When Do Hummingbirds Arrive in New York? (2026)

Hummingbirds typically arrive in New York in late April to early May, so put your feeder out by April 25. Numbers peak in late May and August, the last birds are usually seen around mid September, and you should take your feeder down around October 1.

Late April to early MaySpring arrival
April 25Feeders up by
Late May and AugustPeak months
Mid SeptemberLast departure
October 1Feeders down

Last updated: August 2026 · Typical windows for New York. Weather shifts arrival by a week or more in any given year.

Hummingbirds in New York: the year at a glance

April 25 — hang your feederHave fresh nectar out roughly two weeks before the first birds are expected. Scouts that find food early tend to return to the same yard year after year.
Late April to early May — first arrivalsAdult males come through first, staking out territory. Females follow one to two weeks later.
Late May and August — peak numbersThe busiest feeder activity of the year in New York. Expect to change nectar every two to three days in warm weather.
Mid September — last departuresAdult males leave first, then females, then juveniles making the journey for the first time with no adult to follow.
October 1 — feeders downWhatever the calendar says, keep your feeder up until 14 days after your own last sighting. Late migrants from further north are still passing through.

What makes New York different

New York spans a wide range of climates, so Long Island sees birds well before the Adirondacks. Statewide, the late-August juvenile push is the busiest feeder period.

Hummingbird species in New York

Ranges shift, and vagrants turn up well outside their expected territory — particularly in autumn and winter. If you see a hummingbird in New York outside the windows above, it is worth reporting to your state ornithological society.

Getting your New York feeder right

The recipe is the same everywhere: four parts water to one part plain white sugar. No red dye, no honey, no brown sugar. In New York's warm months you will need to change the nectar every two to three days, and daily once daytime highs pass 88°F — fermented nectar and black mould make hummingbirds ill.

Work out the exact amount for your feeder size with our hummingbird nectar calculator, and check the full state-by-state autumn schedule on the feeder takedown tool.

Ready for the New York season

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Reaches the ports where mould starts in warm weather.

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Frequently asked questions about hummingbirds in New York

When do hummingbirds arrive in New York?

Typically in late April to early May. Put your feeder out by April 25 so early scouts find it — males arrive one to two weeks ahead of females.

When should I put feeders out in New York?

By April 25, about two weeks before the first birds are usually reported.

When do hummingbirds leave New York?

The last birds are typically seen around mid September. You should take your feeder down around October 1 — and always keep the feeder up for two weeks after your own final sighting.

What hummingbird species live in New York?

Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Will leaving my feeder up stop them migrating?

No. Day length triggers migration, not food. A feeder left up in New York helps late migrants and cannot make a healthy bird stay.

More free bird tools

🌺

Nectar Calculator

The exact 4:1 recipe sized to your feeder.

Use tool →
🍂

When to Take Feeders Down

Autumn takedown dates for all 50 states.

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Bird Identifier

Identify a mystery backyard bird in four questions.

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Hummingbird migration in other states

Want more hummingbirds in your New York yard? Start with the flowers and feeders that actually work.

Read our hummingbird guides