The return of hummingbirds in spring is a welcome sign of the season, but successful attraction depends entirely on correct timing. Understanding the annual cycle of these tiny, energetic migrants is the first step in providing a reliable food source when they need it most. Being ready for the first arrivals, who have completed an immense journey, is crucial.
Understanding Hummingbird Migration Timing
Hummingbirds are among the smallest migratory birds, and their high metabolism demands an almost constant supply of energy. Hovering flight requires a prodigious rate of oxygen consumption, making their long-distance migration flights incredibly taxing. To fuel their journey from wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico, they must rely on stopover points to refuel.
The feeder serves as a supplement to their primary diet, which consists of flower nectar and small insects for protein. During migration, hummingbirds accumulate fat stores that can account for up to 40% of their body weight, providing the necessary energy reserve. If natural nectar sources are scarce or not yet blooming upon their arrival, a feeder provides a critical resource.
Regional Variations and Early Placement
The most effective time to place a feeder is highly dependent on your geographic location, as arrival dates vary significantly by latitude. The essential rule of thumb is to hang your feeder one to two weeks before the earliest anticipated arrival date for your area. This ensures a reliable food source is available for the first, often male, migrants, who typically arrive ahead of the females.
In the Southeast, including the Gulf Coast states, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird begins to arrive as early as late February or early March. For residents in the Mid-Atlantic and lower Midwest, the ideal time to place the feeder is generally late March to early April. Further north, in the northern states and into Canada, the first sightings may not occur until mid- to late April or early May.
Being slightly early is always better than being late, especially because unseasonable weather can affect natural bloom times. Tracking historical sightings for your specific region can help you pinpoint a more accurate date for placement.
Maintaining Feeders Through the Fall
The fall migration begins when the days shorten, which is the primary trigger for the birds to head south. Adult males often start their journey back to Mexico and Central America as early as August, with females and juveniles following in September and October. During this time, hummingbirds enter a period of intense feeding, known as hyperphagia, to build up fat reserves for their second long journey.
It is a common misunderstanding that leaving a feeder up too long will prevent hummingbirds from migrating. Because the urge to migrate is instinctual and triggered by changes in daylight, a feeder will not keep a healthy bird from leaving. To best support late migrants or stragglers, feeders should be left up for at least two weeks past the last visible sighting in your yard.