Texas · South Central
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Texas
Hummingbirds are part of Texas in every season — here's how to time and manage feeders through the year.
Put feeders out by
February 15 (coast and south), March 15 (Panhandle)
First arrivals
late February on the coast; mid-March in the Hill Country; April in the Panhandle
Peak season
March through September, plus a genuine winter season in the south
Take down after
Leave up all winter in South Texas and along the Gulf Coast; Panhandle, early November
Keep at least one feeder available in every month.
The Texas season
Texas spans both hummingbird worlds: Ruby-throateds rule east of I-35, Black-chinned rule west of it, and the Rio Grande Valley adds year-round Buff-bellied. The September spectacle at Rockport-Fulton — thousands of Ruby-throateds staging on the coast before the Gulf crossing — has its own festival, the HummerBird Celebration.
The two-week head start matters more than it looks: the first migrants arrive before most nectar flowers open, and a reliable feeder can anchor a male's breeding territory in your yard for the whole summer.
Hummingbird species in Texas
| Species | Status in Texas |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Buff-bellied Hummingbird | Year-round resident |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Winter visitor |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Passes through in migration |
Filling the feeder? The recipe is 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar — scale it to your feeder in one click.
Nectar calculatorFrequently asked questions
When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Texas?
In Texas there is no need to wait — hummingbirds are present all or nearly all year, so a feeder is useful in any month. February 15 (coast and south), March 15 (Panhandle).
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Texas?
Leave up all winter in South Texas and along the Gulf Coast; Panhandle, early November. And don't worry about tempting birds to stay too long: migration is triggered by day length, not food. A full feeder will never stop a hummingbird from leaving — it simply fuels late stragglers, which need the help most.
Do hummingbirds stay in Texas year-round?
Largely, yes. Texas spans both hummingbird worlds: Ruby-throateds rule east of I-35, Black-chinned rule west of it, and the Rio Grande Valley adds year-round Buff-bellied.
What should I put in the feeder?
Plain white sugar and water at a 4:1 ratio — 1 cup of sugar per 4 cups of water. Never use honey, brown sugar, or red dye. Our nectar calculator scales the recipe to any feeder size.
Nearby states
FeederDates › Hummingbirds › Texas feeder dates · All Texas feeder dates