Hummingbirds are known for their small size, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair. They are also early risers, starting their day before sunrise in order to get the energy they need from flower nectar and small insects. So what time do hummingbirds actually begin visiting flowers and feeding in the morning?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the hummingbird species, time of year, location and food availability. Overall, hummingbirds are most active right around sunrise, taking advantage of the first rays of light and newly reopened flowers. Their fast metabolism requires them to eat frequently, so they start looking for food very early.
Here’s a more detailed look at when hummingbirds rise and start feeding each morning:
When Hummingbirds Wake Up
Hummingbirds are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. They enter a hibernation-like state called torpor at night to conserve energy. The time they wake up depends on species, season and location:
– Most hummingbird species wake up around 15-30 minutes before sunrise. So if sunrise is at 6:00 am, they’ll start stirring at around 5:30-5:45 am.
– During migration and in the summer when days are longer, hummingbirds may wake up earlier, around 45 minutes to 1 hour before sunrise.
– In the winter when daylight is shorter, hummingbirds often wake up closer to sunrise since they don’t have to eat as frequently.
– Some hummingbird species, like Anna’s and Rufous, are known for waking up earlier than others. Allen’s and Calliope hummingbirds tend to rise closer to sunrise.
– In northern latitudes, hummingbirds wake up earlier in the summer (when days are longest) and sleep in more during the winter. The opposite is true in southern latitudes.
So while exact wake up times vary, most hummingbirds are already active before the sun comes up each morning. Let’s look at when they start visiting flowers and feeding.
First Feeding of the Day
Hummingbirds need to eat frequently to fuel their hyperactive metabolism. Within minutes of waking, they’ll start looking for their first meal of the day. The first flowers hummingbirds visit are usually:
– Backyard feeders – Hummingbirds may zip over to any feeders they regularly visit. This can be as early as 30 minutes before sunrise.
– Brightly colored tubular flowers – These flowers attract hummingbirds with their shape and color. Some early bloomers visited by hummingbirds are honeysuckles, trumpet vines, and certain salvias.
– Flowers on exposed branches – Hummingbirds look for flowers getting first exposure to sunlight, like ones on the outer branches of trees and shrubs.
– Flowers near their roosting sites – Hummingbirds often feed on flowers closest to where they spent the night, since these are easiest to spot in low light.
In terms of exact time, most hummingbirds have their first feed within the hour before sunrise, often within 30 minutes. Some key times:
– 30 minutes before sunrise: Earliest hummers visit feeders or early blooming flowers. This is more common in summer.
– 15 minutes before sunrise: Peak foraging time for many hummingbird species.
– At sunrise: Some hummingbirds still making first visits, especially in winter. All hummers active after this.
So while hummingbird feeding times vary slightly by season, you can expect to see them visiting flowers as early as 30 minutes before sunrise. Peak activity is within the 15 minutes leading up to sunrise. Their early morning feeding frenzy powers their busy day gathering food.
Why Hummingbirds Start Feeding So Early
Hummingbirds have evolved to start feeding at first light for several important reasons:
Fast Metabolism
Hummingbirds have extremely fast metabolisms, with heart rates over 500 beats per minute. Their energy needs are enormous relative to their small size. They must eat frequently, especially in the morning after fasting all night. Early feeding helps hummingbirds get the energy they require.
First Access to Flowers
Flowers produce the most nectar overnight, so hummingbirds rise early to get first access to the best nectar before it’s depleted. Visiting flowers right at sunrise also allows hummingbirds to pick up any insects that settled on the flowers overnight.
Establish Feeding Territories
Male hummingbirds are territorial and use early morning feeding to establish and defend their flower and feeder feeding territories. Getting an early start allows them to mark their territory.
Long Day Ahead
By getting an early jump on feeding, hummingbirds fuel up for a full day of intensive feeding. Their early morning feeding frenzy provides the energy they’ll burn with all their zipping around later in the day.
Compete for Food
Waking early allows hummingbirds to get food before competing insects and other birds are active. It maximizes their chances of getting enough nutrition.
So early rising is key for hummingbirds to satisfy their hunger, claim the best flowers and feeders, defend their turf, and stock up energy for the day ahead. It’s this early morning feeding routine that sustains hummingbirds’ famous dynamism.
When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders
Since hummingbirds start feeding so early, it’s important to have your hummingbird feeders up and filled by sunrise. Here are some tips on timing:
– During summer when days are longest, have feeders up 1 hour before sunrise.
– In spring and fall, have feeders ready by 30 minutes before sunrise.
– In winter, you can wait until 15-20 minutes before sunrise when hummers wake up a bit later.
– Make hummingbird nectar the night before so it’s ready to hang first thing in the morning.
Having feeders out right at dawn ensures hummingbirds can maximize this critical feeding time. You’ll get more hummer visits and help provide the energy they need. It’s worth setting your alarm and getting up a bit early to support their morning feeding routine.
Typical Hummingbird Schedule
Now that we’ve covered their early start, here’s a look at the typical daily schedule for hummingbirds through the day:
– 5:00-5:30 am – Wake up, depending on species and season
– 5:30-6:30 am – Morning feeding frenzy at flowers, feeders and foliage
– 6:30 am-12:00 pm – Periodic feeding every 10-20 minutes
– 12:00-2:00 pm – Main rest period (may go in and out of torpor)
– 2:00 pm-6:00 pm – Active feeding every 10-20 minutes
– 6:00 pm – Final intensive feeding burst
– 6:30 pm – Settle into night roosts
– 8:00 pm – Enter torpor overnight
As you can see, the early morning from around 5:30-6:30 am is prime feeding time after their overnight fast. Supporting their morning feeding helps maintain their health and active routines.
How to Attract More Hummingbirds in the Morning
Here are some tips to get more hummingbird action during their morning feeding cycles:
– Place feeders in optimal early sun locations.
– Use bright colored feeders to attract them.
– Ensure fresh nectar supply first thing in the morning.
– Plant early blooming tubular flowers like honeysuckle and trumpet vine.
– Use flower arrangements near feeders to signal food source.
– Install feeders near night roosting sites.
– Avoid disturbing them during key feeding time.
– Provide multiple feeder options spread around yard.
– Keep feeders up until late autumn to support migrating hummers.
With a few adjustments, you can make your yard attractive for hummingbirds first thing in the morning when they’re eager to refuel. Watching their zipping, hovering, and buzzing activity is a great way to start the day.
The Importance of the Early Morning Feeding Period
As we’ve explored, the early morning is a vital feeding period for hummingbirds. Waking at dawn and hustling to flowers and feeders allows hummingbirds to:
– Satisfy their fast metabolism after fasting overnight
– Get first access to flowers with the highest nectar content
– Establish and defend feeding territories
– Fuel up for all the day’s hyperactive feeding and movements
– Outcompete other species for food sources
Without replenishing their energy first thing in the morning, hummingbirds would quickly become exhausted and be unable to power their wings for feeding and defending resources. Their early rising and intensive dawn feeding provides the fuel for the hummingbirds’ unique lifestyle. Supporting their morning habits is crucial for attracting and maintaining hummingbird populations.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds’ feeding schedule revolves around maximizing the early morning period right around sunrise when flowers reopen and nectar production peaks. Most species begin waking up 30-45 minutes before sunrise and start visiting flowers within 30 minutes of first light. This intensive feeding period allows hummingbirds to replenish energy after their all-night fast, power up for the busy day ahead and establish feeding territories. By paying attention to their early morning habits, you can design your backyard habitat to provide essential feeding opportunities that will attract more hummingbirds to your garden. Tuning into the dawn patrol schedule is key to supporting these special birds.