Minnesota · Midwest
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Minnesota
Put feeders out by April 15. First arrivals typically show up early to mid-May (southeast: late April), and an early feeder greets the hungry vanguard.
Put feeders out by
April 15
First arrivals
early to mid-May (southeast: late April)
Peak season
late May through August
Take down after
mid-October
Feeders up from April 15 until mid-october.
The Minnesota season
Ruby-throateds ride the Mississippi corridor into the state's southeast in late April and reach the North Shore around mid-May. The boreal edge country of northern Minnesota holds a dense breeding population — cabin feeders near Ely or Grand Marais can host dozens in July.
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 mid-october — southbound stragglers, often the year's young, are the birds that need it most.
Hummingbird species in Minnesota
| Species | Status in Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Rare / occasional |
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 Minnesota?
Have feeders out by April 15 — about two weeks before the first birds typically arrive (early to mid-May (southeast: late April)). 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 Minnesota?
mid-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 Minnesota year-round?
No — Minnesota's hummingbirds head south for the winter, with the last birds typically gone by late September. 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
FeederDates › Hummingbirds › Minnesota feeder dates · All Minnesota feeder dates