Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders. Their lightning-fast wings beat up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover and fly backwards – a feat no other bird can accomplish. Watching them buzz up to a nectar feeder to refuel is one of the simple pleasures of having a backyard wildlife habitat.
But when is the right time to put up a hummingbird feeder? And when should you take it down? Here is a guide on how long to keep hummingbird feeders up to support these tiny dynamos through their spring and fall migrations.
When to Put Up a Hummingbird Feeder
Most hummingbird species that visit feeders in the United States are migratory. They spend winters in Mexico and Central America and return to breeding ranges stretching across the U.S. and Canada for summer. Timing their arrival is dependent on many factors like weather and food availability along the migration route.
Here are some general guidelines for when to expect hummingbirds in spring:
- Western States: Put up feeders in early to mid-March
- Midwest States: mid-April
- Northeastern States: early May
- Southeastern States: mid-March
The most eager hummers often show up a bit ahead of schedule. Having feeders up and ready for early arrivals will welcome them and provide reliable food as more join throughout the season.
Signs Hummingbirds Have Returned
How do you know if hummingbirds are in your area and ready for feeders? Watch for these clues:
- Seeing hummingbirds visiting flowers
- Hearing the distinctive buzzing sound of their wings
- Getting reports from neighbors or social media of hummingbird sightings
Once you observe indications hummingbirds have returned, get your feeders up right away! The males arrive first to scout out territories and impress females with their aerial displays.
When to Take Down Hummingbird Feeders
Timing for when to remove hummingbird feeders in fall can be tricky. Hummers are in less of a rush to migrate south, so departure dates vary widely. They need ample food sources as they prepare for and embark on migration. Follow these tips on when to take down feeders:
- Keep feeders up until consistent freezing temperatures arrive so late stragglers have food.
- In northern states, keep feeders up until at least early October.
- In southern states, keep feeders up until end of November.
- Remove feeders if nectar is freezing and fermenting.
Also watch for patterns of hummers visiting feeders less often or seeming agitated as they flit around your yard. Reduced feeding activity is a sign migration is underway.
Consider Leaving One Feeder Up
Even after most hummingbirds have migrated, a few hardy individuals may overwinter in your area if they can find adequate food. Leaving one feeder up can provide life-saving energy for stragglers sticking it out through winter.
Check the feeder daily and take it down if nectar is freezing. Only put up the winter feeder if temperatures will be above freezing for portions of the day so birds can access the nectar.
How Often to Change Hummingbird Nectar
To keep hummingbirds healthy and properly fueled, it is important to maintain fresh nectar in feeders. Here are some tips:
- Empty and clean feeders every 2-3 days during warm weather
- Change nectar daily when temperatures exceed 85°F
- Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside of feeders
- Rinse with hot water before refilling
Check the nectar for cloudiness or debris. Discard and make a new batch if it looks contaminated. Only make as much nectar as you expect to use in a few days.
Nectar Recipes
While pre-made nectar mixes are readily available, homemade nectar is easy, inexpensive, and best for hummers. Use this simple recipe:
- 1 part white sugar (do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or brown sugar)
- 4 parts hot water
No need to boil the water. Simply stir the sugar and water together until the granules fully dissolve. Let cool before filling feeders.
Choosing Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbirds are highly trainable and will remember reliable food sources. Use these tips when selecting and placing feeders:
- Choose several smaller feeders instead of one large one
- Select brightly colored red feeders
- Situate near gardens, blooming trees/shrubs, or natural water sources
- Hang at chest to eye level for easy filling and to attract birds
- Place out of reach of predators
Having multiple feeders in difference places increases accessibility for visiting hummers. They will take ownership of their preferred feeder.
Other Feeder Tips
- Use feeders made of sturdy glass or plastic – not flimsy materials
- Select feeders with red bases – color draws the birds
- Choose feeders that unscrew or come apart for cleaning
- Avoid feeders that leak – dripping nectar attracts insects
Invest in quality feeders designed specifically for hummingbirds. They should have a guard around feeding ports to keep bees out.
Additional Tips for Supporting Hummingbirds
Providing nectar in clean feeders is the top way to help hummingbirds thrive. But you can also:
- Plant a variety of native flowers and shrubs that bloom at different times to supply food.
- Put out an insect feeder – hummers eat small soft-bodied insects for protein.
- Supply a small water mister – hummers bathe daily.
- Avoid using pesticides – hummers are sensitive.
- Provide small perches near feeders – gives them a rest spot.
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and cannot survive long without adequate food. Meeting all their habitat needs will support them throughout the seasons.
Ideal Plants for Hummingbirds
Flowers provide important natural food sources for hummingbirds. Plant a variety of native flowering plants that bloom through spring, summer, and fall.
Some great options include:
- Columbines
- Trumpet vines
- Petunias
- Bee balms
- Sage
- Jewelweed
- Coral honeysuckle
- Lilies
Choose plants with tubular red blooms that provide high nectar rewards. Mass plantings will attract more hummers than isolated plants.
Common Hummingbird Species
The most common hummingbird species seen at backyard feeders in the United States and Canada include:
| Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Bright emerald green backs, white undersides, males have vivid ruby red throat patches |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Males are golden rufous orange on backs and sides, rusty colored tails |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Emerald green backs, grey undersides, males have vivid fuchsia throat patches |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Olive green backs, grey-green undersides, orange throat patches and flanks on males |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Dark grey-green backs, grey undersides, males have vivid purple throat patches |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Bright green backs, white undersides with tiny streaks, males have vivid magenta throat patches |
There are over 300 different hummingbird species in the Americas. Providing nectar feeders and pollinator-friendly habitat helps support their populations on migrations and through the seasons.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are special creatures that inspire joy in many people. With some simple planning, you can support hummingbirds successfully throughout the seasons by providing nectar feeders and pollinator habitat.
Put feeders up in early spring as soon as hummers return to your area. Take most feeders down in fall once migration is underway, but consider leaving one up for stragglers. Change the nectar frequently to keep it fresh. Select quality feeders that are easy to clean. Plant plenty of tubular flowers to supply supplemental food.
Following these tips will keep hummingbirds buzzing happily around your yard through spring, summer, and fall!
