The return of hummingbirds each spring signals the beginning of the vibrant season in Indiana. The primary species that Hoosiers welcome back is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a tiny but resilient migrant that travels thousands of miles. Tracking their predictable, yet weather-dependent, arrival requires attention to both the calendar and the conditions outside. Preparing your backyard accordingly ensures these small travelers have the fuel they need for their breeding season.
Pinpointing the Arrival Window
The northward migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird begins as they leave their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico, often making a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. This demanding journey requires them to store significant fat reserves, sometimes increasing their body weight by 25 to 40% before departure. The first individuals, typically the adult males, start appearing in Indiana as early as mid-April.
Their arrival follows a progression from south to north across the state, generally paralleling the emergence of early spring flowers. Southern Indiana communities often report sightings in the second half of April, while the main wave moves into central Indiana around late April to early May. Residents in northern Indiana can expect to see their first hummingbirds in early to mid-May, completing the state’s colonization for the summer.
The exact timing each year is heavily influenced by regional weather patterns, as they rely on predictable temperatures and tailwinds. Strong southerly winds can accelerate their journey, leading to an earlier arrival. Conversely, prolonged cold snaps or unfavorable winds can delay their progress. Monitoring migration tracking maps can offer a more precise prediction of when the birds are approaching your specific area.
Preparing Your Yard for the Migrants
Preparing feeding stations must be done in advance of the estimated arrival dates to ensure migrants have immediate access to food. Hang feeders one to two weeks before the expected arrival of the first males, usually meaning they should be ready by early to mid-April. These early arrivals are often hungry from their long migration, and natural nectar sources may still be scarce.
The nectar solution for feeders should mimic the sugar concentration found in natural flower nectar: a ratio of one part refined white sugar to four parts water. Use only plain white cane sugar and avoid brown sugar, raw sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be difficult for the birds to digest or may promote harmful mold growth. Artificial red dyes are unnecessary and potentially harmful; the red parts on the feeder itself are sufficient to attract the birds.
Feeder Maintenance
Feeder cleanliness is important, especially as temperatures rise, to prevent the growth of mold or fermentation of the sugar solution. In warmer weather, the nectar should be changed and the feeder cleaned every two to three days, and more frequently if the liquid appears cloudy. Placing the feeder in a partially shaded spot helps keep the nectar cooler, slowing the rate of spoilage, and should be located near natural perching areas like trees or shrubs.
Natural Nectar Sources
Supplementing the feeders with native plants that offer tubular, nectar-rich flowers provides a reliable and natural food source throughout the season. Examples include Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, or Coral Honeysuckle.
Migration South and Fall Care
The southbound migration typically begins as early as late July, with the peak departure period occurring in late August and throughout September. Adult males are the first to begin the journey south, followed by the females and then the juveniles, who often depart in September guided solely by instinct. This departure is triggered not by the lack of food but by the shortening of daylight hours, a biological signal that prompts their migratory instinct.
Hummingbirds engage in a phase called hyperphagia during late summer, where they feed intensely to build up fat reserves for their long flight back to Central America. Activity at feeders often increases noticeably during this time as migrating birds from farther north pass through Indiana. Keep feeders filled and clean throughout this period to support these travelers.
Leaving a feeder out will not prevent a hummingbird from migrating; their drive to fly south is determined by genetic programming and light cues, not by food availability. Feeders should remain available through October to assist late-season migrants passing through the state. Once there have been no sightings for two weeks, or after the first hard frost, feeders can be taken down and cleaned for the winter.