If you want to help hummingbirds survive winter, experts recommend clean feeders and native flowering plants
Where hummingbirds spend winter
Many hummingbird species migrate south, but some stay in one place all year. In certain U.S. regions, birds also remain through the colder months. People who see hummingbirds throughout the year are encouraged to keep a feeder available. Feeders may also help late migrants or birds outside their usual range in early winter.
Feeders need regular care
A feeder can support hummingbirds only if it is kept clean and filled. The same care that attracts birds in other seasons can be useful when winter arrives.
Holly Grant, a project assistant for NestWatch, advises watching for mold and bacteria. If a feeder cannot be maintained properly, leaving it out may cause more harm than good.
Plants and shelter matter
Native flowering plants are among the most important ways to support hummingbirds. Bright blossoms draw the birds, while nearby bushes or trees offer cover from predators, says Zambello.
A garden featuring colorful, tubular native flowers can provide a useful habitat when hummingbirds return. Perlut says having flowers available through spring, summer, and fall is the best way to support them.
Key points
- Some hummingbirds stay in parts of the United States through winter, while most migrate south.
- Clean, well-maintained feeders may help year-round residents and early-winter migrants.
- Feeders with mold or bacteria can pose a risk if they are not properly cared for.
- Native flowers and nearby trees or bushes provide food and shelter.