When should I put out hummingbird feeders in South Carolina?

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

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in South Carolina?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · South Carolina

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

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

Put feeders outMar 8-14

First arrivalsMar 22-31

Last seenNov 1-7

Take feeders downNov 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
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Mar 22-31	Sep 8-14	Oct 8-14	Mar 8-14	Nov 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 South Carolina?: Around the second week of March, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (late March).
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in South Carolina?: Around mid November, about two weeks after the last regular reports (early November).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in South Carolina that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.