When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Colorado?

Around early April, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (mid April).

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Colorado?

Around mid October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (early October).

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Colorado

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

In Colorado, put hummingbird feeders out around early April and take them down around mid October. The first arrivals typically show up in mid April and most are gone by early October.

Put feeders outApr 1-7

First arrivalsApr 15-21

Last seenOct 1-7

Take feeders downOct 15-21

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
Broad-tailed Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Apr 15-21	Jul 22-31	Sep 8-14	Apr 1-7	Oct 15-21
Rufous Hummingbird	Passes through	Jul 1-7	Aug 1-7	Sep 1-7	Jun 15-21	Oct 8-14
Black-chinned Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Apr 22-30	May 22-31	Sep 15-21	Apr 8-14	Oct 15-21
Calliope Hummingbird	Passes through	Jul 8-14	Aug 8-14	Sep 1-7	Jun 22-30	Sep 22-30

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