Timing is everything when it comes to hummingbird feeders. Hang them too late and migrating birds may fly past your yard without stopping. Hang them too early and you'll waste nectar — but honestly, too early is always better than too late.
The golden rule: put your feeder out 1-2 weeks before the expected arrival date for your area. Scout hummingbirds — the first males to arrive — are always ahead of the main flock.
Region-by-Region Timing Chart
| Region | States | Put Out Feeders | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast & Deep South | TX, LA, MS, AL, FL | Late February — Early March | Year-round in South FL & coastal TX |
| Southeast | GA, SC, NC, TN, AR | Mid-March — Early April | Ruby-throated arrive first |
| Mid-Atlantic | VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY | Early April — Mid-April | Peak arrival mid-April |
| Midwest | OH, IN, IL, MO, IA, MI, WI, MN | Mid-April — Early May | Follow the 55°F isotherm |
| Mountain West | CO, UT, AZ, NM, MT, WY | March (south) — May (north) | Multiple species; Broad-tailed first |
| Pacific Coast | CA, OR, WA | Year-round (south) — March (north) | Anna's are year-round in CA |
| New England | CT, MA, VT, NH, ME | Late April — Mid-May | Short but intense season |
How Hummingbird Migration Works
Most hummingbirds in eastern North America are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. They winter in Central America and southern Mexico, then migrate north beginning in late February. Males lead the way, arriving 1-2 weeks before females.
They travel roughly 20 miles per day during migration, often following the blooming of native wildflowers. Some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds make a nonstop 500-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico — an extraordinary feat for a bird that weighs less than a nickel.
In the western U.S., the picture is more complex. California has year-round species (Anna's Hummingbird), while migrating species like Rufous, Calliope, and Black-chinned arrive at different times depending on latitude and elevation.
When to Take Feeders Down
A common myth says you should remove feeders in fall to "encourage" hummingbirds to migrate. This is false. Hummingbirds migrate based on daylight length, not food availability. Leaving your feeder up will not prevent them from leaving — and it may help stragglers who are refueling for the long flight south.
Keep feeders up for at least 2 weeks after you see your last hummingbird. In southern states, you can leave them up year-round.
Tips for Early-Season Success
- Use fresh nectar. Stale nectar won't attract scouts. Mix a fresh batch when you first hang your feeder.
- Place feeders near flowers. Red flowers especially — they act as a visual beacon for passing birds.
- Start with one feeder. You can add more once you confirm birds are visiting.
- Clean weekly. Even in cool weather, mold can develop. See our cleaning guide.
Year-Round Feeding
In parts of California, Texas, Florida, and the Gulf Coast, some hummingbird species are present all year. Anna's Hummingbird in the Pacific states and Buff-bellied Hummingbird in South Texas don't migrate at all. If you're in one of these regions, keeping a feeder up year-round is ideal.
Related reading: see the 10 hummingbird species in North America, why red dye is bad for hummingbirds, and our FAQ. Want zero-prep nectar this season? Try NectarBloom™ 2 lb.
Be Ready When They Arrive
Fresh nectar in a minute. No boiling, no dye. The same sugar hummingbird flowers make. One ingredient, nothing else.
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