It’s normal to wonder why hummingbirds are still visiting your feeders in October. Here are some quick answers to common questions about hummingbirds in the fall:
Why are there still hummingbirds around in October?
There are a few reasons hummingbirds may linger into October:
- Migration is prolonging their stay – They are still migrating south from northern breeding grounds and stopping to refuel along the way.
- Some hummingbirds have taken up residence – While most hummingbirds migrate, some species like Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds may overwinter in some regions.
- Young birds got a late start – Young hummingbirds sometimes start migration later than adults, so they pass through areas later in fall.
What hummingbird species might I see in October?
The most common October hummingbird species depend on your location, but may include:
| Eastern U.S. | Midwest | Western U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Rufous Hummingbird |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Anna’s Hummingbird |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
Eastern U.S.
In the eastern United States, the most common October hummingbird is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. However, western species like Rufous Hummingbirds often pass through eastern states during fall migration.
Midwest
Midwestern states may see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds lingering into October, along with western species like Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds during migration.
Western U.S.
In western states, Anna’s, Rufous, and Allen’s Hummingbirds commonly spend winters or linger into October. Rufous Hummingbirds are particularly abundant in fall along the Pacific Coast.
What should I do to support October hummingbirds?
Here are some tips for providing for hummingbirds still around in October:
- Keep feeders clean and filled – Continue maintenance through fall and offer high energy nectar.
- Provide shelter – Hummingbirds appreciate shelters and windbreaks as colder weather arrives.
- Offer a water source – A mister, fountain, or bird bath gives hummingbirds a place to drink and bathe.
- Don’t cut back on flowers – Leave up nectar-rich, late-blooming flowers like fuchsia and sage.
- Avoid pesticides – Hummingbirds eat small insects too, so avoid spraying chemical pesticides.
Here is a handy checklist for preparing your yard for October hummingbirds:
| Task | Completed? |
|---|---|
| Keep feeders clean and full | ✔ |
| Provide shelter | |
| Offer water source | |
| Leave up late flowers | |
| Avoid pesticides |
How long do hummingbirds stay around in fall?
Most hummingbirds migrate south by the end of October, but a few factors influence fall departure dates:
- Cold temperatures – Hard freezes drive away food sources and many hummingbirds.
- Availability of flowers and insects – Hummingbirds leave when food becomes scarce.
- Geographic location – Southern birds migrate later than northern ones.
- Residency status – Some species like Anna’s Hummingbird live year-round in mild climates.
Here is a table showing the typical fall migration end dates for common western hummingbirds:
| Species | Typical Departure Date |
|---|---|
| Rufous Hummingbird | Mid-October |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Late October |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Some remain year-round |
In warmer regions, Anna’s and other hummingbirds may overwinter. But most migrating hummingbirds are gone by Thanksgiving at the latest.
Do I need to take down my hummingbird feeders in October?
Here are some guidelines for taking down hummingbird feeders in fall:
- Keep feeders up as long as you see hummingbirds – Don’t take them down too early while birds are still around.
- Take down feeders by early-mid November at the latest – Hummingbirds that remain may not migrate properly.
- Clean and store feeders properly – Disinfecting and air drying feeders prevents mold.
- Put feeders back up in early spring – In most regions, hummers return by March/April.
Use these tips to safely provide for hummingbirds through the fall season:
Keep feeders up when hummers are present
Don’t take down feeders prematurely if hummingbirds are still using them. Leaving feeders up into October or even November likely will not prevent migration as long as adequate food is available.
Take down feeders by mid-November
By early to mid-November, most hummingbirds have migrated. Removing feeders may encourage any late-lingering birds to move on.
Clean and store feeders properly
Before storing feeders for the winter, make sure to clean them with a bleach solution and let air dry completely to prevent dangerous mold growth.
Put feeders back up in early spring
In most areas, hummingbirds start returning by early March to April. Have feeders ready and waiting for them!
Conclusion
Seeing hummingbirds in October can be a delightful extension of hummingbird season. With some basic knowledge about fall migration timing, expected species, and proper feeding, you can assist hummingbirds lingering through the fall. Keep an eye out for these tiny travelers stopping by your garden for a nourishing pit stop before they complete their amazing migration journeys.
