When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Montana?

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

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Montana?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Montana

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

In Montana, put hummingbird feeders out around the second week of April and take them down around late September. The first arrivals typically show up in late April and most are gone by the second week of September.

Put feeders outApr 8-14

First arrivalsApr 22-30

Last seenSep 8-14

Take feeders downSep 22-30

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
Rufous Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Apr 22-30	Jul 22-31	Sep 1-7	Apr 8-14	Sep 15-21
Calliope Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Apr 22-30	May 15-21	Aug 15-21	Apr 8-14	Sep 22-30
Black-chinned Hummingbird	Summer visitor	May 15-21	Aug 1-7	Sep 1-7	May 1-7	Sep 15-21

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