Hummingbirds are a delight to observe as they dart around feeders or flowers, feeding on sugary nectar. Their bright plumage and acrobatic antics bring joy to backyard birders. However, there are times when hummingbirds suddenly disappear from yards where they previously were abundant. What makes hummingbirds stop coming around?
Food Availability Changes
One of the most common reasons for hummingbirds to disappear from a yard is a change in food availability. Hummingbirds need a constant supply of nectar or sugary feeders to fuel their incredibly high metabolisms. Here are some ways that food availability may change causing hummingbirds to leave:
- Feeders run empty – Hummingbirds will quickly learn to move on if a once reliable feeder is suddenly empty day after day.
- Flowers stop blooming – hummingbirds may disappear when a favored flowering plant finishes bloom for the season.
- Feeder cleaning schedule changes – detergent residue or moldy nectar from insufficient cleaning may cause hummingbirds to avoid feeders.
- Sugar source is removed – hummingbirds will leave if a favored nectar source like a tree, shrub, or feeder is removed.
- Sugar concentration changes – hummingbirds prefer 25% sugar content in nectar. Diluted nectar may cause them to seek better sources.
To keep hummingbirds visiting, it’s important to maintain a constant supply of fresh nectar in clean feeders, and planting a diversity of flowering plants that bloom from spring through fall.
Aggressive Birds Chase Hummers Away
Some bird species will aggressively defend feeders or flowers, chasing hummingbirds away. Larger and more aggressive birds that may bully hummingbirds include:
- Orioles
- Woodpeckers
- Robins
- Jays
- Crows
To prevent aggressive species from scaring away hummingbirds:
- Use feeders with perches too small for larger birds
- Use feeder styles made just for hummingbirds like saucers or tubes
- Add more feeders spread widely to reduce competition
- Provide other food sources for the bully birds away from the hummer feeders
With open feeders, hummingbirds may have to wait until the bullies move on or nightfall when larger birds are less active.
Natural Migration
Hummingbirds are migratory, moving between their summer breeding range and overwintering grounds each year. In North America, most hummingbirds migrate south in fall to warmer climates in Mexico and Central America. Here are some indications hummingbirds have left due to migration:
- Disappearance coincides with early fall (August-September)
- Juveniles and adult females leave before adult males
- Banding records confirm regional movements south
- Decrease in food consumption before departure
To support migrating hummingbirds:
- Keep feeders full through mid-fall so birds can bulk up before migration
- Plant late-blooming tubular flowers to provide food through fall
- Consider leaving feeders up a couple weeks after hummingbirds are last observed in case stragglers stop by
While their departure means winter is approaching, we can look forward to hummingbirds returning again next spring!
Extreme Weather
Hummingbirds have high metabolic rates and can be sensitive to extremes in weather. If normal food sources become unavailable or additional energy is required to keep warm, hummingbirds may have to leave an area. Some hazardous weather scenarios that may force hummingbirds to move on include:
- Early frost – kills flowering plants and insect food sources
- Excessive rain – washes away nectar, reduces insect numbers
- Drought – dries up nectar sources
- High winds – makes flying and feeding difficult
- Cold snaps – exposure risks without adequate energy reserves
Providing sugar water feeders can help hummingbirds supplement natural food shortages during periods of extreme weather until conditions improve.
Predators Scare Them Off
Hummingbirds are prey for certain predators that may scare them away from visiting yards and gardens. Potential hummingbird predators include:
- Hawks
- Falcons
- Orioles
- Jays
- Squirrels
- Chipmunks
- House cats
To help hummingbirds feel safe:
- Keep feeders away from dense shrubs where ambush predators can hide
- Install feeders in open spaces with good visibility
- Use feeder styles with built-in perches for quick getaways
- Position feeders close to trees or cover for emergency escapes
- Keep cats indoors so they don’t harm hummingbirds
Providing a safe feeding environment will encourage hummingbirds to return despite predators in the area.
Pesticides Make Area Unsafe
Hummingbirds may leave yards and gardens where pesticides and insecticides are applied. These chemicals pose a risk to hummingbirds in a few key ways:
- Reduced insect populations – fewer bugs for feeding
- Contaminated nectar – poisons in flowers/feeders
- Toxic residues – on plumage impairing waterproofing or ingestion while preening
- Airborne particles – lung damage when inhaled
To encourage hummingbirds to return:
- Avoid spraying pesticides on or near hummingbird flowers/feeders
- Consider organic pest control methods like horticultural soaps or Bt-based products
- Always follow label directions carefully when applying any pesticide
- Rinse feeders thoroughly when cleaning to remove chemical residues
- Provide clean water for drinking and bathing
Making the yard environment safe again will help bring hummingbirds back.
Disease Outbreak
Hummingbirds are susceptible to certain infectious diseases that may cause them to be less active or even abandon an area. Some diseases that may impact hummingbirds include:
- Avian pox – viral skin/mouth lesions impair feeding
- Aspergillosis – respiratory fungal infection
- Avian malaria – parasitism damages organs
- West Nile Virus – neurologic disease spread by mosquitoes
To promote hummingbird health:
- Disinfect and fully dry feeders every use
- Clean up any bird droppings around feeders
- Avoid crowded feeders where diseases could rapidly spread
- Control mosquito breeding areas to reduce West Nile Virus risk
- Report sick birds to wildlife agencies to help track outbreaks
Mitigating disease transmission brings hummingbirds back to a safer environment.
Nesting Season Ends
Hummingbirds may abruptly disappear from an area when nesting season ends. In northern climates, hummingbirds may only reside in breeding areas from May through August. Here are signs hummingbirds have left after nesting:
- Sudden absence of females and immatures
- Observation of empty nests
- Dramatic drop in food consumption
- Males leaving 1-2 weeks after females/juveniles
While hummingbirds won’t nest again until next year:
- Keep feeders full as birds prepare for migration
- Plant late-blooming flowers to sustain them
- Continue backyard habitat improvements for next year
The end of nesting season brings excitement for the return of hummingbirds next spring!
Habitat Loss or Degradation
Hummingbirds may disappear from areas where natural habitat has been altered or destroyed. Habitat loss issues that affect hummingbirds:
- Removal of flowering plants and nectar sources
- Loss of nesting trees/shrubs
- Reduction in insect populations
- Drying up of water sources
- Tree thinning opening up forest areas
Improving backyard habitat can help attract hummingbirds back by providing essential resources:
- Plant a diversity of hummingbird flowers and trees
- Provide sugar water feeders
- Install a small water feature like a mister or dripping faucet
- Avoid trimming all dead branches where birds nest
- Let ground cover grow to encourage insects
With restored habitat, hummingbirds are likely to return and use improved features.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds quickly disappear when sources of food, shelter, water and safety are compromised in an area. By understanding the key needs of hummingbirds and improving backyard habitat, we can successfully attract these magical birds back again and enjoy their beauty and fascinating behaviors.
