As fall approaches and hummingbirds begin migrating south, many homeowners wonder if they should take down their hummingbird feeders. Here are some quick answers to common questions about keeping hummingbird feeders up into fall and winter:
Should I take my hummingbird feeder down in the fall?
In most areas, it’s best to leave hummingbird feeders up through late fall. Hummingbirds migrate at different times depending on their species and location. Leaving feeders up through October gives stragglers a reliable food source before their long journey south.
What about cleaning the feeder – how often should that be done in the fall?
Keeping feeders clean is always important, but especially in fall when more hummingbirds congregate at each feeder. Dirty nectar can make the birds sick. In fall, clean feeders every 2-3 days. Use a mild soap and water solution, scrubbing away any black mold or cloudy buildup in the feeder. Rinse thoroughly before refilling.
When do hummingbirds leave for winter migration?
Most hummingbirds migrate south between August and November, depending on the species and its breeding grounds. Here are typical migration times:
| Species | Migration Period |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | August – November |
| Rufous | July – October |
| Allen’s | August – December |
| Annas’s | August – December |
As you can see, migration peaks in August-September for most hummingbirds, but some species are still traveling south through November.
What signs point to hummingbirds leaving my area?
Here are some clues hummingbirds have migrated from your region:
- You haven’t seen one at your feeder for over a week
- Nights are getting cold – below 50°F
- Very few flowers are still in bloom
- You start spotting birds migrating south in the sky
One of the best indicators is an extended period without any activity at your feeders, even after restocking fresh nectar. However, remember that migration happens gradually over months, not all at once.
Do any hummingbirds stay through winter?
Most hummingbirds migrate, but a few species are year-round residents in parts of the southwestern U.S. These include:
- Anna’s hummingbird
- Allen’s hummingbird
- Rufous hummingbird
- Costa’s hummingbird
- Calliope hummingbird
If you live in an area with winter-resident hummers, keep feeders up year round. Place them near shelter, and switch to a sugar-water only mix once flowering plants are gone.
Should I take down my hummingbird feeder at night?
There’s no need to take down hummingbird feeders at night. Hummingbirds feed mostly in daylight, but some may snack at dusk or dawn. Leaving feeders up 24/7 gives them a reliable food source.
However, in very cold climates it can help to take feeders down overnight in winter. The sugar water could freeze and crack the reservoir. In this case, just bring feeders in at night and put them out again in the morning.
What maintenance should I do before storing my hummingbird feeder?
Before storing your hummingbird feeder for the winter, be sure to:
- Take apart and clean all components with soap and water
- Rinse thoroughly and let air dry completely before storage
- Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the feeding ports
- Store in a dry, room temperature spot
Proper cleaning and storage will help deter mold and bacterial growth, protecting your feeders for the next hummingbird season.
What should I do if a hummingbird is late migrating?
It’s common for a few straggler hummingbirds to show up weeks after most have migrated. If you spot a late hummingbird visiting your feeder in November or December, here are some tips:
- Keep feeders cleaned and filled until consistent freezing temps arrive
- Provide shelter such as trees or shrubs so it can get out of the cold
- Put up a hummingbird nesting material such as feathers or cotton so it can line its roost
With some extra care, you can help a late hummingbird survive until it migrates safely. Just don’t let it linger so long it can no longer make the journey.
Can I leave hummingbird feeders up through light freezes?
It’s fine to keep hummingbird feeders up even if you have light freezes at night, as long as the temperature rises above freezing during the day. The nectar will thaw enough for the birds to feed. However, bring feeders in if you get an extended freeze of 24 hours or longer.
Will hummingbirds starve without my feeders?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from wildflower nectar and insects during warmer months. A feeder supplements their natural food sources. While they appreciate feeders, hummingbirds will not starve without them, even during migration. The only exception would be late migrating stragglers who need the extra fuel.
What should I do if I find an injured hummingbird?
If you find a hummingbird that is unable to fly or perch properly, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Do not attempt to care for an injured hummingbird yourself. Only a licensed rehabilitator has the proper training and resources to nurse a hummingbird back to health for release.
While waiting for help, you can place the hummingbird in a ventilated box lined with soft cloth in a warm, quiet space. Do not try to feed it. Hummingbirds stress very easily so keep noise and activity around it to a minimum.
Where do the hummingbirds that visit my feeder migrate to?
Hummingbirds that summer in the United States and Canada migrate south to Mexico, Central America, and sometimes as far as Venezuela for the winter. Here are the general migration destinations for common feeder species:
| Species | Winter Migration Destination |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | Mexico, Central America |
| Rufous | Mexico |
| Allen’s | Mexico |
| Broad-tailed | Mexico |
The exact wintering region depends on the breeding range. Tracking data shows most hummingbirds migrate south on the same routes each year to their traditional winter grounds.
How long does hummingbird migration take?
For most small hummingbird species, migration takes roughly 7-10 days in spring and fall as they travel between their breeding and wintering grounds. However, factors including weather, food availability, and crossing large geographical features like the Gulf of Mexico can extend their journey.
Here are estimated migration times for a one-way trip:
- Ruby-throated: 7-14 days
- Rufous: 10-14 days
- Allen’s: 10-18 days
- Broad-tailed: 7-12 days
With frequent stops to rest and refuel, hummingbirds cover an astonishing distance in a short time period on their biannual round-trip migrations.
How can I identify hummingbirds at my feeder?
Here are some tips for identifying hummingbird species:
- Look at size and shape – Notice key features like tail length, bill shape, body size.
- Watch behavior – Some species are more territorial or aggressive.
- Identify unique plumage – Color patterns, iridescent feathers, obvious male/female differences.
- Learn their sound – Many hummingbirds make a distinct call.
- Note native range – Whether a species is expected in your geographic area.
Using field guides and online hummingbird identification resources can help you match visual and behavioral clues to identify your visitors.
Conclusion
Caring for hummingbirds through fall migration does require extra attention to cleanliness, weather and food supply. But with some simple maintenance to your feeders, you can help ensure hummingbirds have the energy they need before their long journey south. Taking down feeders is advisable once consistent freezing temperatures arrive or you are no longer seeing any activity. This helps prevent birds from delaying migration too long. Otherwise, keeping feeders up into late fall provides vital fuel for migrating hummingbirds to rest and refuel along their impressive migration route.
