Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers everywhere. Their lightning-fast wings beat up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in midair and change direction instantly. Watching them buzz around your yard dipping their long bills into nectar feeders is a delight.
But it may take them a little while to discover your new hummingbird feeder at first. So how long does it typically take for hummingbirds to find a new feeder and start drinking from it? Here is a look at what to expect.
Hummingbirds Have Excellent Vision
Hummingbirds have incredibly sharp vision. Their eyes are specially adapted to see colors that are attractive to them, like bright red, orange and pink. This helps them spot flower blossoms from a distance.
So your brightly colored hummingbird feeder will stand out. As soon as a hummingbird flies within eyesight of your yard, it will see the feeder. Of course, the bird has to associate this new object with the possibility of getting food. But it likely won’t take long for a hummingbird to investigate an intriguing, sugar-water filled feeder.
It May Take a Few Days for Initial Discovery
Even though hummingbirds can spot a new feeder right away, you may need to wait a bit for the first customer. Here are some timeframes for when hummingbirds may first visit a new feeder:
- Within the first day – There’s a chance a curious hummingbird will discover the feeder on the very first day. This may happen if you hang the feeder in a high traffic area where hummers regularly fly through.
- 2-4 days – For many people, hummingbirds find the new feeder and start drinking within 2 to 4 days of it being up.
- 1-2 weeks – Don’t be discouraged if a week goes by and no hummingbirds have come. Sometimes it takes up to 2 weeks for them to find it and sample the nectar.
The most important factor is correctly preparing the sugar water in the feeder. Use a ratio of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Don’t add red food coloring or honey, both of which can be harmful. The sugar water should be changed out every few days to prevent it from spoiling in hot weather.
More Birds Will Come After the Initial Discovery
The first hummingbird at your feeder will likely guard it for a while. But word will spread! Here is how the bird traffic may progress:
- The first week – You may get just a single bird defending the feeder.
- 2nd week – Several hummingbirds may start fighting for their turns.
- 3rd week – You’ll likely see a regular stream of hummers throughout the day.
- 4th week and beyond – The feeder will be very active with birds coming and going.
So while you may need to be patient those first couple of weeks, give it a month and your feeder will be the hot spot for hummers in your neighborhood.
Tips to Attract Hummingbirds Faster
Here are some tips to speed up the hummingbird discovery process when you put up a new feeder:
- Choose a brightly colored feeder – Red, orange, and yellow catch their eye.
- Hang it in a visible spot – Near flowers, trees, and bird baths hummingbirds frequent.
- Put up more than one feeder – Spread some in the front yard and back to increase odds of discovery.
- Add flowering plants – Hummingbirds seek nectar, so lure them with natural flowers too.
- Be patient – It may take a couple weeks, but hang in there!
Best Locations for Hummingbird Feeders
You can improve your chances by installing new hummingbird feeders in strategic locations around your yard. Here are some of the top spots to hang them:
- From tree branches – Hang it on a sturdy tree limb about 5-10 feet off the ground.
- On a post – Mount the feeder on top of a fence post or shepherds hook near gardens.
- By flowering plants – Place it near bushes and flowers hummers are already visiting.
- Near a bird bath – Hummingbirds need water and will notice the feeder.
- Close to windows – You can observe them from inside your home this way.
- In a high traffic area – Hang it where hummers frequently fly through.
When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders
Timing is also important. Here is when you should put up hummingbird feeders based on your location:
| Region | When to Put Out Feeders |
|---|---|
| Southern states | February or March |
| Midwest states | Mid-April |
| Northern states | Early May |
| West Coast | Late April/Early May |
The earlier you put out the feeders, the better chance you have of attracting the first hummingbirds returning from migration. Just be sure to bring feeders inside if temperatures drop below freezing at night.
Conclusion
It typically takes anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks for hummingbirds to find a new feeder. They can spot the bright colors from far away. But it may take them a little while to associate this new object with a food source. Be patient, keep the nectar fresh, and they will discover it!
Strategically placing multiple feeders around your yard can help. And timing it right for your region improves your chances too. Follow these tips and you’ll have buzzing hummers flocking to your feeder in no time!
