Feeder timing · Rhode Island
When to Put Out (and Take Down) Hummingbird Feeders in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, put hummingbird feeders out around the second week of April and take them down around mid October. The first arrivals typically show up in late April and most are gone by early October.
Put feeders outApr 8-14
First arrivalsApr 22-30
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 | First arrivals | Most gone by | Feeder up | Feeder down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Apr 22-30 | Sep 15-21 | Apr 8-14 | Oct 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 Rhode Island?
- 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 Rhode Island?
- 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 Rhode Island that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.