Feeder timing · California
When to Put Out (and Take Down) Hummingbird Feeders in California
In California, put hummingbird feeders out around mid February and take them down around early October. The first arrivals typically show up in early March and most are gone by mid September. The Anna's Hummingbird stays all year, so leave one feeder up for it.
Put feeders outFeb 15-21
First arrivalsMar 1-7
Last seenSep 15-21
Take feeders downOct 1-7
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 | First arrivals | Most gone by | Feeder up | Feeder down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna's Hummingbird | – | – | Keep up all year | |
| Allen's Hummingbird | – | – | Keep up all year | |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Mar 1-7 | May 1-7 | Feb 15-21 | May 15-21 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Apr 1-7 | Sep 8-14 | Mar 15-21 | Oct 1-7 |
| Costa's Hummingbird | – | – | Keep up all year | |
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 California?
- Around mid February, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (early March).
- When should I take down hummingbird feeders in California?
- Around early October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (mid September).
- Where do these dates come from?
- They come from the share of complete checklists in California that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.