Many hummingbird enthusiasts want to continue feeding hummingbirds as late into the fall and early winter as possible. However, knowing when to stop feeding hummingbirds can be tricky. Hummingbirds are migratory birds that travel south for the winter, and if feeders are left out too late in the year it can disrupt their natural migration patterns. This article will discuss factors like weather and food availability to help determine how late into the year it is safe to have hummingbird feeders up.
When do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate south in the fall to warmer climates where they can find food. Here are some key facts about hummingbird migration:
- Most hummingbirds in the United States and Canada migrate in August or September.
- Some hardy species like Anna’s Hummingbird may overwinter in the southernmost U.S. states.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds travel all the way to Mexico, Central America or southern Florida for the winter.
- Rufous Hummingbirds migrate down the Pacific Coast to Mexico.
- Migration times can vary by species and local climate. Hummingbirds generally leave an area when food becomes scarce.
Knowing your local hummingbirds’ migration patterns will help determine when they need supplemental feeding.
When do hummingbirds stop coming to feeders?
Hummingbirds will stop coming to feeders when natural food sources become scarce in your area, signaling it’s time to migrate. Here are guidelines for when hummingbirds typically stop using feeders in different regions:
Northeast U.S. and Canada:
- Hummingbirds generally stop using feeders by early-to-mid October.
Midwest U.S.:
- Hummingbird feeder activity declines between mid-September and early October.
Western U.S:
- In the Pacific Northwest, most hummingbirds stop using feeders by late September.
- In the Southwest, Anna’s and other species may visit feeders into November or even December.
Southern U.S:
- In the South, some ruby-throats and residents may visit feeders into October or November.
These timeframes are general guidelines – activity at your specific feeders will depend on your location and weather conditions for that year.
What affects the timing of hummingbird migration and feeder activity?
Multiple factors influence when hummingbirds will leave your area each fall:
Weather:
- Cold snaps and frost trigger hummingbirds to migrate.
- If temperatures remain warm and flowers are still blooming, hummingbirds may linger longer.
Food availability:
- Hummingbirds start migrating when flower nectar and insect populations decline.
- Feeders provide an artificial food source allowing some birds to stay later than normal.
Day length:
- Shortening days may trigger hormonal changes initiating migration.
Paying attention to weather and food supply in your area will help signal when natural food sources are running out and hummingbirds will leave.
Dangers of leaving feeders up too late
Leaving hummingbird feeders up past the normal migration period in your area poses a few risks including:
- Delaying migration exposing hummingbirds to cold weather.
- Increased competition at feeders preventing birds from storing energy for migration.
- Feeders not properly cleaned leading to spread of diseases.
Use the timeframes earlier in this article to determine when your feeders should come down. It’s better to take feeders down a little early than disrupt hummingbird migration and health. Consider leaving your feeders up through the first hard frost then taking them down within a week after.
Should you put hummingbird feeders back up in late fall or winter?
In most regions, remnant hummingbird feeders in winter do more harm than good:
- Returning hummingbirds may get trapped by bad weather.
- Feeders can attract other species like orioles out of their normal migration timing.
- Sugar water won’t provide adequate nutrition for migration.
- Dirty feeders spread disease.
However, some southern regions can sustain hummingbird populations through winter. In southern Texas, Arizona, Louisiana and California, leaving feeders up through winter may help sustain resident populations or early returning migrants. Use your best judgment based on your local climate and wildlife patterns.
What to do if late-lingering hummingbirds show up
If a lost hummer shows up late after feeders are removed, the best option is usually to capture it and transport it to a wildlife rehabilitator. Try these steps:
- Set the feeder back up for a day or two so the bird doesn’t starve.
- Call local wildlife authorities for advice on trapping and transporting the bird.
- Use a specialized hummingbird trap to capture it.
- Keep the bird somewhere warm and dark until it can be transported to a rehab facility.
- Do not try to keep the hummingbird over winter – rehabilitation and release is the bird’s best chance.
With proper timing taking feeders down, late migrants should be rare. But be prepared in case a confused hummer shows up on your empty feeder.
Conclusion
Determining when to stop feeding hummingbirds is based on typical migration times in your region, plus factors like weather and food availability that influence timing each year. While leaving feeders up as long as possible seems inviting, curtailing feeders in early fall encourages hummingbirds to follow their natural migration patterns and prevents health risks. Use the guidelines provided to determine the best time to take down feeders in your area. With some attention and care, you can provide healthy supplemental feeding through the migration season without disrupting hummingbird behavior.
