Hummingbirds are remarkable little birds that capture the imagination with their diminutive size and amazing speed. Their fast and furious wings beat up to 80 times a second, allowing them to hover in midair and change direction instantaneously.
When are hummingbirds most active?
Hummingbirds are diurnal creatures, which means they are active during the daytime hours. They typically feed on flower nectar every 10-15 minutes, starting at first light in the morning and continuing until dusk. So when is the prime time to observe hummingbirds in all their glory?
The peak activity periods to see hummingbirds are:
- Early morning – Hummingbirds rise with the sun, often visiting backyard feeders as early as 5-6 am if that’s when nectar sources become available.
- Late afternoon – Hummingbird activity picks up again in late afternoon around 4-5 pm as they refuel before nightfall.
- Mid-day – Hummingbirds are still quite active around midday seeking out nectar sources, despite the heat.
So in summary, the best time of day to see hummingbirds is early morning through late afternoon, concentrating around dawn and dusk when the temperatures are cooler but there is still adequate sunlight.
Why are hummingbirds most active in the daytime?
There are several reasons why hummingbirds primarily feed during daylight hours:
- They have high metabolisms – Hummingbirds need to consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day to supply their incredibly fast heart rates and power their wings during sustained hovering and flight.
- Their preferred flowers bloom during the day – The flowers that hummingbirds rely on for nectar, like cardinal flowers and bee balm, unfurl their petals and produce nectar when the sunlight hits them early in the day.
- Low light conditions make feeding difficult – Hummingbirds have small eyes relative to their body size, which are adapted for daylight feeding. Low light in the evenings and nighttime makes it harder to see and feed from flowers.
- Nighttime brings lower temperatures – In order to survive cold nights, hummingbirds need to conserve energy by entering a hibernation-like state called torpor. This is why they are not active at night.
Given their high-energy lifestyle and dependence on daylight blooming flowers, it is perfectly logical that hummingbirds are most active on bright sunny mornings through late afternoons. Their activity levels peak with flower nectar production and the warming temperatures early and late in the day.
What are the best flowers to attract hummingbirds?
Here are some of the top flowers known to attract hummingbirds:
Native Flowers
- Bee balm
- Trumpet creeper
- Cardinal flower
- Columbine
- Larkspur
- Penstemon
Non-native Flowers
- Fuchsia
- Petunias
- Coral Bells
- Impatiens
- Verbena
- Lantana
When planting a hummingbird garden, it’s best to choose a variety of tubular, nectar-rich flowers in colors like red, orange and pink. This will attract the most hummingbird traffic throughout the days and seasons as different plants bloom.
What is the best way to set up a hummingbird feeder?
Follow these tips when setting up a hummingbird feeder:
- Choose a feeder with bright red parts as this will attract hummingbirds.
- Select a location near natural cover like trees or shrubs where hummingbirds can perch and rest.
- Hang the feeder in a shady spot so the nectar doesn’t spoil as quickly in sunlight.
- Position the feeder so it hangs freely and is accessible from all sides for easy feeding.
- Clean and change the sugar-water nectar solution every few days before it ferments or grows mold.
With a quality hummingbird feeder filled with fresh nectar solution and hung in a convenient spot, you are sure to see increased hummingbird traffic and activity throughout the day in your yard or garden.
Do weather conditions affect when hummingbirds feed?
Hummingbird feeding patterns can be influenced by certain weather conditions:
- Cooler temperatures – Hummingbirds need to conserve energy on cold days by entering torpor, so they may feed less.
- Rainy or windy conditions – Hummingbirds avoid flying and feeding in rain, storms, or high winds.
- Extreme heat – Hummingbirds seek shade and feed less during midday heat, waiting for cooler temperatures.
- Drought – Lack of natural nectar flowers may concentrate feeding at feeders.
Here is a table summarizing how different weather can impact hummingbird activity and feeding behavior:
| Weather Condition | Impact on Hummingbird Behavior |
|---|---|
| Cool temperatures | Lower activity and feeding rates to conserve energy |
| Rain, storms | Seek shelter and avoid flying; little to no feeding |
| High winds | Stay grounded and do not feed until winds subside |
| Extreme heat | Seek shade; limited midday feeding |
| Drought | Higher dependence on feeders over scarce native flowers |
During harsh weather conditions, having a feeder in a protected place provides essential energy for hummingbirds. In extreme heat or cold, having feeders in both sun and shade allows hummingbirds options to feed comfortably.
What effect does migration have on hummingbird populations throughout the year?
Most hummingbirds in the United States and Canada migrate south in the winter, affecting seasonal changes in hummingbird populations:
- Spring – Numbers increase as hummingbirds return from migration and males establish breeding territories.
- Summer – Populations peak with newly hatched chicks increasing hummingbird numbers.
- Fall – Numbers decline as hummingbirds migrate away from northern latitudes before winter.
- Winter – Very few hummingbirds remain through the cold months except in southern regions like Florida and California.
Banding studies by scientists have revealed migration patterns for some common hummingbird species:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Nests in eastern North America during the summer breeding season
- Migrates across the Gulf of Mexico in late summer and fall to Mexico and Central America for the winter
- Returns to southern U.S. states like Texas and Florida as early as January before dispersing farther north
Rufous Hummingbird
- Breeds along the Pacific Northwest coast during summers
- Migrates 2,000+ miles to wintering grounds in Mexico by early fall
- Arrives back in breeding regions as soon as late January or February
Other species like Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds are year-round residents across much of their range. But most North American hummingbirds migrate from their northern breeding zones each fall, returning in early spring to mate and nest again.
Conclusion
In summary, the peak viewing times for hummingbirds are early morning through late afternoon, with a midday lull in extreme heat. Weather conditions can alter their feeding behavior, as can migration which substantially changes populations seasonally. To attract hummingbirds, use red feeders, cultivate tubular flowers, and provide both sun and shade. With good habitat and properly maintained feeders, you can enjoy hummingbird antics daily from first light to last.
