The short version
A common rule is to hang feeders about one to two weeks before hummingbirds are expected to arrive in spring, and to leave them up for a couple of weeks after you see your last hummingbird in fall. Exact dates depend on where you live, so use local sightings as your guide.
When to put feeders out in spring
Hummingbirds arrive at different times across North America. As a rough guide, they tend to reach the Gulf Coast and Southeast first, then move north through spring. In the far north and at high elevations, arrival may not happen until late spring.
General regional patterns, which vary from year to year:
- Southeast and Gulf Coast: Often late winter to early spring.
- Southwest and California: Early spring, and in mild areas some hummingbirds are present year-round.
- Northeast and Midwest: Typically mid-spring to early May.
- Mountain West and Pacific Northwest: Usually late April or May.
Because timing varies, check local birding groups, sighting maps, and nature centers for current reports. Hanging feeders a bit early is generally harmless and may help early arrivals that appear before many flowers are blooming.
How do hummingbirds know you put food out?
Hummingbirds have good memories for places where they have found food, and returning birds often check the same spots year after year. They also notice bright colors and flowers, and a feeder with red on it can catch their eye. Some may find a new feeder within hours or days, while others take longer.
Summer care
Summer is when feeders often need the most attention.
- Check nectar levels often, especially when young birds are fledging and activity picks up.
- Change nectar more frequently in hot weather. A commonly given guide is every few days, and sooner in very hot conditions.
- Clean the feeder with hot water and a brush each time you refill. See our guide to the safest hummingbird feeder for cleaning and placement ideas.
- Use plain white sugar at a ratio of one part sugar to four parts water, with no dye or honey.
Hummingbirds feed many times an hour because of their high energy needs, so a reliable feeder can be a helpful supplement to natural flowers and insects.
When to take feeders down in fall
Fall migration varies widely. Many experts suggest keeping feeders up for two to three weeks after you last see a hummingbird at your yard. This leaves food for late migrants passing through from farther north.
Will feeders stop hummingbirds from migrating?
This is a common worry, and it is generally considered a myth. Hummingbirds migrate in response to cues like day length and instinct, not because feeders disappear. Leaving feeders up is not thought to stop them from leaving.
Mild climates and winter feeding
In parts of the Southwest, California, and the Gulf Coast, some hummingbirds stay through the winter. If you live in one of these areas, you may want to keep a feeder available all year. In places where nights fall below freezing, nectar can freeze. Some people bring feeders in overnight and put them back out in the morning, or use a feeder warmer. If you see a hummingbird in winter in a place where it is unusual, consider contacting a local bird group.
If you live in California, you can read about which hummingbird species to expect.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until you see a hummingbird before hanging a feeder, which can miss early arrivals.
- Leaving old nectar in the feeder through a hot spell.
- Taking feeders down too early in fall.
- Not cleaning between refills.
Seasonal checklist
- Late winter or early spring: Clean feeders, mix fresh nectar, hang them out.
- Summer: Refill and clean often, move to shade if possible.
- Late summer to fall: Keep feeders going as migrants pass through.
- After the last sighting: Wait two to three weeks, then clean and store feeders.
Before the season starts, you may also want to review the different hummingbird feeder types so you can choose a design that suits your climate. If other birds start using your feeders, see what other birds drink from a hummingbird feeder.