Hummingbird Migration in North Carolina: 2026 Timing

Adult males start south around September 5; the main departure wave passes about September 25, and the last stragglers — usually juveniles — trickle through until October 25. Some western species winter here, so a late hummingbird isn't necessarily lost.

Don't take them down — North Carolina hosts hummingbirds in winter. Keep at least one feeder clean and full year-round, and you may host a rare western species in December.

First males typically show up around March 25, with most feeders active by April 15. Put feeders out a week or two before the first typical arrival — early birds arrive hungry.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (breeding, late March–October); Rufous Hummingbird (rare but regular in winter).

One part plain white sugar to four parts water. No red dye (unnecessary and possibly harmful), no honey (ferments into toxins), no sugar substitutes. Change nectar every 2–3 days in warm weather, every 4–5 in cool weather, and rinse the feeder with hot water each refill.

Almost always nesting, not leaving. Females go quiet while incubating and switch to insects for protein; males guard flower territories away from feeders. Traffic typically roars back in late summer when fledged juveniles and early migrants arrive together.