Hummingbird feeders: nectar, placement and cleaning in NYC

When hummingbirds come to NYC feeders

The only hummingbird you should expect in New York City is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. In our seasonal data from eBird reports, it is uncommon from May through July. It is fairly common in August, common in September, and rarely reported in October. From November through April it is not expected at all.

That curve tells you when to work hardest. Late summer is when most birds pass through, so August and September are the months your nectar has to be fresh. For the full arrival and departure picture, see hummingbird migration in New York.

USFWS suggests hanging a feeder about a week before the birds arrive, so late April is a sensible start in the city. At the other end, N.C. Cooperative Extension suggests taking it down about two weeks after you see your last hummingbird. The Smithsonian's National Zoo adds that leaving a clean feeder up longer does no harm and will not stop birds from migrating.

The nectar recipe and why it stays simple

The recipe is 1 part refined white sugar to 4 parts water. The Audubon Guide to Bird Feeding gives exactly that ratio, and Audubon's own recipe uses 1/4 cup sugar in 1 cup of boiling water. The Smithsonian's National Zoo uses the same 1 to 4 ratio and notes that tap water is fine and boiling is not required.

What you leave out matters as much as what goes in. Audubon warns that honey "can promote dangerous fungal growth," and that red food coloring is unnecessary and could harm birds. The Zoo also rules out corn syrup, raw sugar and powdered sugar, which often contains cornstarch. The National Park Service sums it up: a simple sugar solution free of honey, coloring or other impurities.

Nectar from a feeder is a quick energy top-up, not a full diet. The National Park Service notes that hummingbirds also eat insects for protein, so a pesticide-free yard with native tube-shaped flowers helps more than a second feeder.

Where to hang the feeder

Shade comes first. The Smithsonian's National Zoo recommends a shaded spot, ideally near trees, because hummingbirds like a nearby perch from which to guard the feeder. Shade also slows spoilage, which matters in a hot Brooklyn or Queens July.

Windows are the second check. Audubon advises placing any feeder less than 3 feet from a window or more than 30 feet away, which lowers the risk of a hard collision. On a small balcony, close to the glass is usually the only option that works; our guide to birds hitting windows covers marking the glass too.

Finally, think about predators and wind. USFWS says to hang the feeder out of the reach of cats, and Audubon suggests a spot sheltered from strong wind, since a swinging feeder drips. Drips are what bring ants and bees.

How often to change and clean it

The Audubon Guide to Bird Feeding says nectar feeders must be washed every few days with very hot water and kept scrupulously clean. The Smithsonian's National Zoo recommends changing and cleaning every other day. At a minimum, it says twice a week in hot weather and once a week in cool weather.

In practice, NYC summer heat means every other day from July through September. USFWS warns that summer heat ferments sugar water, so change it every 2 to 3 days and discard it whenever it looks cloudy or discolored. In the cooler weeks of May and October, you can stretch the interval, but never past a week.

For cleaning, USFWS recommends plain water or a weak vinegar solution and warns that cleaning products can leave a harmful residue. N.C. Cooperative Extension adds the practical part: take the feeder apart, soak it in hot water, scrub every port, and let it air-dry. Seed feeders need a different routine, described in how to clean bird feeders.

Ants, bees and other visitors without pesticides

Audubon names ants and bees as the main pests at nectar feeders, and the fix starts with tidiness. Hang the feeder level and secure so it does not leak, and wipe spills with a sponge and hot water. Then refill with fresh nectar at room temperature.

An ant moat, a small cup of water above the feeder, stops ants that climb down the hanger. Bee guards on the ports help only if the outside of the feeder stays clean, and Audubon suggests avoiding feeders with yellow decor. Audubon recommends an insecticide-free yard, since pesticides can injure and kill birds and bees. Our editorial tip: skip grease or oil on the hanger too, because a water moat does the job without anything sticky near the birds.

Some visitors are welcome. Audubon lists orioles at nectar feeders, and Baltimore Oriole is common in NYC reports in May. Our feeder and seed matcher shows which feeder and food suit which bird.

A worked example: an August feeder in a Queens backyard

Say you hang one small feeder in the shade of a Queens backyard tree in early August. That is the month when Ruby-throated Hummingbirds turn fairly common in NYC reports, and September is busier still. Mix 1/4 cup sugar into 1 cup water, fill the feeder only part way, and put the rest in the fridge.

With August heat, change the nectar every other day and clean the feeder each time. A part-filled feeder wastes less sugar water when you pour out leftovers. Keep refilling through September, and leave the feeder up until about two weeks after your last bird, often in October.

If you also want cardinals or finches, set those feeders apart and let the feeder and seed matcher pick the food. For more ideas on a safe start, the backyard section collects the basics, including types of feeders.