Do hummingbirds stay around in the fall?
Yes, many hummingbird species do stick around well into the fall months. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, one of the most common backyard hummingbirds in North America, typically starts migrating south in August. However, some Ruby-throats continue to be spotted at nectar feeders into October or even November depending on the geographic location. Other species like Rufous Hummingbirds and Anna’s Hummingbirds are known for spending the entire winter in some parts of their range. So it is certainly possible to continue seeing hummers visit your yard in the fall, especially if you live in more southern areas. The key is providing them with a continuous nectar source as the flowers they depend on start to fade.
What flowers attract hummingbirds in fall?
There are several good options for flowers that will attract hummingbirds in the fall:
| Flower | Bloom Time |
| Salvia | Summer to Fall |
| Cannas | Summer to Fall |
| Impatiens | Summer to Fall |
| Fuchsia | Summer to Fall |
| Petunias | Summer to Fall |
| Begonias | Spring to Fall |
| Zinnias | Summer to Fall |
| Snapdragons | Spring to Fall |
| Lantana | Spring to Fall |
| Verbena | Spring to Fall |
| Nicotiana | Spring to Fall |
| Geranium | Spring to Fall |
| Nasturtium | Summer to Fall |
| Pentas | Summer to Fall |
These flowers will provide a continuous nectar source for hummingbirds through the fall months. Prioritize late summertime bloomers that last well into autumn. Fuchsia, impatiens and begonias are excellent choices. Also make sure to deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flower production.
Should you leave hummingbird feeders up in fall?
Yes, leaving up hummingbird feeders into fall is one of the best ways to attract hummingbirds in autumn. As natural nectar sources start to decline, hummingbirds will rely more heavily on feeders to fuel up. Use a high quality nectar mix of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use any artificial sweeteners, honey, or added red dye, which can be harmful to hummers. Clean and refresh feeders every 2-3 days to prevent mold and bacteria. Place feeders in both sunny and shaded spots so hummers have access throughout the day. Hang multiple feeders around your yard to accommodate more birds. Keep feeders up through early winter or until you stop seeing hummingbird activity for 7-10 days. Migrating and wintering hummers will appreciate the dependable nectar source.
What is the best feeder for attracting hummingbirds in fall?
Good feeder options to attract fall hummingbirds include:
- Tube style feeders
- Saucer or dish style feeders
- Tiered or multi-feeding port feeders
- Feeders with perches
- Feeders with ant moats to keep ants out
- Feeders made of durable glass or plastic
Look for feeders that hold plenty of nectar, are easy to clean and fill, and have bee guards to keep away bees. Tube feeders and tiered feeders allow multiple birds to feed at once. Dish feeders are great for ground feeding birds. Perches give hummingbirds a place to rest. Ant moats help deter ants. Get a mix of feeder styles and spread them around the yard to create a hummingbird haven.
Where should you hang hummingbird feeders in the fall?
Key tips for where to place hummingbird feeders in fall:
- Hang feeders in both sun and shade so hummingbirds have feeding spots all day.
- Put feeders near fall-blooming flowers to supplement nectar sources.
- Place feeders near protected areas like trees, awning covers, or shrubs.
- Position feeders at a good height for easy hummingbird access.
- Distribute multiple feeders around different parts of the yard.
- Hang a feeder specifically in the backyard or garden area.
- Install feeder hooks and poles to provide more feeding locations.
Hummingbirds will seek out feeders in areas with available perches and shelter. Make sure they have open flight paths so they can easily access the nectar. Locate feeders in spots that provide safety from predators.
What is the best nectar mix for fall hummingbirds?
The optimal homemade nectar recipe to fill hummingbird feeders in fall is:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
Do not use any artificial sweeteners, brown or raw sugars, honey, or unnecessary additions. Plain white table sugar provides the closest match to natural flower nectar. Mix up a fresh batch of nectar every 2-3 days when temperatures are warm to prevent spoilage. Store unused nectar in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Making your own nectar is cheaper than buying commercial mixes and gives you control over the quality.
Should you add red dye to the nectar?
It is not recommended to add red dye to homemade nectar. Here’s why:
- Hummingbirds are attracted by the sugar content, not color.
- Dyes and food coloring do not provide any nutritional benefit.
- The dyes may be unhealthy if consumed in large amounts.
- Red-dyed liquid sometimes attracts bees and wasps.
- Food coloring can encourage bacterial growth in the nectar.
- Artificial dyes are unnecessary and may be harmful.
Plain white sugar water is perfectly fine for hummingbirds. Focus instead on keeping feeders clean, well-filled, and appropriately located to bring in hummers. Avoid any potentially toxic additives.
Do hummingbirds migrate through certain areas in fall?
When migrating south in fall, hummingbirds tend to follow natural nectar corridors that provide the fueling stops they need. Here are some of the major fall migration routes:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds follow the Eastern Seaboard.
- Rufous hummingbirds migrate down the West Coast.
- Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds go along the Pacific Coast and Southwest.
- Costa’s hummingbirds migrate through the Southwest deserts.
- Broad-tailed hummingbirds travel across the Rocky Mountains.
These migration pathways bring waves of hummingbirds through predictable areas each fall as they move to their winter grounds. Homeowners along these corridors can expect more hummingbird activity and should provide nectar sources.
What is the best time of day to see hummingbirds in fall?
The most active visiting times at feeders are:
- Early morning – Hummingbirds will refuel after nighttime fasting.
- Mid-morning – For another burst of feeding.
- Late afternoon – Fooding up again before night.
Make sure your feeders are stocked first thing in the morning when hummers are very hungry. Have feeders in both sun and shade so food is available all day. Hummingbird activity decreases in the heat of mid-day and picks up again in the late afternoon when temperatures cool. Evening feeding is less common but you may spot occasional visits before dark.
Do hummingbirds stick around all winter?
Most hummingbirds will migrate away from northern areas that experience freezing winter temperatures and snow. However, some species are able to tough out the winter in certain warmer regions, especially along the Pacific Coast and Gulf Coast. Here are a few that sometimes overwinter in their breeding zones:
- Anna’s hummingbird – Pacific Coast from Baja to British Columbia.
- Allen’s hummingbird – California Coast.
- Rufous hummingbird – Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Florida.
- Calliope hummingbird – Southern Arizona and New Mexico.
- Broad-tailed hummingbird – Mexico and Gulf Coast.
- Buff-bellied hummingbird – Texas and Louisiana Coast.
Providing feeders and flowers through winter will increase your odds of spotting these hardy hummingbirds that call the south or coast home year-round.
Conclusion
With a little extra effort, you can absolutely attract hummingbirds to your yard in the fall months by providing a continuous supplemental food source as blossoms fade. Choose fall-blooming flowers, keep feeders cleaned and filled, and locate them strategically around your garden and landscaping. Pay attention to the migration pathways and overwintering ranges of species in your region. Be on the lookout for hummingbird activity from midsummer right up until cold weather sets in. With the right habitat, you’ll be rewarded with up close views of these energetic pollinators.
