Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe. With their iridescent plumage and ability to hover and fly backwards, they captivate birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. One of the most commonly asked questions about hummingbirds is when they feed the most throughout the day. Knowing the peak feeding times can help you observe more hummingbird activity and behavior in your own backyard.
The Early Bird Gets The Nectar
Hummingbirds tend to be most active in the early morning hours right after sunrise. This is because they have fast metabolisms and need to refuel their tiny bodies after going all night without eating. The first few hours of daylight provide hummingbirds with the energy they need to be active throughout the rest of the day.
During this time, male hummingbirds can be seen establishing feeding territories, courting females, and chasing away intruders. It’s also common to see recently fledged young following their mothers around to learn where to find food. So the early morning is a lively time at hummingbird feeders and flowering plants.
The Mid-Day Lull
Hummingbird activity tends to decrease in the middle part of the day when temperatures climb to their peak. The heat causes nectar to evaporate more quickly from flowers, so there are fewer available food sources. Hummingbirds will retreat to shady spots to rest during the hottest hours around midday.
You may notice far fewer hummingbirds coming to your feeders or garden flowers between about 10am and 2pm. But don’t be discouraged! This daily decrease in activity is perfectly normal as hummingbirds seek shelter from the midday heat.
The Evening Frenzy
As temperatures start to cool again in the late afternoon, hummingbird activity picks up dramatically. This evening frenzy is another peak feeding time as hummingbirds refuel for the night ahead.
The hour before sunset is an especially busy time at feeders and flowering plants. Hummingbirds sense nightfall approaching and go into a feeding frenzy to store up energy. You may see territorial battles and courtship displays during this time as well.
The evening feeding frenzy continues up until hummingbirds settle in to roost for the night, which is generally around 30 minutes after sunset. This makes the hour leading up to dusk prime viewing time for hummingbird enthusiasts!
Other Factors That Influence Feeding
While early morning and evening are the peak hummingbird feeding times, other factors can also affect their daily routines. Here are some considerations:
Migration
During spring and fall migration, hummingbirds may stop at feeders sporadically throughout the day to refuel during their lengthy journeys. Migrating hummers need the burst of quick energy nectar provides, so they’ll take advantage of food sources whenever they can.
Weather
Hummingbirds may adjust their feeding schedule based on the weather. On hot days, they may visit flowers and feeders more frequently to meet higher energy demands for staying cool. Cold snaps may suppress appetite, while rain showers ground many hummingbirds temporarily.
Age
Younger hummingbirds often can’t compete with adults at crowded feeders early in the day. So they may be more likely to visit at odd times once dominant birds have left. Older, experienced hummers know the best feeding territories and claim them early.
Nesting
Female hummingbirds on the nest incubating eggs or guarding hatchlings will need to feed more frequently to maintain their own energy. They often sneak away more often from the nest during midday when other hummers are less active.
Competition
In areas with multiple hummingbird species, dominant birds may exclude subordinate species from ideal feeding areas at peak times. This restricts less aggressive species to feeding only during marginal times.
Artificial Feeders
The presence of feeders with a consistent, unlimited nectar supply can disrupt natural feeding routines. With an abundant food source available all day long, hummers may alter when they visit feeders compared to what natural food sources provide.
Tips for Observing Peak Hummingbird Activity
If you want to observe maximum hummingbird action, here are some tips:
– Hang feeders in optimal viewing locations where hummers will feel safe feeding. Near trees or shrubs works well.
– Fill feeders with fresh nectar each morning so hummers have an appetizing, energy-rich breakfast.
– Plant plenty of nectar-rich flowers that bloom at different times of day. This provides food from dawn to dusk.
– Position feeders and flowering plants so they’re visible from indoors. Sit near windows early and late in the day.
– Get a comfortable seat ready in a shaded garden location to quietly watch hummers during the evening frenzy.
– Use binoculars and document with photography when hummers are most plentiful.
– Be patient! It may take time for hummers to adjust to new feeders and flowers in your yard.
Conclusions
Peak hummingbird feeding occurs in the early morning after sunrise and the evening hours leading up to dusk. Midday is when hummingbird activity lulls due to the heat. However, factors like migration, weather, age, nesting, competition, and feeders can all influence daily routines. To see hummingbirds at their most active, watch for them early in the morning and in the hour before sunset. With ideal feeding conditions, you’ll be rewarded with lots of fun hummingbird behavior to observe during their most frenzied feeding times!
