Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds. Their small size, bright colors, and incredible flying abilities make them a joy to watch. One of the most common questions people have about hummingbirds is what time of day they tend to feed. In this article, we’ll take a close look at hummingbird feeding habits and the best times to observe them.
Do Hummingbirds Feed at Night?
Hummingbirds do not typically feed at night. They usually enter a hibernation-like state called torpor at night to conserve energy. During torpor, a hummingbird’s metabolic rate slows down dramatically and its body temperature drops. This allows a hummingbird to survive on the small amount of energy stored in its body overnight.
There are a couple reasons why hummingbirds don’t feed at night:
- Most flowers that hummingbirds feed on are closed at night so there is less nectar available.
- Hummingbirds cannot see well in dark conditions. Their vision is adapted for daylight feeding.
- There are more predators about at night, like owls, that may prey on hummingbirds.
So while it’s very rare to see a hummingbird out feeding at night, they prefer to conserve their energy through torpor until the flowers reopen in the morning.
When Do Hummingbirds Feed in the Morning?
Hummingbirds are early risers. They will often start looking for food within 30 minutes of sunrise. The first hour of daylight is a prime time to observe hummingbird activity in the morning.
There are a few reasons hummingbirds get an early start to their day:
- Early morning is when many of their favorite flowers first open for the day and nectar production peaks.
- There is less competition from other birds and insects for food first thing in the morning.
- Feeding early allows hummingbirds to get the energy they need. Their high metabolism requires they eat frequently to survive.
When the sun rises, hummingbirds spring into action visiting flower after flower to get the fuel they require. Watch for the busiest times at your feeders to be within the first couple hours of daylight.
Do Hummingbirds Feed Throughout the Day?
Absolutely! Hummingbirds need to feed frequently every day to survive. Their feeding schedule revolves around sunlight hours when flowers and feeders are accessible.
Hummingbirds have a few key times during daylight hours when feeding activity peaks:
- Early Morning – Within the first 1-2 hours after sunrise.
- Late Morning – Another busy period often occurs mid-late morning around 9 am to 11 am as temperatures warm.
- Mid Afternoon – Around 2 pm to 4 pm many hummingbirds have another flurry of feeding activity.
- Evening – In the 1-2 hours before sunset, feeding activity again ramps up as hummingbirds stock up for the night.
Hummingbirds feed in a continuous loop during daylight hours. They start early, have periodic busy spurts mid-day, and end with an evening rush as they prepare for torpor overnight.
What Temperature Range is Best for Hummingbird Feeding?
Hummingbirds are most active at warmer temperatures between 60-90°F. This correlates with their peak feeding times.
Below 50°F hummingbirds have a tougher time maintaining their energy needs and may not feed regularly. At higher temperatures above 90°F, some hummingbirds may seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
However, hummingbirds cover large territories and do not always have the luxury of remaining in their preferred temperature range. Here are some steps you can take to support hummingbird feeding in cold or hot conditions:
- In cold temperatures, provide a heated bird feeder to keep the nectar from freezing.
- Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times to provide food in spring and fall.
- On hot days, place feeders in shaded areas to provide refuge.
- Use nectar guard tips to keep nectar from spoiling quickly in heat.
With some planning, you can help hummingbirds access the fuel they require across a wide range of temperatures.
Do Hummingbirds Feed More in the Morning or Evening?
Hummingbirds tend to feed more in the mornings than the evenings overall. The early morning hours are critical for hummingbirds to stock up after fasting overnight. The evening is more about topping off their energy reserves before settling in to sleep.
One study that tracked ruby-throated hummingbird feeding patterns found they fed the most in the 1-2 hour window after sunrise. Second to morning was late afternoon around 3-5 pm. Evening feeding was still consistent but less intense than morning.
Another factor is the timing of nectar production for flowers. Many of the flowers that hummingbirds prefer produce more nectar early in the day. This nectar production drops off as the day goes on which also likely contributes to busier morning activity.
So while hummingbirds feed actively both morning and evening, research indicates mornings are the busiest feeding times as they break their overnight fast.
How Many Times a Day Do Hummingbirds Feed?
The average hummingbird will feed 5-10 times per hour during key feeding periods. This equates to hundreds of feeding visits per day for the average hummingbird.
A ruby-throated hummingbird may make over 1,000 feeding trips in a day. The broad-tailed hummingbird can average around 250 feeding trips per hour during their peak activity!
Hummingbirds need to eat so frequently because of their high metabolism that requires lots of calories. Flower nectar is an excellent energy source, but only in small doses. Hummingbirds get the fuel they require by eating small amounts very frequently throughout the day.
KEY FACTS:
- 5-10 feeding trips per hour during active feeding times
- Hundreds of trips per day for most species
- Ruby-throats average over 1,000 trips in a day
- Broad-tails peak at 250/hour = 4,000 trips/day
Understanding how frequently hummingbirds feed helps explain why they are such consistent visitors throughout the day to feeders and flowering plants.
Do Hummingbirds Feed in the Rain?
Hummingbirds are light enough that rain does not impact their feeding activities very much. A light drizzle does not deter a hungry hummingbird from accessing the food they require.
Heavier rain or storms may cause hummingbirds to seek shelter. However, once the rain passes they quickly resume normal feeding habits. Hummingbirds fluff their feathers to shed water and continue on their busy schedules.
There are a couple steps you can take to support hummingbird feeding in the rain:
- Provide covered feeders or porches to give hummingbirds dry access.
- Plant rain-tolerant flowers near shelters they can duck under.
- Use feeder styles that shed rainwater easily like fountains or flying saucer feeders.
With some protection from heavy downpours, hummingbirds can access the consistent fuel they need even in rainy conditions.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are most active in the periods right after sunrise and before sunset. However, they can feed throughout daylight hours whenever they need additional energy. Providing a constant nectar supply is key so hummingbirds always have access to fuel. With the right habitat, you can observe and support hummingbird feeding all day long!
Hummingbird Feeding Activity by Time of Day
| Time of Day | Feeding Activity Level |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | Very High |
| Mid Morning | High |
| Early Afternoon | Moderate |
| Mid Afternoon | High |
| Late Afternoon | Moderate |
| Evening | High |
| Night | None |
Key Takeaways
- Hummingbirds feed mostly during daylight hours when flowers are open.
- Peak feeding times are early morning and late afternoon.
- They make hundreds of feeding trips per day.
- Morning is busier than evenings overall.
- They can feed in drizzle but avoid heavy rain.
Tips for Best Viewing
Here are some tips to have the best chance of observing hummingbird feeding activity:
- Get up early! The first few hours after sunrise are when hummingbirds are most active at feeders.
- Watch feeders in late morning around mid-day for another wave of hummingbirds.
- Monitor flowers and feeders about 1-2 hours before sunset when hunger builds again before their overnight fast.
- Have feeders in multiple locations to spot movement patterns.
- Track activity on rainy vs. sunny days to observe differences.
- Supplement feeders with nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds.
With ideal timing and the right habitat, you’ll enjoy peak hummingbird watching and gain fascinating insight into their rhythmic feeding habits throughout the day.
Common Backyard Flowers for Feeding
Here are some of the best backyard flower varieties to attract hungry hummingbirds:
Nectar-Rich Annuals
- Petunias
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Zinnias
- Salvia
- cosmos
Popular Perennials
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Columbine
- Delphinium
- Foxglove
- Gladiolus
Vining Plants
- Morning glory
- Passion flower
- Trumpet vine
- Honeysuckle
Plant a combination of flowers that bloom in spring, summer and fall to provide consistent food. Supplement with feeders and you’ll have happy, healthy hummingbirds visiting all day long!
FAQs
Why do hummingbirds feed so often?
Hummingbirds have an extremely high metabolism that requires a lot of energy. Because they are so small, they can only take in small amounts of nectar at a time. So they compensate by feeding very frequently throughout the day to get the calories they need to power their metabolisms and energetic lifestyles.
Do hummingbirds feed when it rains?
Yes, hummingbirds have no problem feeding in light to moderate rain. Their lightweight bodies are not burdened by water weight. Heavy downpours may cause them to seek shelter but they resume normal feeding quickly once the rain passes.
Do hummingbirds feed at night?
No, hummingbirds enter a hibernation-like state at night called torpor to conserve energy. They are inactive at night since most flowers close and visibility is poor. Hummingbirds get the food they need during daylight hours when flowers produce nectar.
How often should I clean hummingbird feeders?
In warm weather, hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every 2-3 days. In cooler temperatures they may only need cleaning every 4-5 days. Always wash with hot water and replace sugary nectar regularly to prevent mold or bacterial growth that could sicken hummingbirds.
What flowers attract the most hummingbirds?
Red tubular flowers like bee balm, fuchsia, and cardinal flower are hummingbird favorites. Other top flowers include lantana, petunias, columbine, lobelia, and nasturtiums. Plant a variety to provide nectar through spring, summer and fall.
