When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Texas?

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

When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Texas?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Texas

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

In Texas, put hummingbird feeders out around mid February and take them down around mid December. The first arrivals typically show up in early March and most are gone by early December.

Put feeders outFeb 15-21

First arrivalsMar 1-7

Last seenDec 1-7

Take feeders downDec 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 8-14	Sep 15-21	Oct 22-31	Feb 22-28	Dec 15-21
Black-chinned Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Mar 1-7	Jul 8-14	Sep 15-21	Feb 15-21	Oct 22-31
Rufous Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Jul 22-31	Aug 22-31	Mar 8-14	Jul 8-14	Mar 22-31
Buff-bellied Hummingbird	Winter visitor	Jun 15-21	Nov 8-14	May 8-14	Jun 1-7	Jun 1-7
Broad-tailed Hummingbird	Summer visitor	Jul 8-14	Aug 15-21	Nov 1-7	Jun 22-30	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 Texas?: Around mid February, about two weeks before the first hummingbirds typically arrive (early March).
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Texas?: Around mid December, about two weeks after the last regular reports (early December).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in Texas that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.