Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard bird for many Texans. Their tiny size, dazzling colors, and amazing flying skills make them a joy to watch. Hummingbirds are found in backyards all across Texas during warmer months, but may go unnoticed during the winter when many hummingbirds migrate south. Knowing what months hummingbirds are present in an area, and providing food for them during that time, is key to successfully attracting them.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Texas?
Most hummingbirds arrive in Texas in early spring and remain through late summer or early fall. The most common hummingbird species found in Texas include:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Most widespread and commonly seen in Texas. They arrive as early as late February in southern parts of the state.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Common in west and central Texas. Usually arrive in March.
- Rufous Hummingbird – Most common in west Texas. Some arrive as early as January and February during migration.
- Calliope Hummingbird – Uncommon but regular in west Texas. Arrive in April.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Rare in west Texas. Present from July to September.
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird – Winter resident along the Texas Gulf Coast. Arrive in September and remain through March.
As you can see, the arrival and presence of hummingbirds can vary across the large state of Texas. However, most areas will see the return of hummingbirds in February and March. The exceptions are the Rio Grande Valley and Gulf Coast, where overwintering birds like the Buff-bellied may be present year round.
When do hummingbirds leave Texas?
While the arrival time in spring varies, most hummingbirds follow a similar departure pattern in late summer or fall as they migrate south. Here are typical leaving times:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Begin leaving in August, most gone by late October
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Leave between July and September
- Rufous Hummingbird – Most leave by August
- Calliope Hummingbird – Gone by early October
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Leave by early September
Some hummingbird species, like the Buff-bellied, are winter residents that will remain in south Texas year round. But the majority of common summer hummingbirds will migrate south by late October at the latest.
What months should you provide food for hummingbirds?
Given their spring arrival and fall departure times, most areas of Texas should provide hummingbird feeders and nectar from February through October to cover the full range of dates that hummingbirds will be present. Here are the key months:
- February – Earliest arrivals in south Texas
- March-May – Peak spring migration and breeding period
- June-August – Nesting and raising young
- September-October – Fall migration period before departure
In north and west Texas, March through October are the critical months to provide food. In south Texas, consider putting up feeders as early as February and leave them up through October. Providing nectar during this 8-9 month period will cover the full time that hummingbirds are present.
What food and feeders should you provide?
Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their main food source. They also eat small insects for protein. Follow these tips to provide the best hummingbird feeding habitat:
- Use a commercial nectar mix dissolved in water, or make your own using 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water first and let cool before filling feeders.
- Avoid red food coloring, honey, and artificial sweeteners in nectar.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days, or when it looks cloudy. Rinse and clean feeders thoroughly.
- Choose feeders with red parts and red flowers to attract hummingbirds.
- Hang feeders in shaded spots to slow nectar spoilage.
- Consider providing an insect feeder to attract tiny bugs that hummingbirds eat.
Following these best practices for feeders and nectar will provide great nutrition for visiting hummingbirds.
When should you take down hummingbird feeders?
In most regions of Texas, hummingbird feeders can be taken down after October once birds have completed their fall migration. However, along the Gulf Coast and Rio Grande Valley where some hummingbirds overwinter, you may wish to leave feeders up longer:
- North and central Texas – Take down end of October
- East Texas – Take down end of October
- West Texas – Take down early November
- Gulf Coast – Take down end of November
- Rio Grande Valley – Take down December
Use the departure times of the species in your area to determine when it is safe to remove feeders. Leaving feeders up into November provides a buffer for any late-migrating stragglers.
Conclusion
Attracting beautiful hummingbirds to a backyard in Texas is simple with the right technique. Provide nectar feeders and insect sources from February to October in most areas, or even longer into November and December along the coast. With a little effort to create habitat, Texans can enjoy watching these special birds all summer long.
