Many people enjoy watching hummingbirds visit their yards and feeders during the warmer months. Hummingbirds are migratory birds that travel south for the winter, usually starting in late summer or early fall. This leads many people to wonder if they should continue feeding hummingbirds into the late fall and winter. There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to feed hummingbirds in the cold weather months.
Do hummingbirds stay in some areas during winter?
Most hummingbirds do migrate south to warmer climates for the winter. However, a few species such as Anna’s hummingbirds and Rufous hummingbirds may spend winters in the southernmost parts of their summer range. For example, Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast from northern California to Baja California. Rufous hummingbirds may overwinter in parts of the southern United States from California to Florida.
Other hummingbird species are more rare but can sometimes be found overwintering in areas far north of their normal range if food sources allow. This includes species like Calliope, Allen’s, and Broad-tailed hummingbirds. Backyard feeders with adequate sugar water or nectar can provide sufficient nutrition for hummingbirds to survive colder temperatures.
So while most hummingbirds do migrate south, a few species regularly overwinter in their breeding range and other vagrant species may stick around if they have a reliable food source. Providing nectar feeders could make the difference in hummingbirds surviving the winter in these areas.
When do hummingbirds migrate for the winter?
Most hummingbirds begin migrating south in late summer or early fall. The exact timing depends on the species and location.
Here are approximate migration times for common hummingbirds in the U.S.:
– Ruby-throated – August to early October, occasionally into November in the southeast U.S.
– Rufous – July to September, although some remain along the Pacific Coast
– Allen’s – Early August to late September
– Anna’s – Most stay year-round along the Pacific Coast. Some may migrate as far south as Mexico.
– Black-chinned – Mid-August to late September
– Broad-tailed – Mid-August to early September
– Calliope – Mid-July through September
Migration starts earlier in the northwestern parts of a hummingbird’s range and later in the southeastern parts. Young birds typically migrate earlier than adults. Providing nectar feeders regularly through late summer and fall ensures hummingbirds have sufficient fuel for their long journeys to the tropics. Taking down feeders after most hummingbirds have left the area prevents any stragglers from sticking around when harsh winter conditions arrive.
Do hummingbirds migrate through certain areas?
Hummingbirds do follow certain migration routes or “flyways” like many other bird species. In general, east of the Rocky Mountains, most hummingbirds take a southeastern route through Texas and along the Gulf Coast to Mexico, Central America, and South America.
In the western U.S., migration routes are more complex as hummingbirds funnel through certain low-elevation mountain passes. Major flyways include:
– Along the Pacific Coast
– Through the Rocky Mountains
– Along the spine of the Sierra Madre Oriental in Mexico
– Through lowland areas between the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental ranges in Mexico
Some hummingbirds also cross the Gulf of Mexico, making an 18-22 hour non-stop flight of up to 500 miles. Providing nectar feeders along these migration routes helps provide vital fueling stops for hummingbirds to rest and refuel during their long journeys. This is especially important in urban areas or deserts where natural food sources may be scarce.
Should I keep my hummingbird feeders up into winter?
In most regions, taking down hummingbird feeders after migration is recommended to prevent birds from lingering when flowers and insects are not readily available. However, there are exceptions for certain western and southeastern areas.
Western States
In the Pacific Northwest through the Southwest, keeping feeders up through winter provides essential food for hummingbirds that may overwinter or arrive unusually early in spring. This includes Anna’s, Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Black-chinned hummingbirds. Make sure to clean and disinfect feeders every 2-3 days during winter months to prevent mold or bacteria. Use a nectar solution with a higher sugar concentration (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) to provide more energy in the cold.
Southeastern States
In the southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida, keeping feeders up into November or even December can help fuel late-migrating Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds. Again, make sure to clean feeders diligently and use a higher sugar concentration nectar. Taking down feeders by early January is recommended as most wintering hummingbirds depart by then.
All Other Regions
In most other parts of the U.S. and Canada, take down feeders in late September or October to encourage hummingbirds to continue migration. An exception could be made for any rare vagrant species that shows up later in fall. The lack of fresh nectar and insects during winter makes it hard for hummingbirds to survive outside of their normal wintering range.
Best practices for winter hummingbird feeding
If attempting to feed hummingbirds through winter in suitable regions, follow these tips:
Use the proper sugar-to-water ratio
Increase the sugar concentration to provide more calories. A 1:4 ratio (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) is ideal for cold weather. Boil the water first and let the nectar cool before filling feeders. Refrigerate unused portions.
Clean feeders thoroughly
Clean and disinfect feeders every 2-3 days with hot water and vinegar to prevent dangerous mold and bacteria growth. Rinse well before refilling. Consider using two feeders and rotating them for easier cleaning.
Use freeze-proof feeders
Select feeders built for cold weather use with insulating layers and reservoirs that detach from the base for cleaning. Look for crack-resistant plastic. Or bring feeders inside overnight when freezing.
Provide shelter
Hummingbirds appreciate small trees or shrubs nearby where they can shelter from wind and rain. Pine trees in particular offer protection.
Supplement with insect feeders
Consider providing an insect feeder with mealworms or dried flies to mimic natural food sources. Research safe insect feeding practices first.
Stay consistent
Once you start feeding hummingbirds in winter, maintain the feeding schedule daily. Hummingbirds can become reliant on your feeders for survival. Avoid leaving town for long periods or taking down feeders prematurely.
The risks of winter hummingbird feeding
While winter hummingbird feeding can be rewarding, there are some risks and downsides to consider:
It may encourage hummingbirds to linger too long
Hummingbirds relying on feeders may delay migration to their normal wintering grounds where more food options exist. This makes them vulnerable if you abruptly stop feeding.
Harsher weather may cause starvation
Hummingbirds burn more calories in cold weather. Shortages of natural nectar and insects coupled with sudden cold snaps may lead to starvation if feeders are not adequately maintained.
Feeders may freeze overnight
Nectar can freeze in hanging feeders during sub-freezing weather if brought indoors, rendering the nectar useless. Taking down feeders overnight avoids waste.
It may attract other birds and pests
Other bird species may compete for the feeders or contaminate the nectar. Yellow jackets, bees, and ants are also problematic in winter.
Cleaning is time-consuming
Frequent cleaning and disinfecting, nectar replacement, and monitoring during winter months requires diligence. Vacationing can be difficult. Hiring help may become necessary.
Disease transmission is a concern
Close contact at crowded feeders can enable transmission of diseases between hummingbirds. Maintaining sanitary conditions minimizes this risk.
If these challenges prove too daunting, taking down feeders per standard recommendations avoids jeopardizing hummingbird health. Letting nature take its course ensures only birds suited for surviving the local conditions persist through winter.
Frequently asked questions about winter hummingbird feeding
What are the most common hummingbirds that overwinter in different regions?
| Region | Most common overwintering hummingbird species |
| Pacific Northwest | Anna’s, Rufous |
| Southwest Desert | Anna’s, Costa’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed |
| Southern California | Anna’s |
| Southeastern U.S. | Rufous, occasional Ruby-throated or Buff-bellied |
| Southern Texas | Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, Ruby-throated |
What months should I have winter feeders up?
On the Pacific Coast, maintain feeders from November through February. In the Southwest and Southern Plains, December through March is ideal. In the Southeast, feeders can be kept until November and resumed in mid-February. Have feeders ready by early March for northbound migrants.
What nectar mix is best in winter?
Use a 1:4 solution of white refined sugar and water for winter. Do not use organic, raw, or “natural” sugars as these contain less energy and may ferment faster. Avoid honey or artificial sweeteners. Boil water first to maximize sugar dissolving.
Should I provide any shelter for wintering hummingbirds?
Small trees, shrubs, and branches provide perches for hummingbirds to get out of the wind. Avoid directly heating the area near feeders as this can promote bacterial growth. Providing cover is safer than heating.
How often should I clean winter feeders?
Disassemble and thoroughly clean feeders with hot water every 2-3 days. Soak removable parts in a 10% non-scented bleach solution for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria. Rinse thoroughly before refilling. Replace nectar every 3-5 days if not consumed sooner.
What kind of feeders work best in winter?
Double-layered glass and plastic feeders help prevent freezing. Models with detachable bases make cleaning easier. Have at least two feeders to rotate cleaning and refilling duties. Select durable, leak-proof feeders designed for cold weather.
Conclusion
Winter hummingbird feeding requires commitment but provides essential energy for birds eking out a living in cold climates. With careful planning and consistent maintenance, enjoying hummingbirds through the winter months is feasible for some regions. But be prepared to invest significant effort maintaining clean feeders, fresh nectar, and monitoring bird health. Discontinue feeding if challenges arise beyond your capacity to manage. Allowing natural migration and survival ensures only hardy birds make it through until spring.
