There are a few common reasons why hummingbirds may suddenly disappear from your feeders or yard:
Food Sources
Hummingbirds are migratory and will follow the bloom of flowers and other food sources. If a preferred natural food source suddenly becomes available elsewhere, the hummingbirds may temporarily leave your feeders to take advantage of it. Some common examples are:
- Natural wildflowers blooming
- Trees and shrubs flowering
- Neighboring yards with fresh feeders or flowers
Rest assured, once the natural food source is depleted the hummingbirds will almost always return to your feeders. Continue maintaining your feeders so they are ready when the hummingbirds return.
Weather Changes
Hummingbirds are sensitive to weather and temperature changes. A sudden cold front or unseasonable warmth, rain, wind, or other severe weather can force hummingbirds to seek shelter or migrate. Hummingbirds burn energy incredibly fast and need to conserve resources in poor weather conditions. Providing shelter and keeping feeders fresh helps attract them back when conditions improve.
Competition
In some cases, you may suddenly stop seeing hummingbirds due to increased competition in the area. Aggressive males often chase other hummingbirds away from feeders they have claimed as their territory. A newly territorial male establishing a nest site in your yard could explain a sudden disappearance.
Fledglings from other nests in the neighborhood may also discover your feeders and temporarily frighten away adult birds. Be patient, the mature hummingbirds will return once the young ones disperse.
Predators
Predators like hawks, cats, and snakes can scare away hummingbirds for a period of time. If a predator has moved into your area, hummingbirds may avoid the feeders until the threat has passed. Eliminating hiding places, keeping cats indoors, and moving feeders away from dense foliage where predators hide may help.
When do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbird migration is an intricate process precisely timed to food availability and other environmental factors. Here is an overview of typical hummingbird migration:
Spring Migration
The earliest hummers begin arriving at their breeding grounds as early as January in the southernmost states. Migration continues northward through summer, with the last stragglers arriving in Alaska by late May.
- January-February: Western US states including California, Arizona, New Mexico see first arrivals
- March: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia see first migrants. Pacific Northwest migration begins.
- April: Migration picks up through Midwest, Great Plains, eastern US
- May: Peak migration throughout most of US and into Canada
- June: Migration ends, with last arrivals in northernmost states and Canada
Fall Migration
The migration pattern is reversed in fall, as birds leave from farther north first and move progressively southward through the season into winter.
- July: Fall migration starts in Canada and northernmost US states
- August: Migration in full swing across northern US down to Midwest
- September: Western US, Midwest, and Northeast see peak migration traffic
- October: Migration increases down to southern US
- November: Most hummers now in southern US, Mexico
- December: Birds continue south into Central America and Panama
Migration Dangers
Hummingbirds face many threats during migration:
- Lack of food sources along migration routes
- Inclement weather such as storms, wind, rain, cold temperatures
- Predators
- Exhaustion crossing immense distances like the Gulf of Mexico
- Urban obstacles like windows, buildings, communication towers
Homeowners can help support migration by providing food sources and shelter through the seasons.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds have unique dietary adaptations to fuel their high metabolism and hovering flight:
Nectar
Hummingbirds rely on nectar from flowers as their main food source. They prefer nectar from tubular red flowers with high sugar concentrations. Native plants evolved alongside hummingbirds and cater perfectly to their needs. Popular ornamental flowers enjoyed by hummingbirds include:
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Columbine
- Coral bells
- Foxglove
- Fuchsia
- Honeysuckle
- Impatiens
- Petunia
- Salvia
- Trumpet vine
- Zinnia
Tree Sap
Hummingbirds will drink sap from holes drilled in trees by woodpeckers as an early spring food source before flowers bloom. Favored sap trees include birches, maples, and willows. Never install “sap feeders” as the sugar concentrations are harmful to hummingbird health.
Insects
Hummingbirds get essential protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats from eating small insects and spiders. Young hummingbirds rely more heavily on insects to fuel their rapid growth. Adults eat more insects during migration to meet energy demands.
Syrup Feeders
In urban environments rich with ornamental plantings, hummingbirds can become accustomed to artificial nectar sources. Follow these tips for healthy feeders:
- Use plain white refined sugar only, in a concentration of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
- Avoid honey, dyes, artificial sweeteners, or other additives.
- Change syrup daily and clean feeders well to prevent mold.
- Avoid letting syrup ferment by changing it often on hot days.
How do hummingbirds nest?
Hummingbirds demonstrate fascinating nesting behaviors tuned to provide the best chance of survival for their chicks:
Nest Locations
Female hummingbirds build nests in protected locations out of soft plant down, moss, and spider silk. Common sites include:
- Tree branches
- Forks of branches
- Overhanging horizontal limbs
- Shrubs and vines
The nest is only 2 inches wide, perfectly sized to hold the tiny eggs. Placement is often precarious, but makes access difficult for predators.
Unique Eggs
Hummingbird eggs are smaller than a jellybean at just half an inch long. Their delicate elongated shape allows them to fit perfectly in the tiny nests. Female hummingbirds lay 2 eggs per clutch, though usually only 1 chick fledges.
Incubation
Only the female incubates the eggs, for approximately 2 weeks. Her high body temperature and fast heartbeat allow efficient transfer of warmth to the developing chicks. During this period, she survives entirely on stored energy and must leave the eggs for only minutes at a time to snatch small meals.
Nestlings
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for 3-4 weeks. At birth they are only the size of a bumblebee! The female feeds the chicks with regurgitated nectar and insects. As they grow, the nestlings gradually extend their wings outside the nest in preparation for fledging.
Fledglings
Once strong enough for sustained flight, the young hummingbird will leave the nest. However, they frequently return and beg food from the female for several more days as they hone their flight skills. Gradually the fledglings become independent.
How many broods do hummingbirds have?
Most hummingbird species breed 2-3 times per spring and summer during optimal conditions:
First Broods
The earliest broods coincide with spring migration and onset of flowering. In southern areas, first broods finish by March. Farther north, first broods occur April-May.
Second Broods
After successfully fledging their first brood, female hummingbirds rest approximately one month before laying a second clutch. The timing means second broods often fledge mid-summer.
Third Broods
Some long-season hummingbirds like Anna’s and Rufous manage to squeeze in a third brood before fall migration starts. The last fledglings leave the nest as late as July or August.
However, harsh weather, lack of food, or other stresses can prevent third broods during a given season. It is an impressive feat of the female’s endurance and dedication.
Brood Size by Species
The average number of broods per season depends in part on the hummingbird species:
| Species | Average Broods Per Year |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | 2 |
| Black-chinned | 2-3 |
| Anna’s | 3-4 |
| Rufous | 2-3 |
| Allen’s | 2 |
| Calliope | 2 |
How do you attract hummingbirds?
Here are some tips to make your yard or garden as welcoming as possible for hummingbirds:
Provide Food
The most important attraction strategy is providing a continuous supply of nectar. Choose a diversity of hummingbird-favored flowers for bloom throughout spring, summer, and fall. Maintain fresh feeders to supplement natural food. Provide insect-friendly areas to supply needed protein.
Provide Water
A mister, fountain, waterfall, or small pond with a sloping edge gives hummingbirds a place to bathe and drink. Adding stones for perching helps attract them.
Offer Shelter
Hummingbirds appreciate protected areas for nesting, resting, and escaping bad weather. Shrubs, trees, trellises overhangs, and hammocks are all suitable shelters.
Avoid Pesticides
To maintain healthy insect populations, avoid use of pesticides and insecticides which hummingbirds rely on for food.
Include Native Plants
Landscape with diverse native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees ideally suited to your climate. Avoid aggressive exotic species.
Use Red Feeders
Choose bright red feeders displayed prominently in open areas. Place multiple feeders around your property to minimize territorial fights.
Keep Cats Inside
Prevent cats from patrolling yards where hummingbirds are present. Their stalking and pouncing instinct poses a major predatory threat.
Following these practices will create an enticing, safe habitat for hummingbirds!
Do hummingbirds reuse nests?
Hummingbirds often return and reuse a favored nest site, with some maintenance:
– Females may repair and fortify an existing nest rather than build a completely new one each year. This saves time and energy.
– Old nests degrade and may not stand up to weather and time. The female may patch holes or reinforce the walls with fresh soft materials.
– Wind, rain, and animals may displace old nests over winter. A female may rebuild her nest in the same site using salvaged pieces.
– Spiders often inhabit old nests. A female may clean out webs and debris before laying new eggs.
– If severe storms or predators compromise a nest, she will construct a brand new replacement in the same protected location.
– Young females often reuse their natal nests from previous years or occupy vacated nests. Finding a proven site helps first-time nesters.
Reusing nests allows hummingbirds to return to successful sites year after year. This site fidelity is a key part of their seasonal breeding habitat.
How do you winterize hummingbird feeders?
In northern climates where hummingbirds migrate away for winter, feeders require seasonal maintenance:
Take Feeders Down
By late fall, hummingbirds have finished migrating through your area. Remove feeders so you are not needlessly supplying sugar water that will freeze and go rancid.
Clean Thoroughly
Take feeders apart and wash all components in hot water. Use a weak bleach solution and small brushes to scrub away all residual black mold and bacterial biofilm. Rinse thoroughly.
Allow to Dry
Leave feeder parts open and fully disassembled to ensure every surface and tube dries completely before storage. Moisture breeds mold.
Store Indoors
Keep clean, dry feeder materials in a box or bag indoors over winter. Avoid storing in the garage or shed where moisture and pests can still accumulate.
Save Old Syrup
Do not dump old sugar water on the ground where it can ferment, mold, and spread disease. Strain any remaining syrup through a coffee filter. Store in an airtight jar to use again next season.
Assemble in Spring
In early spring when hummingbirds return, reassemble cleaned feeders with fresh new syrup. Avoid reusing old sugar water to reduce risk of spoilage.
With proper winter cleaning and storage, your feeders will be ready to welcome hummingbirds back next year!
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds are amazing creatures with unique behaviors and needs. Understanding their migration patterns, food sources, nesting habits, and attraction techniques allows us to support these special birds. With some diligence to create a healthy habitat, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds thrive for years to come! If they do suddenly disappear from your yard, inspect for any changes that may be disruptive and mitigate those to entice them to return. Maintaining fresh nectar, water, and shelter will once again make your space attractive for hummingbirds’ seasonal visits.
