Alabama · Southeast
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Alabama
Put feeders out by February 15. First arrivals typically show up late February to mid-March, and an early feeder greets the hungry vanguard.
Put feeders out by
February 15
First arrivals
late February to mid-March
Peak season
April through September
Take down after
late November — or leave one feeder up along the Gulf Coast for wintering western hummingbirds
Feeders up from February 15 until late november — or leave one feeder up along the gulf coast for wintering western hummingbirds.
The Alabama season
Ruby-throateds cross the Gulf of Mexico and make landfall on the Alabama coast in late February — Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island are famous first-arrival spots. A small but growing number of Rufous Hummingbirds now winter in coastal gardens, so Gulf-side households increasingly keep one feeder going all year.
The two-week head start matters more than it looks: the first migrants arrive before most nectar flowers open, and a reliable feeder can anchor a male's breeding territory in your yard for the whole summer. At the other end, keep the feeder up until late november — or leave one feeder up along the gulf coast for wintering western hummingbirds — southbound stragglers, often the year's young, are the birds that need it most.
Hummingbird species in Alabama
| Species | Status in Alabama |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Winter visitor |
Filling the feeder? The recipe is 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar — scale it to your feeder in one click.
Nectar calculatorFrequently asked questions
When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Alabama?
Have feeders out by February 15 — about two weeks before the first birds typically arrive (late February to mid-March). The vanguard males travel ahead of the main wave, and an early feeder helps them refuel when few flowers are blooming.
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Alabama?
late November — or leave one feeder up along the Gulf Coast for wintering western hummingbirds. And don't worry about tempting birds to stay too long: migration is triggered by day length, not food. A full feeder will never stop a hummingbird from leaving — it simply fuels late stragglers, which need the help most.
Do hummingbirds stay in Alabama year-round?
No — Alabama's hummingbirds head south for the winter, with the last birds typically gone by late October, with coastal stragglers into November. If you see a hummingbird at a feeder in late fall or winter, look closely: it may be a rare western visitor such as a Rufous Hummingbird, worth reporting to your local birding group.
What should I put in the feeder?
Plain white sugar and water at a 4:1 ratio — 1 cup of sugar per 4 cups of water. Never use honey, brown sugar, or red dye. Our nectar calculator scales the recipe to any feeder size.
Nearby states
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