When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in Middle Tennessee?

Anna's hummingbirds are rare visitors to Tennessee.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are a common site during the spring and summer in Tennessee. These little creatures breed in the state of Tennessee, and then migrate south to warmer climates for the winter. They can be attractive visitors to feeders and gardens during their active period.

Arrival

Ruby-throated hummingbirds tend to arrive in Tennessee around the first week of April, according to the Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History. Another wave of migrating birds usually appears in late May.

Departure

Hummingbirds feed intermittently throughout the summer in Tennessee, usually departing for their winter grounds in early September. Some stragglers may remain into early October. Contrary to popular belief, keeping feeders active during the fall will not tempt hummingbirds to stay into cold weather.

Off-Season

Occasionally, you can see hummingbirds during the off-season. The Hilton Pond Center reports seeing an adult male ruby-throated specimen in late March, and some western species, including the Rufous, Anna's and Broad-tailed hummingbirds are spotted during the cold season. These winter birds do well on more concentrated sugar solutions, which help them ward off the cold.

References

• Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History: Getting Ready for "Hummingbird Month"
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: Ruby-throated Hummingbird