As summer turns to fall, hummingbirds begin their long migratory journey south. Providing food for hummingbirds during this energy-intensive travel is crucial for their survival. Here’s a detailed look at what, when, and how to feed hummingbirds to support their fall migration.
What foods do hummingbirds need during migration?
Hummingbirds get nearly all of their nutrition from flower nectar and the small insects they eat. During migration, they need foods that are high in carbohydrates and fat to fuel their long flights. The best foods to provide migrating hummingbirds are:
- Nectar – High in sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose, nectar gives hummingbirds an immediate energy boost.
- Sugar water – White refined sugar dissolved in water approximates the natural nectar hummingbirds feed on.
- Fruit – Small chopped fruits like grapes, melon, and banana offer vital carbohydrates.
- Insects – Tiny insects like fruit flies or dried mealworms are high in protein and fat.
Avoid giving hummingbirds honey, which does not have the ideal nutritional profile. Also avoid artificial sweeteners like Splenda or raw sugar, which may be difficult for them to digest.
When should you begin feeding hummingbirds for fall migration?
In most regions, late summer and early fall is the key time to supplement feeding. Here are some general guidelines on when to start providing migration food sources:
- Early August – Hummingbirds coming from farther north may begin arriving in your area.
- Mid August – Adult hummingbirds begin building up fat reserves for migration.
- September – Migratory restlessness heightens as days shorten and temperatures drop.
- October – Food needs peak as more hummingbirds pass through on migration routes.
- Early November – Migration ends for most northern hummingbird species.
Track the hummingbird activity in your region and ramp up your feeding to match increased traffic. Providing food from early August through November covers the full migration period.
How should you transition hummingbird feeders and food from summer to fall?
Here are some tips for transitioning your hummingbird feeding setup for fall migration:
- Fill feeders consistently – Empty and clean feeders, then refill with fresh nectar daily once migration starts.
- Use more feeders – Increase the number of feeders to accommodate more birds stopping by your yard.
- Vary feeder styles – Offer a mix of feeder types like dish, tube, and saucer feeders.
- Supplement with fruit – Skewer bite-size fruit pieces onto branches or tie them near feeders.
- Provide insects – Hang a dried mealworm feeder or set out a dish of insects.
- Change nectar concentration – Shift from 20% sugar to 25% or 30% to boost calories.
- Reduce flowers – Cut back on blooming plants so feeders are the main food source.
With a little planning, you can create a productive rest stop for the hummingbirds preparing for their fall migration.
What is the best homemade nectar recipe for migrating hummingbirds?
The ideal homemade nectar recipe for migrating hummingbirds is:
- 1 part white sugar
- 4 parts water
Bring the mixture to a boil to dissolve the sugar completely, then let it cool before filling feeders. Never use any artificial sweeteners, honey, or raw sugar.
To make the nectar higher in calories for migration:
- Use a 1:3 ratio of sugar to water for 25% concentration
- Use a 1:2 ratio for 30% concentration
Always make small batches of fresh nectar every 1-2 days to prevent spoilage. Clean feeders thoroughly before refilling.
What are the best feeders to use for migrating hummingbirds?
The best feeders for migrating hummingbirds are:
- Tube feeders – Tubes allow hummingbirds to comfortably perch and lap up nectar.
- Saucer or dish feeders – Open dishes minimize aggression and allow easy access.
- Capacity for multiple birds – More feeding ports reduce squabbling at busy feeders.
- Easy to clean – Feeders that come apart make cleaning and nectar replacement easy.
- Red color – Bright red attracts hummingbirds to the nectar source.
Try a combination of feeder styles to accommodate various hummingbird preferences. Place them in open areas for easy observation during migration.
Where should you place hummingbird feeders for migrating birds?
Ideal feeder placement for migrating hummingbirds includes:
- Near trees and shrubs – Gives good perching spots for waiting to approach the feeder.
- In open areas – Allows hummingbirds to see and access feeders easily.
- Near gardens – Takes advantage of any lingering natural nectar sources.
- In the shade – Prevents nectar from spoiling or overheating in sunny spots.
- Near windows – Lets you observe activity from inside your home.
- Sheltered from wind – Protects tiny hummingbirds from being buffeted.
Distribute multiple feeders around your yard to provide a network of nutrition stops. Ground feeders on poles at chest to head height for easy access.
Do migrating hummingbirds have different food needs than summer residents?
Migrating hummingbirds have higher energy demands than summer residents, which influences their dietary needs:
- More calories – They require up to double the calories from high sugar foods.
- More protein – Insects and amino acids support strenuous flight muscle output.
- More minerals – Electrolytes like sodium and potassium help maintain hydration.
- More antioxidants – Plant pigments aid recovery from extreme exertion.
- More usable fuel – Higher sugar concentrations provide fast energy.
Boosting nectar calories, adding fresh fruit, and providing protein via insects or powdered supplements helps meet increased nutritional needs.
What common problems should you watch for when feeding migrating hummingbirds?
Potential problems to look out for when feeding migrating hummingbirds include:
- Aggression at feeders – Monitor for squabbles and add more feeders.
- Bees – Use bee guards and keep feeders in the shade.
- Moldy nectar – Change nectar every 1-2 days in warm weather.
- Spoiled fruit – Remove any uneaten fruit bits promptly.
- Ants – Suspend feeders from hooks or use petroleum jelly barriers.
- Leaks – Select sturdy, well-constructed feeders.
With attentive observation and quick problem-solving, you can provide quality nutrition for migrators.
Conclusion
Fall hummingbird migration is an amazing phenomenon. With some planning, you can help fuel the incredible journey south by providing the carbohydrate, protein, and fat-rich foods hummingbirds need. Track migration patterns in your area, supply fresh nectar mix and fruit daily, and maintain clean, well-positioned feeders. Your efforts will provide critical nutrition to sustain migrating hummingbirds on their long, fuel-burning flights.