Hummingbirds can find a feeder within a few hours to a few weeks, depending on feeder placement, the hummingbird population in the area, and the availability of natural food sources.
There are things you can do to make it easier for them to find your feeder.
- Put the feeder before they return from their winter migration.
- Find out when they usually return to your area.
Let’s find out their migration route, season, area, and best places to hang your feeder!
- What time do hummingbirds find feeders?
- What season to put out the hummingbird feeder?
- Best place for a hummingbird feeder
- What type of feeder do hummingbirds prefer?
- Is it possible for hummingbirds to remember feeder locations from year to year?
- Estimated Hummingbird Arrival Dates by State
- Why hummingbirds are not coming to feeder anymore
- What scares hummingbirds away from feeder
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What time do hummingbirds find feeders?
Hummingbirds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. They are also active during the day. It is important to put out your feeder early.
This is because hummingbirds will often start migrating earlier. They will be looking for food when they arrive.
Check it every few days to make sure the nectar is fresh.
When do hummingbirds stop feeding?
Hummingbirds stop feeding at dusk when they go into a state of torpor.
Torpor is a type of hibernation that allows hummingbirds to conserve energy. During torpor, hummingbirds’ heart rate and breathing slow down, and their body temperature drops.
Hummingbirds typically wake up at dawn and start feeding again. They continue to feed throughout the day until dusk.
What season to put out the hummingbird feeder?
You should put out your hummingbird feeder in mid-March to attract early migrants.
In the northern U.S. and Canada, you may need to wait until April or May.
Which months are hummingbirds active?
Hummingbirds are active during the spring and summer months, from March to September. Some hummingbirds may stay in their northern habitats year-round.
Best place for a hummingbird feeder
The best place to put a hummingbird feeder is in a location that is sheltered from the wind and sun. The feeder should also be placed where you can easily see it and refill it.
Consider a few things before placing a hummingbird feeder:
- Hang the feeder in a shady spot.
- Place the feeder away from trees and shrubs.
- Hang the feeder at least 10 feet off the ground.
- Place the feeder near a source of flowers.
- Avoid placing the feeder near windows.
What type of feeder do hummingbirds prefer?
Hummingbirds are attracted to feeders that are:
- Bright color feeders like Red
- Easy for hummingbirds to access.
- The ports need to be big enough for their beaks.
- The feeder needs to be stable to prevent tipping.
- Fill with fresh nectar
Is it possible for hummingbirds to remember feeder locations from year to year?
Yes, hummingbirds do remember feeder locations year after year.
They have a good sense of spatial memory. They can remember where they have found food in the past. So, put your hummingbird feeder out in the same location each year.
Some hummingbirds can return to the same feeder after migrating thousands of miles. This is a testament to their amazing memory and navigation skills.
Estimated Hummingbird Arrival Dates by State
| State | Estimated Arrival Date |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Late April – Early May |
| Arizona | Early – Mid-April or Year-round |
| Arkansas | Mid-March – Early April |
| California | Mid-March – Early April or Year-round |
| Colorado | Late April – Early May |
| Connecticut | Late April – Early May |
| Delaware | Late April – Early May |
| Florida | Late February – Mid-March |
| Georgia | Late February – Mid-March |
| Hawaii | Year-round |
| Idaho | Late April – Early May |
| Illinois | Late April – Early May |
| Indiana | Late April – Early May |
| Iowa | Late April – Early May |
| Kansas | Late April – Early May |
| Kentucky | Late April – Early May |
| Louisiana | Late February – Mid-March |
| Maine | Late April – Early May |
| Maryland | Late April – Early May |
| Massachusetts | Late April – Early May |
| Michigan | Late April – Early May |
| Minnesota | Late April – Early May |
| Mississippi | Late February – Mid-March |
| Missouri | Late April – Early May |
| Montana | Late April – Early May |
| Nebraska | Late April – Early May |
| Nevada | Early – Mid-April |
| New Hampshire | Late April – Early May |
| New Jersey | Late April – Early May |
| New Mexico | Early – Mid-April |
| New York | Late April – Early May |
| North Carolina | Late February – Mid-March |
| North Dakota | Late April – Early May |
| Ohio | Late April – Early May |
| Oklahoma | Late April – Early May |
| Oregon | Late April – Early May |
| Pennsylvania | Late April – Early May |
| Rhode Island | Late April – Early May |
| South Carolina | Late February – Mid-March |
| South Dakota | Late April – Early May |
| Tennessee | Late April – Early May |
| Texas | Late February – Mid-March |
| Utah | Late April – Early May |
| Vermont | Late April – Early May |
| Virginia | Late April – Early May |
| Washington | Late April – Early May |
| West Virginia | Late April – Early May |
| Wisconsin | Late April – Early May |
| Wyoming | Late April – Early May |
When to put out hummingbird feeders in different regions
| Region | Arrival Time for Hummingbirds | Recommended Feeder Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Southern United States | Year-round (varies by area) | Keep feeders out all year |
| Central United States | Late March to early April | Mid-March to early April |
| Northern United States | Late April to early May | Mid-April |
| Mountain West | Late April to early May | Mid-April |
| Pacific Northwest | Late April to early May | Mid-April |
| Northeast | Late April to early May | Mid-April |
| Midwest | Late April to early May | Mid-April |
| Southeast | Year-round (varies by area) | Keep feeders out all year |
Why hummingbirds are not coming to feeder anymore
- The feeder is empty, dirty, or in a bad location.
- The nectar is spoiled.
- There are other feeders in the area.
- The hummingbirds have migrated or they cannot find the feeder.
If you have checked all of these things and the hummingbirds are still not coming to your feeder, you can try the following:
- Move the feeder to a different location.
- Clean the feeder with a diluted bleach solution.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to the nectar.
- Place a hummingbird house nearby.
What scares hummingbirds away from feeder
Hummingbirds are very sensitive to noise. Loud noises like construction or fireworks can scare them away.
Hummingbirds are targeted by various predators, including birds of prey, cats, and other animals. If they see a predator, they’ll fly away.
Changing the feeder or nectar may make the hummingbirds hesitant at first.
Ants are attracted to the nectar in hummingbird feeders. They can quickly overrun the feeder.
Hummingbirds are not good at flying in windy weather. They may avoid feeders that are in windy spots.
FAQ
What if I don’t see any hummingbirds at my feeder?
If you don’t see any hummingbirds at your feeder, don’t give up! Just keep putting out fresh nectar and they will eventually find it.
What are some other things that can attract hummingbirds to my yard?
Hummingbirds love to feed on nectar from flowers, so planting flowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer is a great way to attract them. Some of the best flowers for hummingbirds include Trumpet vine, Honeysuckle, Columbine, Scarlet sage, Bleeding heart flowers, and Fuchsia.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are skilled at finding feeders quickly. By creating a suitable environment and keeping the nectar clean, you can attract these small visitors to your backyard.
Make sure to have your feeders ready and enjoy the charming presence of these agile birds in your garden.
I am a writer and blogger who is passionate about birds. I write to inspire and educate others about the beauty and importance of avian species in our ecosystem. I love to watch birds flying and taking their photographs to capture those memories.
