Hummingbird Feeders: When to Take Them Down to Protect birds
Barnstable,MA – As cooler temperatures approach,Cape Cod residents who enjoy attracting ruby-throated hummingbirds with feeders are faced with a common question: should they take those feeders down? While hummingbirds are genetically programmed to migrate,leaving feeders up too long into the fall can pose a risk to the tiny birds,according to Mass Audubon.
Hummingbirds are small, vibrant creatures – males boasting a green back and crown with a distinctive ruby-red throat, while females display a more subdued greenish-gray plumage. They are known for their buzzing flight and long, slender bills perfectly adapted for sipping nectar. The question of when to remove feeders isn’t about if a hummingbird will migrate, but about ensuring the well-being of those that might potentially be delayed in their journey or unable to make it at all.Mass audubon explains that hummingbirds migrate based on instinct, not solely on food availability. However, some birds may linger due to injury, illness, or other issues, relying on feeders as a food source after most of their species have departed.
Despite this, experts recommend removing feeders before the onset of consistently cold weather. ”Leaving feeders up in really cold weather can injure the hummingbird’s bill-it is rare, but still nothing you want to have happen,” the association states on its website.
A slow-motion video captured on July 20, 2025, shows a ruby-throated hummingbird feeding, illustrating the delicate nature of these birds and the importance of providing a safe environment. (Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times)
