When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Alabama?

Around late February, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (the second week of March).

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Alabama?

Around the second week of November, about two weeks after the last regular reports (late October).

Where do these dates come from?

They come from the share of complete checklists in Alabama that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.

Feeder timing · Alabama

When to Put Out (and Take Down) Hummingbird Feeders in Alabama

In Alabama, put hummingbird feeders out around late February and take them down around the second week of November. The first arrivals typically show up in the second week of March and most are gone by late October.

Put feeders outFeb 22-28

First arrivalsMar 8-14

Last seenOct 22-31

Take feeders downNov 8-14

Rule used: feeders go out two weeks before the typical first-arrival week and come down two weeks after the last week birds are still reported. First arrival is the first week reports reach 10% of the species' usual in-season rate; last seen is the last such week. A few early or late birds can fall outside.

By species

Species	Pattern	First arrivals	Peak	Most gone by	Feeder up	Feeder down
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Mar 8-14	Sep 8-14	Oct 8-14	Feb 22-28	Nov 8-14
Rufous Hummingbird	Winter visitor	Nov 15-21	Jan 8-14	Mar 15-21	Nov 1-7	Apr 1-7

Nectar feeders: four parts water to one part plain white sugar, no dye, changed every few days in warm weather.

Common questions

When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Alabama?: Around late February, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (the second week of March).
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Alabama?: Around the second week of November, about two weeks after the last regular reports (late October).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in Alabama that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.