Hummingbirds are a delight to watch as they hover at feeders lapping up sugar water. Their tiny size, beautiful iridescent feathers, and impressive flying skills make them a joy to observe. As the seasons change, questions arise about when is the right time to take down hummingbird feeders.
Quick Answers
In most regions, it’s best to leave hummingbird feeders up through late fall to ensure hummingbirds have a consistent food source before migration. However, there are exceptions depending on your location. Here are quick answers to common questions about when to take down feeders:
- Northern states/provinces: Leave feeders up until first frost
- Southern states: Leave feeders up through November
- In the southwest: Leave feeders up year-round as hummingbirds live there year-round
- On the coast: Follow the same guidelines as your region
- During migration: Do not take down feeders, provide food consistently
Read on for more detail about each region and the reasoning behind these recommendations.
Guidelines for Northern States and Provinces
If you live in the northern United States or Canada where hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, leaving feeders up until first frost is recommended. Here’s why:
- Hummingbirds start migrating south as early as July from the northernmost areas.
- But some hummingbirds continue migrating down from Canada into September and October.
- Leaving feeders up consistently provides fuel for migrating hummingbirds.
- By late September/October, most hummingbirds have passed through but stragglers may still stop by.
- Taking down feeders after first frost ensures any late-migrating hummingbirds don’t arrive to find no food sources.
First frost dates vary by region. Here are average first frost dates for some example cities:
City | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Minneapolis, MN | October 5th |
Portland, ME | October 12th |
Seattle, WA | November 23rd |
Toronto, ON | October 27th |
For your specific area, search online for “average first frost date [your city]” to find out when you should plan to take down feeders.
Guidelines for Southern States
In the southern United States, hummingbirds may stick around a bit longer before migrating. Here are recommendations for southern states:
- In most southern states, migrate feeders by mid-late November.
- In the southernmost areas like Florida and south Texas, leave feeders up through December.
- On the Gulf coast, follow the same guidelines as your region.
The varied topography of southern states means some hummingbirds depart sooner than others. For example, hummingbirds may linger longer in mountainous regions of Tennessee than the flatter areas. Pay attention to when hummingbird sightings drop off in your area.
By late November, most ruby-throated hummingbirds have left southern states. Anna’s hummingbirds migrate short distances southwest from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Rufous hummingbirds disappear from the Southeast by November during fall migration.
Southwestern States
In the southwestern United States, most hummingbirds do not migrate and live in the region year-round. These include Anna’s hummingbird and black-chinned hummingbird. Rufous hummingbirds spend winters in the Southwest as well. Since hummingbirds rely on feeders here for food through winter, leave feeders up all year in these states:
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Utah
- California
Also keep feeders up through winter anywhere along the California coast where Anna’s hummingbirds live year-round. In cold weather, switch to a sugar-water mix that won’t freeze as easily by using less water.
During Migration Season
When hummingbirds are migrating through your area, they rely on feeders for fuel stops. Here are tips for supporting migrating hummingbirds:
- Do not take down feeders during migration months!
- Keep feeders clean, full, and in working order.
- Put out more feeders to provide enough food access.
- Provide both food and shelter sources like trees.
Migration occurs February to May in spring, and August to November in fall, varying by region. During these months, hummingbirds pass through to rest and refuel during their long journeys. Maintaining feeders consistently is crucial so hummingbirds always have a food and water source when they stop by.
One exception is during spring migration in the Northeast. Here, food sources are plentiful so maintaining feeders is not as critical. But they are still recommended to support migrating birds.
Common Migration Routes
Here are some details on major hummingbird migration routes so you know when they’ll pass through:
- Pacific Flyway – Along the West Coast between Mexico and Alaska. Transit happens February to May, and July to November.
- Central Flyway – Through the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Great Lakes and Appalachian regions. Transit happens March to June, and August to November.
- Mississippi Flyway – Along the Mississippi River and through Texas to Mexico/Central America. Transit happens February to May, and August to November.
- Atlantic Flyway – Along the East Coast between Canada and Mexico/Central America. Transit happens March to June and August to October.
Support migrating hummingbirds by keeping feeders accessible along these major flyways during spring and fall transit months.
Year-Round Feeding Tips
In areas where hummingbirds live year-round or seasonally migrate through, maintaining feeders consistently is important. Here are tips for year-round care:
- Do not let sugar water ferment – change it every 2-3 days in warm weather.
- Clean feeders every 1-2 weeks with hot water and vinegar.
- Use a nectar mix ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
- Switch to a freeze-resistant sugar-water ratio in winter.
- Provide shade and misters in extreme heat.
- Supplement feeders with flowering plants that provide nectar.
- Avoid using pesticides or herbicides near feeders.
With a little seasonal adjustment and consistent care, you can meet the needs of hummingbirds in your area year-round.
Conclusion
Deciding when to take down hummingbird feeders depends on your location and migration patterns in your region. Follow these guidelines:
- Northern states: Leave feeders up until first frost
- Southern states: Take down feeders in late November
- Southwestern states: Leave feeders up all winter
- During migration: Do not remove feeders!
With some planning around average migration timing and first frost dates, you can provide a consistent food source for hummingbirds through the seasons. This will support both migrating and residential hummingbird populations and provide enjoyment of their beauty year-round!