Hummingbirds are a beloved part of the landscape in North Carolina, flitting from flower to flower and visiting backyard feeders to refuel. However, there comes a time each year when hummingbird feeders in North Carolina must be taken down – but when exactly is that time?
When do hummingbirds migrate from NC?
Most hummingbirds that breed in North Carolina migrate south in the fall to spend the winter in Mexico, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean. Ruby-throated hummingbirds begin leaving North Carolina in September, with most having departed by late October. Rufous hummingbirds depart later, in October and November. Here are the typical migration timeframes:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds: Begin leaving in early-mid September, with most gone by late October
- Rufous hummingbirds: Begin leaving in October, with most gone by late November
A few ruby-throated hummingbirds may linger into early November in some parts of North Carolina during warm autumns. But most hummingbird feeders in the state will be quiet by November.
Why do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate south in the fall because they cannot survive cold winter temperatures or find enough food year-round in North Carolina. Their high metabolism requires frequent feeding on nectar and insects. As flower availability declines in fall and freezing temperatures arrive, they must travel south to warmer climates with more abundant food supplies.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate all the way to Mexico, Central America, or northern South America. Rufous hummingbirds migrate to Mexico or the southern United States, like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
Signs hummingbirds have left your area
Here are signs that ruby-throated and rufous hummingbirds have completed their fall migration from your neighborhood:
- Hummingbird feeders remain untouched for multiple days in a row
- No hummingbirds are spotted feeding on flowers or trees
- No territorial behavior, chirping noises, or other hummingbird activity is heard
- Unseasonably cold temperatures have arrived, making it unlikely hummingbirds are still in the area
If you are no longer seeing any hummingbirds after mid-October, despite having a feeder out, chances are excellent they have left for their wintering grounds.
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in North Carolina?
Most experts recommend taking down your hummingbird feeders in North Carolina by early-mid November at the latest. Here are some general guidelines:
- Western NC: Take down feeders by mid-October
- Central NC: Take down feeders by late October
- Eastern NC: Take down feeders by early-mid November
However, keep an eye on your feeder activity and the weather. If you have not seen a hummingbird for 1-2 weeks and a cold snap has moved in, take down your feeders even if it is earlier than the guideline for your area. Leaving feeders up too long risks having sugar water freeze, attracting bees and wasps, or rotting.
Exceptions
There are a couple exceptions where leaving feeders up longer may be warranted:
- If rufous hummingbirds are regular visitors, leave feeders up until early-mid November
- In southeastern coastal North Carolina, a few ruby-throats may overwinter. In this case, keep feeders up through first freeze and monitor for activity.
But most areas of North Carolina will not see hummingbird activity beyond mid-late October.
What do I do with my hummingbird feeder over winter?
Once hummingbird feeders are taken down for the winter, here are some tips for proper maintenance and storage:
- Discard any remaining sugar water from the feeder
- Take apart feeder components and wash thoroughly with hot water
- Let all components air dry completely before storage
- Store feeder in a dry, room temperature area over winter
You do not need to leave feeders outside over winter. This can lead to damage from weather and critters.Cleaning and storing feeder parts indoors will help ensure your feeder is ready to go again next spring when hummingbirds return.
When do I put hummingbird feeders back up?
Hummingbirds start returning to North Carolina in early spring as they migrate north. Here are some general guidelines for when to put feeders back up:
- Western NC: Early-mid April
- Central NC: Mid-late April
- Eastern NC: Early-mid May
Make sure to have feeders up and filled about 1-2 weeks before hummingbirds normally arrive in your area. This gives them ready fuel access when returning from migration. If you fill feeders too early, the sugar water may rot before hummingbirds get to it.
Tips for your hummingbird feeder
Follow these tips to provide healthy, safe food for hummingbirds through the migration and feeding seasons:
Sugar water ratio
Fill feeders with a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water. This approximates the sucrose content of natural nectar on which hummingbirds feed. Do not add food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners.
Feeder cleaning
Clean feeders every 2-3 days during peak hummingbird season, or more frequently in hot weather. Change sugar water daily in very hot weather. This prevents mold, bacteria, and fungal growth.
Feeder style
Select a feeder with red coloring, tubular openings, and perches, as these attract hummingbirds. Pick a style that protects sugar water from bees and squirting out in the wind.
Feeder placement
Situate feeders in a visible, shady area 5-10 feet off the ground near natural vegetation that provides perches. Avoid placing near windows as birds may collide with glass.
Number of feeders
Start with 2-3 feeders spaced around your yard, adding more if they are frequently emptied and territorial battles arise.
Conclusion
In most of North Carolina, hummingbird feeders should come down in late October to early November before hummingbirds migrate for winter. Leaving feeders up too long risks water freezing, feeder damage, and food spoiling. Take down feeders when you have not seen a hummingbird in 1-2 weeks and cold weather arrives. Clean and store feeders indoors over winter. Put feeders back up in early-mid April in anticipation of spring migration back to the state. Follow proper feeder care and filling techniques to provide fuel for migrating and breeding hummingbirds.
