Hummingbirds are a beloved sign of spring for many Tennessee residents. Theirreturn from migration is eagerly awaited by both amateur birdwatchers and seasoned ornithologists alike. Putting out hummingbird feeders is a great way to attract these colorful and energetic birds to your yard. However, timing is everything when it comes to hummingbird feeders. Knowing when to put out your feeder can help ensure hummingbirds stop by for a snack as they pass through Tennessee on their way north.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Tennessee?
Most hummingbirds that migrate through Tennessee begin arriving in mid to late March. The first arrivals are usually Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which breed in Tennessee and other parts of eastern North America during the summer. Other hummingbird species, like Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, may stop in Tennessee briefly in April or early May as they continue to migration routes farther north.
By early to mid-April, Ruby-throats are widespread across the state and other species may start to arrive as well. Hummingbird diversity and numbers typically peak in Tennessee in May, as migrants are passing through on their way to breeding grounds. By late May most migrants have moved on, leaving behind the breeding Ruby-throats.
When should I put out my hummingbird feeder?
Given the arrival times above, most experts recommend putting out hummingbird feeders by early April at the latest in Tennessee. Mid to late March is an even better target, as it will provide nourishment for the earliest arrivals.
Here are some more specific guidelines for Tennessee hummingbird feeder start dates:
- West Tennessee: March 15-20
- Middle Tennessee: March 20-25
- East Tennessee: March 25-April 1
Starting on the earlier side of these date ranges will help ensure hummers have a food source ready when they arrive. Waiting a week or two later, towards the end of the ranges, is still fine if needed. But try not to put out feeders much later than that, or early arrivals may miss them.
Can I put out my feeder earlier?
You can technically put hummingbird feeders out as early as late February or early March in Tennessee. However, this is usually not necessary. Leaving feeders up too early increases the chances that nectar will spoil or freeze before hummers arrive. Moldy nectar can make hummingbirds sick.
If you want to get a head start, try briefly putting out your feeder for a few days in early March, then take it down and clean it before putting it back up around the recommended mid-March timeframe. Early monitoring will help confirm if any particularly early arrivals are in the area.
Steps for putting out your hummingbird feeder
Follow these steps when putting out your hummingbird feeder for spring in Tennessee:
- Select a feeder style and location. Look for red feeders with feeding ports that accommodate hummer tongues. Hang in a visible location near natural flowers or trees that hummers may visit.
- Make fresh nectar. Use a simple 1:4 ratio of white sugar dissolved in water. Boil the water first then let cool before mixing.
- Fill feeder and hang in desired spot around mid to late March.
- Change nectar every 3-5 days to prevent spoilage. Rinse and clean the feeder fully at least once every 1-2 weeks.
- Keep feeder up through September or even October to provide fuel for migrating hummers heading south.
Signs that hummingbirds have returned
How will you know when Tennessee’s famous hummingbirds have arrived in your area? Look for these cues:
- Seeing hummers visiting your feeder or nearby flowers.
- Hearing male hummers making buzzing or chipping sounds as they establish territories.
- Finding active hummingbird nests guarded by females.
Ruby-throats typically arrive first, but keep an eye out for rare western species in April or May like Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds. If you think you’ve spotted a rarity, try to take photos and report it to your local Audubon chapter or online at eBird.org.
Types of hummingbirds in Tennessee
At least 12 hummingbird species have been recorded in Tennessee. Here are details on some of the most common and rare species that pass through the state each year:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throats are Tennessee’s most common and widespread hummingbird. Males have a distinctive ruby red throat and iridescent green back. Females lack the ruby throat and are pale below with white outer tail feathers. Ruby-throats nest across the eastern United States and Canada and migrate through the full state twice a year.
Rufous Hummingbird
One of the more common western species to turn up in Tennessee during migration and winter. Males are bright orange below with an emerald green back. Females are green above with rusty sides. Rufous hummers breed across the northwest and migrate through or winter along the Gulf coast.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliopes are the smallest hummingbird species in North America and occasionally stop by Tennessee while migrating between their breeding grounds in the Rocky Mountains and wintering areas along the Mexico border. Males have colorful magenta throats and females have white-tipped outer tail feathers.
Other potential species
Other vagrant hummingbirds that have been known to show up rarely in Tennessee include Anna’s Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, and Buff-bellied Hummingbird. Keep an eye out for these unusual species passing through between March and May.
Key regional differences
Hummingbird arrival and behaviors can vary across Tennessee based on major regional differences:
West Tennessee
- Arrival as early as first week of March
- Mostly Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
- Some potential for western vagrants in migration along the Mississippi River
Middle Tennessee
- Arrivals in mid-March
- Mix of Ruby-throats and migrants like Rufous Hummingbirds
- Higher species diversity due to convergence of Atlantic and Mississippi flyways
East Tennessee
- Arrivals in late March
- Primarily Ruby-throats
- Some vagrant species possible, especially in fall migration
Impact of climate change
Warmer spring temperatures caused by climate change are leading hummingbirds to arrive earlier and earlier in Tennessee over time. One study by Journey North found hummingbirds are arriving nearly two weeks earlier than 20 years ago.
This trend means Tennessee residents may need to advance the timing of when they put out their feeders starting in late February in order to provide fuel for the earliest arrivals.
Conclusion
Mid-March to early April is the key time period to put out hummingbird feeders in Tennessee before the birds arrive from their southern wintering grounds. With the right feeder and nectar, you can provide critical energy for passing migrants and breeding Ruby-throated Hummingbirds taking up residence. Paying attention to first sightings and adjusting timing over the years as necessary will help support Tennessee’s unique hummingbird populations.
