Hummingbird Migration in South Dakota: 2026 Timing

Adult males start south around August 10; the main departure wave passes about September 5, and the last stragglers — usually juveniles — trickle through until September 22.

Around October 6 — roughly two weeks after the typical last sighting. Leaving feeders up does NOT stop birds from migrating (day length triggers migration, not food); a late feeder only helps stragglers refuel.

First males typically show up around May 1, with most feeders active by May 15. Put feeders out a week or two before the first typical arrival — early birds arrive hungry.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (breeding east); Rufous, Calliope & Broad-tailed (Black Hills migrants).

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.