Feeding Hummingbirds in Cold Weather: Simple Survival Tips

Even as frost appears on your windows, some hummingbirds—especially Anna’s hummingbirds—remain active all winter. With a little care, you can keep them healthy and fueled through the cold.


Photo by Skyler Ewing on Unsplash

Keep Nectar from Freezing (see our full post!)

• Bring feeders indoors overnight and rehang at dawn.
• Use heat tape or a small clamp light to gently warm glass feeders.
• Avoid metal feeders—they chill too fast.

Mix nectar at the standard 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Do not add honey or dye. Never use any hummingbird food that has coloration. Its poison for hummingbirds!

Offer Shelter and Warmth

Place feeders near shrubs or under eaves where birds can escape wind and rain. A nearby evergreen hedge or porch cover provides ideal overnight roosts.

Clean More Often

Cold weather slows fermentation but mildew can still form. Rinse feeders every three days and refill with fresh nectar to prevent spoilage.

Local Winter Residents

If you live in Western Washington, Oregon, or coastal California, Anna’s hummingbirds may stay year-round, brightening gray days with their emerald plumage and buzz. 

Related Reading:
-How to Keep Hummingbird Nectar from Freezing
-When You Should Take Down Hummingbird Feeders
-How to Make Hummingbird Nectar at Home

FeatherFuel Tip of the Week

Switch to FeatherFuel Cold-Weather Nectar—it resists crystallization and stays fresh on chilly mornings, keeping your winter hummers energized.