The annual migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird brings them to Illinois to breed and forage each spring. Knowing the precise timing for feeder placement is important for assisting these tiny birds, which have just completed an arduous journey from their wintering grounds in Central America. Placing feeders out before their arrival ensures that exhausted migrant birds have immediate access to a high-energy fuel source. This guidance provides specific seasonal recommendations for Illinois residents to support the hummingbird migration.
Spring Timing for Illinois Hummingbirds
The general arrival window for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds across the state begins in mid-April. Birds migrate north in waves, with the earliest arrivals reaching Southern Illinois, often in the second or third week of April. Residents in southern counties should have feeders ready by April 10th to accommodate these initial arrivals.
The arrival timeline shifts as the birds move toward the northern portion of the state. Central Illinois typically sees its first hummingbirds around the middle of April, with a greater presence by the last week of the month. Residents in Northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, should anticipate the main surge of arrivals closer to the end of April or the first week of May.
It is best to place feeders out approximately one to two weeks before the expected arrival date for your specific region. These early-arriving males, often called “scouts,” push north ahead of the main migratory group to establish territory. Since natural food sources like early-blooming flowers may be scarce, supplemental feeders are an important resource for these travelers.
Proper Nectar Recipe and Feeder Maintenance
The only safe and recommended nectar recipe mimics the natural sucrose found in flowers. This solution is made by mixing four parts water with one part standard white granulated cane sugar. Briefly boiling the water before mixing helps to dissolve the crystals completely and sterilize the mixture. The solution must be allowed to cool fully before filling the feeder and hanging it outside.
It is strongly advised to never use honey, brown sugar, molasses, or artificial sweeteners in the feeder. Honey, when diluted, ferments rapidly and can promote dangerous fungal growth that is toxic to hummingbirds. Artificial sweeteners provide no necessary calories, offering no energy to these birds that require a constant supply of fuel for survival.
The use of red dye is unnecessary and potentially harmful, as it contains chemical additives that are not part of a hummingbird’s natural diet. Most commercial feeders already incorporate red plastic parts, which are sufficient to attract the birds. Feeders must be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, ensuring the health of the visiting birds.
In warmer weather, particularly when temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the sugar water should be replaced and the feeder thoroughly cleaned every two to three days. In cooler spring or fall weather, the nectar can remain fresh for up to a week. Placing the feeder in a shaded location, away from direct sunlight, helps to slow fermentation and keep the nectar safe for longer periods.
Knowing When to Take Feeders Down
Hummingbirds begin their return migration south out of Illinois starting in late August, with the bulk of the population departing throughout September and into early October. Contrary to a common misconception, leaving a feeder up late in the season does not prevent or delay a hummingbird’s migration. The instinct to migrate is triggered by the shortening daylight hours, not by the availability of food sources.
The departing birds, including the newly fledged young, need to consume large amounts of nectar to build up the fat reserves necessary for their long journey. It is beneficial to keep feeders full and clean well into the fall to support these travelers and passing migrants. Maintain feeders for at least two weeks after the last hummingbird sighting. This ensures that any late-season stragglers have a final opportunity to fuel up before continuing their flight south.