Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the primary species visiting Tennessee yards, traveling thousands of miles from their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. These tiny migrants rely on reliable fuel sources during their journey. Understanding when to hang feeders in spring and keep them up in fall ensures a consistent supply of energy for these travelers. Their arrival and departure windows are determined by their instinctual migration schedule, which is tied to environmental cues like day length.
Optimal Timing for Spring Arrival
The northward migration brings the first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds into Tennessee beginning in late March, with a significant increase in sightings during the first two weeks of April. You should aim to have your feeders ready for use by April 1st, or at least a week or two before the earliest expected arrival. This early placement is important because the first birds to arrive are often “scouts,” typically adult males seeking to establish their breeding territories.
These early male arrivals are often exhausted from their non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. They may find natural nectar sources scarce if early spring blooms have not yet fully opened. Your feeder serves as a stopover point for these initial migrants, offering immediate replenishment. Having feeders ready in late March or early April ensures the earliest and most vulnerable travelers have access to sustenance while the main migratory wave continues through mid-May.
Preparing and Maintaining the Feeder
The food source for hummingbirds is simple homemade nectar, made from a ratio of one part refined white granulated sugar to four parts water. This mixture closely mimics the natural sugar concentration found in the flowers they prefer. Avoid adding red food coloring, as the dye is unnecessary and may be harmful to the birds’ health. The red parts on the feeder itself are sufficient to attract them.
A strict cleaning schedule is necessary to prevent the growth of mold and dangerous bacteria, especially as temperatures begin to climb. In cooler weather, cleaning the feeder and replacing the nectar once a week is sufficient. When temperatures consistently reach into the 80s Fahrenheit, the feeder should be cleaned every two to three days. If the temperature exceeds 90 degrees, daily cleaning may be required.
Placing the feeder in a shaded area helps keep the sugar solution fresh longer, as nectar spoils quickly in direct sun. To properly clean the feeder, disassemble all parts and scrub them thoroughly using hot water and a weak solution of white vinegar or diluted bleach. Any residual cleaning solution must be completely rinsed away before refilling, as even trace amounts can be harmful to the birds. Always discard the old solution and clean the entire unit before adding fresh nectar; never simply “top off” a feeder.
Understanding the Fall Migration Window
Hummingbirds in Tennessee begin their southward migration as summer ends, with most of the population departing between late August and early October. The fall migration is more leisurely than the spring rush, allowing the birds time to build up the fat reserves needed for their long journey. Feeder activity often increases significantly during this period as adult birds and young-of-the-year fuel up.
Leaving feeders up in the fall will not prevent hummingbirds from migrating. Their departure is primarily triggered by the reduction in daylight hours, not the availability of food. Feeder access during this time is beneficial, providing high-energy fuel for late travelers and passing migrants from farther north.
You should plan to keep your feeders up well past the main departure window, ideally until at least mid-October. Preferably, keep them up until you have not observed a hummingbird at your feeder for two full weeks. This ensures that any stragglers or late-season vagrants that may wander into Tennessee have a reliable source of sustenance. Removing the feeders in late October or early November is generally a safe timeframe, as the majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have completed their journey south by then.