When Should I Take Down My Hummingbird Feeder?
Fall migration is underway for the hummingbird. When should you take feeders down? We have the answer, plus what you can do to help these tiny creatures on their long journey south.
Fall migration is underway for the hummingbird. Most North American hummingbird species migrate to Central America or Mexico for the winter; they travel nearly 4,000 miles—a long journey for such a tiny creature. But if you keep your feeders up, will it interfere with their migration? Will they stick around rather than take the trip nature intended?
RELATED: 10 Facts About Hummingbirds That Will Amaze You!
Birds & Blooms expert Rob Ripma explains that hummingbirds migrate according to their internal, circannual rhythms and leaving the feeder up will not deter them from migrating. In fact, sugar-water feeders are important refueling stations for them along the way. Following these tips will allow you to help them on their journey south.
Preparing for the Trip
As hummingbirds prepare for migration, they need to feed more frequently to gain weight and store fat needed for the journey south. An increased intake of flower nectar and sugar-water from feeders will provide a weight increase of 25% to as much as 50% to help provide fuel for the migration.
9 Tips To Help Hummingbirds In Their Journey
- Certain species, such as the Rufous hummingbirds, are heartier and can endure colder temperatures than the Ruby-throated hummingbirds so they may show up later in the season— into October or even November. It it doesn’t hurt to leave your feed up even through November.
- You can take the feeder down two to three weeks after you’ve seen the last hummingbird visit your feeder.
- Hummingbirds are territorial and spend a lot of time and energy chasing other birds away from the feeder site. Putting out more than one feeder can reduce fighting for dominant feeder rights. This can also help reduce mold formation, bacteria, and spoilage.
- Wondering if you should increase the ratio of sugar in the feeder solution for migrating hummingbirds? Four-parts water to 1-part sugar is the standard sugar-water ratio. Robin Grant, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s web moderator offers this advice, “High sugar concentrations could cause dehydration. In cold weather, you can use 1-part sugar to 3-parts water, but in warm weather, it’s best to stick with the more traditional 1:4 ratio.”
- Don’t use red dye in your feeder. Red dye is an artificial, synthetic chemical. It is not needed to attract hummingbirds to liquid nectar. Keep their feed as close to natural as possible. Hang a red feeder instead
- Avoid placing the feeder in direct sun.
- Change the sugar-water solution in the hummingbird feeder every three days in hot weather.
- Clean the feeder with a brush and hot water. When needed, clean with a mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with sugar-water.
- Refrigerate surplus sugar-water until refills are needed. Keep no longer than one week.
Did You Know?
- Hummingbirds do not travel in flocks, like most other birds, but migrate alone.
- September is the month we see the most hummingbirds venturing south. Although, stragglers can appear at your feeder in October.
- It takes about two weeks for a hummingbird to complete its fall migratory trek.
- Hummingbirds have excellent recall. They remember the location of your feeder and will return to the sites it has visited in the past.
Join The Discussion!
Do you have a hummingbird feeder?
Is there anything else you are curious to know about hummingbird feeders?
What was one thing new you learned from this article?
Let us know in the comments below!
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Deborah Tukua
Deborah Tukua is a natural living, healthy lifestyle writer and author of 7 non-fiction books, including Pearls of Garden Wisdom: Time-Saving Tips and Techniques from a Country Home, Pearls of Country Wisdom: Hints from a Small Town on Keeping Garden and Home, and Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. Tukua has been a writer for the Farmers' Almanac since 2004.
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It is December 6 and I still have hummingbirds in my yard. Last night it was 27degrees. Should I take down my feeder? I live in southeastern NC, on the coast.
I was told 1 cup of water to 4 teaspoons of sugar. Is that wrong? I’m worried.
I’m leaving in November, when should I take my feeder down so the hummingbirds understand there’s no feed for the winter?
We recommend leaving it up until about two weeks before you leave. Safe Travels!
I have many hummingbirds, in way south AZ. LOVE them. Last few years, the bees have taken over. Had to remove.I put in plants they love, but still so miss the feeders. Any ideas?
Loved the info…thank you
Hummingbirds will chase other hummingbirds away from our feeders, but will stay nearby while a Titmouse or Chickadee land on it. Yes, they do drink from it! I would think their fast beating wings might scare the other birds if they’d try to chase them.
Does anyone else have other birds drinking from their hummingbird feeders?
I have a “resident flock” that has been coming back every year for almost 30 years. They stay and nest. This year I went through 120 pounds of sugar. I can tell the difference between them and travelers because when I go outside, my birds will buzz my head if their feeders are empty! The travelers freak out and fly away. I usually leave a feeder up until October 15. I thoroughly wash the feeders with soap and hot water and a few drops of bleach to get rid of any remaining bacteria. My flock left for the migration on September 1st this year. I don’t miss putting out 1 to 2 gallons of sugar water every day, but I do miss their chittering outside my window!
I do what I can to feed birds! we have fenders and flowers for hummingbirds to help them on their journey. They love Bubblegum Petunias!
I’ve only seen 1 this year and took the feeder down but after reading the article, and have a new branch available to hang it on, I’m going to put it back up for a couple weeks- ( I live in Norwich, Ct.)
I only saw 9 tips re: Humming birds. What is up?
In SC, we have 4 that stay year round. I made the mistake of taking mine down at Christmas only to look out and see a hummingbird circling a piece of red ribbon in the yard decorations. I quickly got out the feeders!