Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard visitor for many people in Wisconsin. These tiny, energetic birds fly thousands of miles every year between their winter and summer homes. While in Wisconsin during the warmer months, hummingbirds rely on homemade nectar feeders as an important food source.
Knowing how long to keep hummingbird feeders up in Wisconsin can help provide these migratory birds with the fuel they need. Here’s a closer look at hummingbird behavior and tips for offering supplemental feeding in Wisconsin.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Wisconsin?
Most hummingbirds will start arriving in Wisconsin in early May. The exact timing depends on weather conditions and can vary slightly from year to year. Here are the typical spring arrival dates for common Wisconsin hummingbird species:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird: early to mid May
- Rufous hummingbird: mid to late May
- Calliope hummingbird: late May
Male hummingbirds tend to arrive first in the spring. Females follow anywhere from a few days to one week later. Adult males will stake out the best feeding territories first when they return. Juveniles and females are pushed to less ideal areas.
When does hummingbird breeding season start?
Hummingbirds that travel to Wisconsin to nest will start breeding almost immediately after arriving. The breeding season lasts from May through early August in most cases. Key aspects of hummingbird breeding biology include:
- Females build a tiny, cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, feathers, and spider webs.
- The nest is usually located on a downward hanging tree branch.
- Females lay 2 pea-sized white eggs.
- Incubation lasts 12-16 days.
- Chicks fledge after 18-22 days.
- Females raise the chicks without male assistance.
Providing food from feeders helps fuel breeding adult hummingbirds and gives the chicks a supplemental food source as they learn to forage. Access to abundant nectar improves breeding success.
When do hummingbirds migrate from Wisconsin?
Hummingbirds start leaving Wisconsin by mid-August. Most birds are gone by early September at the latest. Here are the typical fall migration departure dates:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird: mid August to early September
- Rufous hummingbird: mid to late August
- Calliope hummingbird: late August to early September
Young birds start migrating first so they can claim winter territories. Adults follow later after completing their molt. The migration south takes over a month due to many stopovers to rest and refuel.
Should you take down hummingbird feeders at night in Wisconsin?
It’s a common misconception that hummingbird feeders must be taken down at night or hummingbirds will get their tongue stuck. This is just an urban legend. Here’s the reality:
- Hummingbirds sleep at night just like other birds. They enter a hibernation-like torpor state to conserve energy.
- Their tongues are not long enough to reach down inside the feeder perch.
- Leaving feeders up overnight provides needed fuel reserves to get through until daylight.
- Continuous access to feeders from dusk to dawn is perfectly safe.
The only time feeders should be removed is for cleaning and maintenance. Otherwise, allow hummingbirds to access the nectar day and night.
How long should hummingbird feeders be left up in fall in Wisconsin?
Ideally, hummingbird feeders in Wisconsin should be left up through September or even into early October. Here are some tips on fall feeding:
- Keep feeders up until 2 weeks after the last hummingbird is spotted as birds pass through on migration.
- Check feeders daily to refill and wash as needed since usage increases leading up to migration.
- Put out multiple feeders spread around your yard to provide enough energy reserves.
- Slow down cleaning and take down gradually over a week or two so stragglers can continue to feed.
Leaving at least one feeder up later into fall gives hummingbirds a reliable food source as they prepare for their long journey south.
What time of year do hummingbirds disappear from Wisconsin?
Most hummingbirds disappear from Wisconsin by mid-September. A few late stragglers may remain up until late September or early October. Here is when the main species are no longer seen:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird: early to mid September
- Rufous hummingbird: early to mid September
- Calliope hummingbird: mid September
Young birds tend to migrate first so timing depends partly on whether juvenile, female, or adult male hummingbirds were using your feeders. Later sightings usually involve adult males defending the last remaining food sources.
What is the best fall time to take down hummingbird feeders in Wisconsin?
Here are some recommendations for when to take down hummingbird feeders in Wisconsin each fall:
- Early September: Gradually reduce cleaning and take down extra feeders first.
- Mid-September: Most hummingbirds will be gone by now except some stragglers.
- Late September/Early October: Only a few hummers will remain this late in the season.
- Mid-October: Take down remaining feeders once nights become freezing cold.
Use your own observations of hummingbirds in your yard to determine the best fall takedown date. Providing nectar up until the first frost helps ensure migrating hummers have enough fuel reserves.
Can hummingbirds survive Wisconsin winters?
Hummingbirds that breed in Wisconsin cannot survive the winter here. These tiny birds must migrate south to warmer climates each year. Here’s why Wisconsin winters are impossible for hummingbirds to endure:
- They have a very high metabolism and burn calories quickly in cold weather.
- Hummingbirds lose body heat rapidly when temperatures drop due to their small size.
- They rely on flying insects and nectar flowers that disappear in winter.
- Freezing, snowy weather makes their food sources unavailable.
- They would be unable to survive Wisconsin nights when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
The only way hummingbirds can make it through winter is by migrating hundreds or even thousands of miles south to warmer climates like Mexico, Central America, and Florida.
Do any hummingbirds overwinter in Wisconsin?
Overwintering hummingbirds are extremely rare in Wisconsin. A few species like Anna’s and Rufous hummingbirds are reported sporadically each winter, likely due to these factors:
- Some migrating birds may linger too long in fall and become trapped by cold weather.
- Off-course young birds may mistakenly end up far north of their migration route.
- A small number of lost or confused individuals may attempt to overwinter.
Without feeders providing calories, any overwintering hummingbird would likely starve or freeze. Leaving a feeder up through winter in Wisconsin can help sustain an occasional winter hummingbird.
What is the best homemade hummingbird food recipe?
The best homemade nectar for hummingbirds can be made simply by mixing 1 part plain white sugar with 4 parts hot water. Here are some additional tips:
- Use refined white granulated sugar only.
- Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or brown sugar.
- Do not add red food coloring.
- Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Let cool before filling feeders.
- Store extra nectar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
This basic 4:1 ratio of sugar to hot water creates nectar with an ideal 20% sugar concentration that provides hummingbirds with the maximum amount of energy.
Should you use red dye in hummingbird food?
Adding red food dye to hummingbird nectar is unnecessary and can be harmful. Here’s why it’s best avoided:
- The dye provides no nutritional benefit and is not attractive to hummingbirds.
- Studies show colored sugar water may suppress their appetite.
- Red dye could potentially cause health problems if consumed daily.
- Feeders with yellow, orange, or clear nectar will attract hummingbirds just as well.
If you want colored feeders, choose ones made with colored glass or plastic instead of adding dye to the nectar. Keep the sugar water itself dye-free.
What is the ideal sugar-to-water ratio for hummingbird nectar?
Most experts recommend a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water for hummingbird feeders. This creates a 20% sugar solution that provides optimal nutrition. Guidelines include:
- Use 1 part white refined cane sugar to 4 parts water.
- Boil the water first, then stir in sugar until dissolved.
- Never exceed 1:4 proportions or make the solution sweeter.
- A 20% concentration mimics natural flower nectar.
- Too little sugar doesn’t give enough calories.
- Overly concentrated sugar can impair liver function.
Staying with an exact 1 cup sugar per 4 cups water ratio helps hummingbirds get the ideal fuel mixture they need.
Why do hummingbirds hover at feeders?
Hovering is normal feeding behavior for hummingbirds. Since they have such rapid metabolisms, they can’t afford to perch at feeders for long without burning excessive energy. Hovering allows them to minimize their time at feeders for efficiency. Here’s why hummingbirds are prone to hovering:
- Hovering uses less energy than perching for these tiny birds.
- They can feed more quickly by lapping nectar while hovering.
- Their specialized flight muscles allow hovering while eating.
- Longer visits leave them vulnerable to predators.
- They want to monitor their territory for intruders.
Don’t be concerned if you always see hummingbirds feeding on the wing at your feeders. This hovering behavior is completely normal and healthy for these energetic creatures.
How often should hummingbird feeders be cleaned?
During peak hummingbird season, feeders should be cleaned every 2-3 days minimum. Here are some tips for keeping them clean:
- Wash with hot water and a bottle brush every 2-3 days.
- Rinse thoroughly as soap residue can harm birds.
- Disinfect monthly with a 10% bleach solution.
- Replace nectar completely when cleaning.
- Consider twice daily cleaning during hot summer weather.
- Clean immediately if nectar becomes cloudy or moldy.
Consistent cleaning prevents mold, bacteria, and other contaminants from sickening hummingbirds. Dirty feeders can quickly become hazardous during warm weather.
Do hummingbirds migrate at night?
Most hummingbird migration happens during daytime hours. Here’s what we know about their migratory habits:
- They feed heavily during the day to store fat reserves.
- Short migratory flights are done during mornings and afternoons.
- They are unwilling to cross large open water like the Gulf of Mexico in darkness.
- They sleep/rest in trees and shrubs at night to recover energy.
- Some migration may occur under moonlit conditions.
- Small amounts of night flying likely help avoid certain predators.
While not strictly diurnal migrants, most of their migrating is done during daylight when nectar sources are available for refueling. Long over-water crossings wait for adequate visibility.
Conclusion
Caring for hummingbirds by providing supplemental feeders can help them thrive during nesting season and migrate successfully. In Wisconsin, leave feeders up from as early as late April through early October. Take down gradually in fall and clean regularly to ensure fresh nectar is available continuously. With a little effort, you can give hummingbirds a much needed food source during the critical seasons they spend in the state.