Arizona · Mountain West
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Arizona
Hummingbirds are part of Arizona in every season — here's how to time and manage feeders through the year.
Put feeders out by
Year-round — no need to take them down in most of the state
First arrivals
Anna's and Costa's are present all year in the deserts; migrants return February–March
Peak season
March through September, with a big late-summer surge
Take down after
Leave up year-round in southern and central Arizona; above the Mogollon Rim, take down in late October
Keep at least one feeder available in every month.
The Arizona season
Arizona is the hummingbird capital of the United States — 15+ species have been recorded, more than any other state. The sky-island canyons of the southeast (Ramsey, Madera, Cave Creek) are pilgrimage sites where Broad-billed, Rivoli's, and Violet-crowned join the regulars. July and August, when southbound Rufous pour through, are often the busiest feeder months of the 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.
Hummingbird species in Arizona
| Species | Status in Arizona |
|---|---|
| Anna's Hummingbird | Year-round resident |
| Costa's Hummingbird | Year-round resident |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Passes through in migration |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Passes through in migration |
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 Arizona?
In Arizona there is no need to wait — hummingbirds are present all or nearly all year, so a feeder is useful in any month. Year-round — no need to take them down in most of the state.
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Arizona?
Leave up year-round in southern and central Arizona; above the Mogollon Rim, take down in late October. 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 Arizona year-round?
Largely, yes. Arizona is the hummingbird capital of the United States — 15+ species have been recorded, more than any other state.
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
FeederDates › Hummingbirds › Arizona feeder dates · All Arizona feeder dates