Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds to observe in your backyard. Their hovering flight, speedy movements from flower to flower, and fierce territorial behavior make them endlessly entertaining. A key way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is by putting out a feeder filled with homemade nectar. But when is the right time to put out your hummingbird feeder? There are a few factors to consider when determining the optimal time.
When do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds are migratory birds that breed during the summer in North America and travel south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. Here are the typical migration patterns for common hummingbird species seen in backyards:
| Species | Spring Migration | Fall Migration |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | April-May | August-October |
| Rufous Hummingbird | February-May | June-August |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Permanent resident | Permanent resident |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | February-July | July-November |
| Calliope Hummingbird | April-May | August-September |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | May-June | July-September |
The key takeaway is that most hummingbirds migrate north in the spring to breed and south in late summer/fall to their wintering grounds. However, some species like Anna’s Hummingbird may be year-round residents depending on your location.
When do hummingbirds arrive in my area?
While the migration periods provide a general guide, the exact arrival and departure times for hummingbirds will vary depending on your geographic location. Here are some guidelines for when hummingbirds return to different regions:
Northeast – Hummingbirds typically arrive in mid-April on the coast and early May inland after flying nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico. Some rufous hummingbirds may arrive as early as late March. Expect hummers to depart by late September.
Southeast – Arrival is mid-March on the coast and early April inland. Some birds may overwinter in Florida and the Gulf Coast. Departures are typically October to November.
Midwest – Hummingbirds return to the Midwest in early May in southern states to early June further north. Some rufous hummers arrive in April. Most birds depart by late September.
Southwest – Spring arrivals are early February to mid-March. Rufous, black-chinned, Anna’s and other species may overwinter in Arizona and New Mexico. Most birds are gone by late summer.
Pacific Northwest – Hummingbirds return starting in late February as rufous hummers arrive. Other species appear in April and May. Fall migration is July through September.
California – Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds are year-round residents. Rufous and calliope hummers migrate through February to May. Most migrate out by August.
What’s the best time to put out a feeder?
Based on typical hummingbird arrival dates, here are recommendations for when to put out your feeder:
Northeast – Mid-April, or 2-3 weeks before you expect hummers to arrive.
Southeast – Mid-March along the coast, early April inland.
Midwest – Early May in southern states, early June in northern states.
Southwest – Late February or early March if attempting to attract early migrating rufous hummers.
Pacific Northwest – Late February or early March.
California – No need to take down feeders – keep them up year round for Anna’s and Allen’s.
The key is to have your feeders up and ready about 2 weeks before the average arrival date for your location. However, don’t panic if your feeders aren’t up right on time. Hummingbirds are resourceful and will still seek out any food source you put out.
Where should I place the feeder?
Position your hummingbird feeder in a location that will attract these energetic birds:
– Near bright red or orange flowers that will catch their eye
– Near trees, shrubs, or other natural cover so they have a perch and place to nest
– Out of direct sunlight and rain to prevent the nectar from spoiling
– Away from disturbance by wind or pets
– Within view of windows so you can observe their activity
A porch, patio, or deck railing often works well to hang feeders. Just make sure to clean and change the sugar-water solution every few days to keep it fresh. Consider putting up more than one feeder to accommodate multiple hummingbirds.
What food should I put in the feeder?
Fill your feeder with a simple homemade nectar solution:
– 1 part white sugar
– 4 parts water
Boil the water first, then stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Allow to cool before filling the feeder. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or fruit juices which can be unhealthy for hummingbirds. Change the nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather, to prevent spoilage. Thoroughly clean the feeder with a bottle brush once a week.
Avoid adding food coloring, which is unnecessary and may be harmful to the birds. The red feeders themselves will be enough to attract the hummingbirds. Keep an eye out as different types of hummers may prefer different nectar concentrations.
What plants attract hummingbirds?
In addition to feeders, attract hummingbirds to your yard by planting colorful, nectar-rich flowers they will feed on such as:
– Native wildflowers like bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, trumpet vine
– Non-native flowers like petunias, zinnias, nasturtiums
– Fruit trees, berries, and shrubs like lilacs, azaleas, buckeye
– Bright tubular flowers that provide a feeding perch like gladiolus and cannas
Focus on red, orange, pink, or purple blossoms that are tubular or trumpet-shaped. Avoid pesticides on plants as the chemicals can be harmful to hummingbirds. Provide a water mister or bath for drink and bathing. Include woody trees and shrubs to supply insects and nesting materials.
When should I take down the feeder?
Keep your feeders up as long as you see hummingbirds coming to them. In most regions, it’s best to leave them up through mid-September and remove them by early October after the last stragglers have left for their southern wintering grounds. However, timing varies:
Northeast – Take down by late September or early October
Southeast – Take down by mid-November
Midwest – Take down by late September or early October
Southwest – Take down by late September if few hummers left
Pacific Northwest – Take down by early October
California – Keep cleaned feeders up year-round for wintering Anna’s and Allen’s
Use your own observations of when the hummingbirds disappear from your feeders to determine the best time to remove them. It’s fine to leave them up a bit longer just in case any late migrating hummingbirds stop by.
Conclusion
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard with feeders is a fun and rewarding experience. Time their placement based on your local migration patterns, taking care to put them out just before the birds arrive. Position them strategically in your yard, keep them filled with fresh nectar, and watch with delight as the energetic hummers come to feed. With a little planning, you’ll be rewarded with up close views of these special birds all season long. The sight of tiny hummingbirds buzzing around your patio on rapidly beating wings will bring you joy.
