Should you Feed Hummingbirds in Winter? Absolutely—Here's How to Do It Right"

August 30, 2025 Annmarie Palazzola-Holbrook

Don’t Pack Up That Feeder Yet! Winter Hummingbirds Still Need You

I used to think I needed to take down my hummingbird feeder once fall arrived. After all, aren’t all hummingbirds long gone, chasing warmer weather and tropical blooms?

Then I did some deep research and discovered something surprising: not all hummingbirds migrate.

In many regions—including here in California’s High Desert—some hummingbirds stay put through the winter. And with fewer natural food sources, your feeder might just be their lifeline.

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📋 Table of Contents

Do Hummingbirds Stay for the Winter?
My Hummingbird Journey
When Should I Take My Feeder Down?
Why Winter Feeding Matters
What Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Winter Nectar Recipe: What to Use (and What to Skip)
How to Keep Nectar from Freezing
How to Know If Hummingbirds Are Still Around
Common Mistakes with Hummingbird Feeders
How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder
Q&A

Our Story

In California, where my family and I live, we’re surrounded by wildlife—snakes, lizards, squirrels, chipmunks, ravens, owls, hawks, and coyotes. Many species thrive here.

But one species in particular stole my heart: the hummingbird.

I love these tiny creatures—their colors, their quick movements, and how they zip through the air like little jewels. It’s crazy to watch!

In our second year of living here, we wanted to invite more hummingbirds into our yard. We bought a small feeder one summer. The turnout wasn’t huge, but we had a few curious visitors.

When the leaves started to drop, I noticed one hummingbird still hanging around. That’s when I began to wonder: do some hummingbirds stay for the winter?

So we left the feeder up—and sure enough, we had one little Anna’s Hummingbird (yep, we share a name) that stayed all winter. He became very protective of his feeder, which we refilled every four days. With nighttime temperatures dipping to 32°, we brought the feeder inside each evening and put it back out at dawn.

By spring, we added a second feeder. Today, we often have a dozen hummingbirds zooming around. It’s like a buzzing little beehive—but with birds. And yes, I get my morning coffee AND a show!

When Should You Take Your Hummingbird Feeder Down?

My grandma always told me: “You have to take your feeder down by October 15th, if you don't take your feeder down by October, the birds won’t migrate and they’ll freeze.”

Well, I’m here to tell you—Grandma was wrong. No amount of sugar water will force hummingbirds to stay. Migration is triggered by daylight and hormones, not feeders.

Most hummingbirds will leave when their instincts tell them to go. But if you keep a feeder up, you may attract species that naturally overwinter in your area—like the Anna’s Hummingbird or the feisty Rufous Hummingbird.

Why Winter Feeding Matters

Your feeder becomes a critical energy station in winter, especially at dawn and dusk. Here’s why:

Natural nectar is scarce – Most flowers are gone, so hummingbirds may turn to tree sap or travel long distances to find food.
Fewer insects – Insects are their main protein source, but they’re harder to find in the cold.
Increased energy burn – Tiny hummingbirds burn more calories just trying to survive cold nights.

Keeping a feeder up gives them a reliable food source when they need it most.

What Do Hummingbirds Eat?

We all know hummingbirds love sugar water—but it’s not their only food. Their diet includes:

Nectar – From flowers and feeders.
Insects & spiders – A vital protein source.
Tree sap – Often from holes drilled by woodpeckers.
Pollen – Accidentally ingested while feeding.
Ashes, sand, and minerals – For trace nutrients.
Fruit – Juicy fruits like oranges can occasionally attract them.

🍯 Winter Nectar Recipe: What to Use (and What to Skip)

The best hummingbird food is homemade and simple:

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

4 parts very warm water (cool completely before filling)
1 part plain white cane sugar
Stir until dissolved

Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye.

👉 Tip: I make a big batch with 4 cups water and 1 cup sugar during summer when both feeders are up.

How to Keep Nectar from Freezing

Cold nights can freeze your nectar, but here are easy fixes:

Insulate the feeder with pipe insulation, wool socks, or oven mitts.
Use window feeders to keep nectar warmer while enjoying a close-up view. (Add decals on the window to prevent collisions.)
Place feeders under a porch to block snow and freezing rain.
Rotate feeders – swap one inside while the other hangs outside.
Bring feeders in at night and return them outside at dawn.

How to Know If Hummingbirds Are Still Around

You’ll know your feeder is being used if:

You hear chirps or wing buzzing nearby
The nectar level drops
You see them perched on branches or feeder hooks, even quietly resting

Avoid These Common Mistakes with Hummingbird Feeders

Using red dye or colored nectar
Skipping regular cleaning
Using honey or alternative sweeteners
Spraying insecticides near feeders

How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder

Take the feeder apart
Soak in warm water with a splash of vinegar
Scrub all parts with a feeder brush or toothbrush
Rinse thoroughly with warm water
Air dry briefly
Refill with fresh sugar water

Never use dish soap or harsh cleaners—vinegar works best.

🌸 Winter Hummingbird Essentials

These are my MUST HAVES: Keep your feathered friends happy, healthy, and well-fed all year long.

Heated Hummingbird Feeder – No more frozen nectar! A must-have for winter bird care.
Hummingbird Feeder with camera Solar Powered
Hummingbird Feeder Cleaning Brush Set – Because clean feeders = healthy birds.
Ready-to-Mix Hummingbird Nectar (Natural, No Red Dye) – Quick and safe for when you’re short on time.
Weather Guard / Feeder Cover – Shields nectar from snow, rain, and harsh wind.
Perching Hummingbird Feeder – Let your birds rest while they sip (great for winter energy conservation).

Q&A

Q: Can I place multiple feeders close together?
A: No—hummingbirds are territorial. Keep feeders at least 15 feet apart to reduce fights.

Q: Do I need special hummingbird food?
A: No. Plain sugar water (4-to-1 ratio) is best.

Q: What plants attract hummingbirds?

Desert Willow
Lantana
Red Columbine
Zinnia
Trumpet Vine
Bee Balm

Q: Can I skip cleaning a feeder?
A: Never. Dirty feeders can harbor deadly mold. This mold causes the hummingbird's beak to swell and eventually death.

Final Thought

Winter bird feeding is more than just cute—it’s compassionate. Every drop of nectar could be the sip that helps a hummingbird survive the night.

For me, it started with one feeder. Now it’s two, all year long. The reward? Knowing those tiny wings have the energy they need to thrive—even in the coldest months.

Try leaving your feeder up this winter—you might just start a new tradition and meet a few feathered friends along the way.

Let’s Connect!

Tag me on Instagram @4the_luvofdog—I’d love to hear your hummingbird stories!

Thanks for being part of the journey. 🐾
– Anna

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