Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard visitor for many Texans. These tiny, vibrant birds darting around flowers provide an exciting pop of color and activity. A key way to attract hummingbirds is by providing nectar feeders. However, questions often arise about proper hummingbird feeding techniques. When is the best time to put out feeders? How long should you leave them up? Here are some tips to follow for successfully feeding hummingbirds in Texas.
When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in Texas
Most hummingbird species that migrate through Texas will start arriving in early spring. The most common species seen are ruby-throated hummingbirds and black-chinned hummingbirds. Here are the typical spring arrival dates for hummingbirds in different regions of Texas:
- South Texas: late February to mid March
- Central Texas: mid March to early April
- North Texas: late March to mid April
To prepare for the return of hummingbirds, it’s recommended to have feeders up and ready about 1-2 weeks before their expected arrival. This gives the early returning hummers a welcoming habitat full of food to fuel up on after their long migration.
South Texas Arrival: Late February to Mid March
The warmer climates of south Texas see the earliest spring hummingbird activity. Places like the Rio Grande Valley typically get the first migrating ruby-throats anywhere from late February into March. Having feeders up by late February will ensure you don’t miss the initial influx of arrivals.
Central Texas Arrival: Mid March to Early April
In central parts of the state like Austin and San Antonio, most ruby-throats show up starting in mid to late March. Feeders should be ready to go by at least mid March for best results. The black-chinned hummingbird also migrates across central Texas from Mexico, generally arriving in early April.
North Texas Arrival: Late March to Mid April
The northern half of Texas sees spring hummingbirds arrive a few weeks behind the southern region. In cities like Dallas and Wichita Falls, set up feeders by late March. This will allow passing hummingbirds to take advantage of the free food source as they migrate through on their way north.
When to Take Down Hummingbird Feeders in Texas
Deciding when to remove your hummingbird feeders for the season takes a bit more flexibility. Here are some tips on timing:
- Watch for decreasing activity/absences – As hummingbird numbers dwindle in fall, keep an eye on your feeders. When a week goes by with no visits, it’s likely time to take them down.
- Track migrations – Consult migration maps to understand when most hummingbirds have left your part of Texas.
- Aim for late October – For most of the state, it’s safe to remove clean feeders by late October.
Here’s more on determining the optimal time to remove feeders:
South Texas: Mid October
The balmy Rio Grande Valley sees some of the last spring migrant activity in the state, and also hosts returning hummingbirds well into fall. Leaving feeders up through mid October lets lingering migrants fuel up before continuing their southern journeys.
Central Texas: Late October
Hummingbirds stick around central parts of the state longer than northern areas. In cities like Austin, most migrating individuals are gone by late October. This makes the end of the month a good target for taking down feeders.
North Texas: Early to Mid October
Northern cities such as Dallas and Amarillo say goodbye to most hummingbirds earlier than southern parts of the state. There, most migration is over by early to mid October. If your feeders are inactive for a week or more by mid month, it’s a sign the birds have moved on.
Conclusion
Using the spring and fall hummingbird arrival timeframes outlined, Texas residents can support migrations by having nectar feeders available when hummingbirds need them. With a few feeders and fresh nectar, even small gardens can become an oasis for traveling hummingbirds. By following these tips, Texans across the state can enjoy these special birds and give them energy for their incredible journeys.
Here is a summary of the timing:
| Region | Put Feeders Out | Take Feeders Down |
|---|---|---|
| South Texas | Late February to Mid March | Mid October |
| Central Texas | Mid March to Early April | Late October |
| North Texas | Late March to Mid April | Early to Mid October |
With a little planning, Texans can help fuel the amazing migration of hummingbirds each year. The ruby-throated hummingbird travels an incredible roundtrip of over 2,000 miles from Mexico and Central America up to the eastern U.S. and Canada. The black-chinned hummingbird also makes an epic journey of over 1,500 miles each spring and fall between Mexico and the southwestern states like Texas.
Providing nectar feeders along their migration routes gives these tiny travelers reliable energy stops to rest and refuel. This helps ensure they arrive safely at their breeding grounds and winter homes. Even a small garden oasis can make a difference for migrating hummingbirds on an individual level. When thousands of Texas residents put out feeders at the right times, together we provide a network of critical food sources supporting hummingbird migrations on a continental scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best homemade nectar recipe for hummingbirds?
Mixing up homemade nectar for your hummingbird feeder is easy. The basic ratio is 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Bring the mixture to a boil to dissolve the sugar, then let cool before filling feeders. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners which can be harmful to hummingbirds.
How often should hummingbird feeders be cleaned?
To prevent mold, clean feeders at least once every 2-3 days in warm weather, or every 4-5 days in cooler temperatures. Use a bottle brush and mild soap diluted in hot water. Rinse well and dry fully before refilling.
What plants attract hummingbirds in Texas?
Some native Texas plants hummingbirds love include:
- Trumpet creeper
- Cardinal flower
- Firecracker plant
- Turk’s cap
- Coral honeysuckle
Planting red tubular flowers in your garden will help attract hummingbirds during their months in Texas.
What time of day are hummingbirds most active in Texas?
Hummingbirds are most active in the early mornings and evenings when nectar plants produce the most nectar. They retreat to shaded areas during the heat of mid-day. Place feeders in visible locations but with access to nearby trees or shrubs for resting periods.
What predators threaten hummingbirds in Texas?
Common hummingbird predators in Texas include:
- Hawks
- Falcones
- Jays
- Squirrels
- House cats
Keeping feeders away from dense shrubs and trees helps reduce ambush opportunities for predators. Cats should also be kept indoors.
What hummingbird species migrate through Texas?
The most common hummingbirds seen in Texas are:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird – Most widespread, migrating along the eastern half of the state.
- Black-chinned hummingbird – Common in western Texas after migrating up from Mexico.
- Rufous hummingbird – Rare migrant along the Texas Gulf coast.
- Buff-bellied hummingbird – Rare winter resident of South Texas.
Other less common vagrants include Allen’s hummingbird, Calliope hummingbird, and more. Texas is an important migration corridor where northern and southern hummingbird ranges overlap.
Are hummingbirds territorial around feeders?
Yes, hummingbirds are very territorial and aggression around feeders is common. Some tips to reduce fights:
- Use multiple spread out feeders to create separate territories.
- Hang feeders from different height branches/hooks.
- Use feeder styles limiting only 1-2 birds at a time.
Providing abundant feeding spaces prevents dominant males from monopolizing all the food sources.
What is the lifespan of wild hummingbirds in Texas?
The average lifespan for wild hummingbirds is 3-5 years. The major hazards they face include:
- Exhaustion during migration
- Predators
- Disease
- Extreme weather events
- Starvation when food sources are limited
Supporting hummingbirds with proper feeders and gardens can help improve their odds of survival.
Do hummingbirds migrate at night?
Most hummingbird migration happens during daytime hours. However, research shows hummingbirds are capable of orienting themselves and migrating at night when necessary. They seem to prefer flying during daylight when flowers and feeding opportunities are more abundant.
How can I identify hummingbirds at my feeder?
Here are tips for identifying common Texas hummingbirds:
- Ruby-throated – Green back, white breast; adult males have deep red throat.
- Black-chinned – Dark purple throat patch; white marks above and below eyes.
- Rufous – Distinctive reddish-orange color.
- Buff-bellied – Green back, yellowish-white breast band.
An easy identifying feature on all species is the very short, thin bill adapted for accessing nectar from flowers.
Do hummingbirds migrate over the Gulf of Mexico?
Studies show many migrating hummingbirds do remarkably make nonstop flights of over 500 miles directly across the Gulf. This is an extreme endurance feat for a bird weighing just a few grams. They fatten up on nectar and insects along the coast to fuel these 18-24 hour marathon journeys.
What happens if a hummingbird feeder freezes in the winter?
Nectar can freeze inside the feeder, preventing access to food. To prevent freezing:
- Use a heating element made for feeders to keep nectar flowing.
- Bring feeders inside at night and put back out in morning.
- Switch to antifreeze formula nectar designed for winter use.
Take steps to prevent your feeder from freezing solid to ensure hummingbirds still have food during cold snaps.
Key Takeaways
- Put out hummingbird feeders 1-2 weeks before expected spring arrival.
- Leave feeders up through mid to late October as migration ends.
- Clean feeders every 2-3 days to prevent mold.
- Use a 4:1 sugar water ratio to make nectar.
- Ruby-throated and black-chinned are most common species in Texas.
- Plant red tubular flowers to supplement feeders.
Following these guidelines allows Texas residents to support hummingbird migrations by ensuring a consistent food source. With a few feeders and some red flowers, we can help sustain hummingbirds on their incredible seasonal journeys.
