeze. However, you can rest assured this is not true. You won’t harm any hummingbirds by leaving up your feeder in the winter. In fact, it’s actually helpful, as it allows hummingbirds to fuel up for their migration.

Are you looking forward to the return of hummingbirds in Mississippi? Did you know about the rufous hummingbird or that it winters in Mississippi? Have you seen one in the past? What about this year? We love to hear first-hand accounts from our readers. Tell us in the comments section.

If you'd like to get out and see other birds, check out these lovely springtime hikes in Mississippi.