Hummingbirds are high-energy migrants that journey thousands of miles annually. Providing a nectar feeder offers them a valuable energy source during their travels and breeding season. Knowing precisely when to place and remove a feeder in Missouri supports these travelers on their demanding schedule, as their timing is governed by biological cues.
Optimal Spring Placement Timing in Missouri
The ideal time to hang a hummingbird feeder in Missouri is one to two weeks before the earliest expected arrival. This proactive approach ensures a food source is ready for the first males that venture north to establish territories. In southern Missouri, this window typically opens during the first week of April.
Moving north, the timing shifts slightly later, generally toward the middle of April. The average arrival date for the main population wave is mid-to-late April, with April 25th often suggested as a target date. Placing the feeder out slightly early is beneficial because arrival times fluctuate based on weather patterns.
Understanding Hummingbird Migration Routes
The primary species that breeds in Missouri is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). These birds winter in Central America and Mexico, sometimes traveling as far south as Panama. Their northward spring migration involves a non-stop flight of roughly 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico, which can cause them to lose up to half their body weight.
Migration is triggered by internal hormonal changes linked to the increasing length of daylight hours, not by the presence of a feeder. When they reach Missouri, the first arrivals rely on early natural food sources, such as insects and tree sap, before nectar-rich flowers bloom widely.
Feeder Maintenance and Placement Tips
Once the feeder is placed, careful maintenance is required to ensure the nectar is safe. The mixture should be one part granulated white sugar dissolved in four parts water, mimicking natural flower nectar. Avoid using red food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be detrimental to the birds’ health.
The feeder must be cleaned frequently to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, especially when temperatures are warm. In hot weather, change the solution and scrub the feeder every few days; weekly cleaning is sufficient in cooler conditions. Optimal placement involves hanging the feeder in a partially shaded area to slow fermentation, preferably near protective cover like trees or shrubs. Spacing multiple feeders 10 to 15 feet apart can help reduce territorial disputes.
When to Remove Feeders in the Fall
Hummingbird feeding remains beneficial into the fall as birds prepare for their southward journey. The main fall migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begins in mid-August, with most departing Missouri by late September or early October. Keep feeders up until you have not observed a hummingbird for at least two weeks.
Leaving feeders in place through October, or even early November, does not interfere with the birds’ natural migratory instincts. Their departure is governed by the photoperiod (shortening daylight hours), not by food availability. Keeping feeders available provides an energy source for late-migrating individuals or less common species, such as the Rufous Hummingbird, passing through Missouri.