When Do You Quit Feeding Hummingbirds in East Texas?

Female ruby-throated hummingbirds lack the distinctive red throat of males.

Many species of hummingbirds pass through east Texas on their way south to winter migration grounds and north to summer breeding grounds. These small, brightly-colored birds need huge amounts of energy to make their long journey. Knowing when hummingbirds are likely to leave and arrive can help Texas residents keep their feeders stocked.

Species

A number of hummingbird species visit east Texas, including the Allen's and Anna's hummingbirds, broad-billed, buff-bellied, rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds. Ruby-throated hummingbirds breed in the eastern half of the state and spend plenty of time at feeders. Black-chinned hummingbirds breed in west Texas, but are sometimes seen further east.

Arrival

According to the Hummingbird website, which tracks hummingbird migrations by state, ruby-throated hummingbirds first appear in east Texas during March. This species is the most common at feeders, but some of the western species may appear during their winter migrations. Homeowners may wish to keep a feeder filled to attract off-season stragglers during the cool months.

Departure

The ruby-throated species tends to leave east Texas in September and October. Contrary to popular belief, leaving feeders out during the fall does not discourage hummingbirds from migrating. It can actually provide a little extra energy for these birds' long flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Homeowners may take their feeders down in fall, or leave them up all winter.

References

• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: A Quick Reference Guide to Texas Hummingbirds
• The Hummingbird Website: Hummingbird Migration
• Bird Watcher's Digest: Top 10 Bird Feeding Myths