When Do Hummingbirds Leave New York?

Have you ever noticed fewer hummingbirds at your feeder once summer winds down?

I’ve watched that change over nearly a decade of birdwatching here, and the patterns are interesting. Ruby-throated hummingbirds—New York’s most common humming species—don’t leave all at once.

They begin their journey south in late summer, and by fall most have moved on. I’ve seen how timing shifts slightly each year, depending on weather, flowers, and how feeders are maintained.

Which Species Leave—and Which Rare Guests Might Stay

In New York, the Ruby-throated hummingbird is the one you almost always see. It breeds here, fills feeders with vivid energy, and then departs.

Occasionally, rare hummingbird species show up—like Anna’s or Rufous hummingbirds—but these are strangers, not regulars.

Don’t expect them every fall. The ruby-throat is the steady traveler, arriving each spring and preparing to leave once summer gives way to cooler days.

Migration Routes from New York

Yet, have you ever wondered where these tiny birds disappear to once summer fades in New York? The journey of the Ruby-throated hummingbird is nothing short of remarkable, especially when you consider their size.

After leaving the state, many head south through the mid-Atlantic region, weaving their way through states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. From there, some hug the Atlantic Coast, following flowering plants and coastal habitats that provide much-needed nectar and insects.

Others take a more inland route, drifting down through the Appalachians, stopping at gardens and fields still offering late-season blooms.

Rare Vagrants

In New York, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that breeds and is reliably seen each year. But every once in a while, birdwatchers get lucky with a surprise visitor.

Here are some of the hummingbirds that have shown up as rare vagrants in New York:

• Rufous Hummingbird – This is the most regular “western wanderer.” Though it breeds out in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, Rufous hummingbirds sometimes appear at feeders in the Northeast during fall migration. They’re hardy little travelers and can handle colder snaps, which is why they turn up as far east as New York.

• Calliope Hummingbird – The smallest bird in North America has been spotted on rare occasions. It’s an incredible thought—this tiny hummer, usually found in the Rocky Mountains, showing up in someone’s backyard in upstate New York.

• Broad-billed Hummingbird – Mostly a southwestern species, but once in a while, individuals wander astonishingly far. A handful of sightings have been reported in the Northeast, including New York.

• Black-chinned Hummingbird – Also primarily western, but there are a few records of this species making surprise appearances east of the Mississippi.

These rare visitors don’t stay long, but they’re exciting for local birders. Imagine glancing out at your feeder in October and spotting a Rufous instead of the expected Ruby-throat—it’s the kind of sighting people talk about for years.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a Rufous Hummingbird along with a few other rare visitors

Every pause matters, because these birds are burning through energy at a staggering rate. Each gram of fat stored beforehand may mean the difference between finishing the journey or not.

When they reach the Gulf of Mexico, the paths split again. Some choose the direct route, flying across open water—an incredible nonstop flight that can last 18–24 hours without rest. Imagine a bird weighing barely more than a penny pushing itself across that vast expanse.

Others prefer the land route through Texas, where they can refuel along the way before continuing into Mexico and Central America, where they’ll spend the winter months.

At every stage, they rely on stopovers: a backyard feeder left up just a little longer, wildflower patches rich with nectar, or a field buzzing with late-season insects.

These places are lifelines, giving hummingbirds the fuel they need to keep moving south until warmer days and food sources welcome them again.

Climate, Habitat & Food: What Controls Departure Timing

The timing of departure depends on several things. Daylight length is one big signal.

As days grow shorter, hummingbirds sense the need to move on.

Early feeders give hummingbirds the fuel they need when natural food is still scarce.

Also, once flower nectar starts becoming scarce—late bloomers fading, fewer insects—they lose food sources that kept them here. Weather plays a part too: early frosts or unusually cold nights can speed up their departure.

But in milder years, or where feeders are plentiful, some linger longer.

The Departure Window in New York

From what I’ve tracked and what experts report:

• Ruby-throated hummingbirds generally begin leaving around late August. Sightings start declining noticeably then.
• Through September, many are on the move.
• By October, only a few stragglers remain—often young birds or those in unusually warm microclimates.

What Triggers Their Departure?

What I’ve learned is it’s not one thing. It’s several that stack up:

• Daylight: shorter days = less time to gather food, so birds begin southward travel.
• Food supply: as flowers finish blooming and insects decline, feeders get more crowded and birds feel the pressure to move.
• Weather cues: cooler nights, wind, early frost—they all contribute. Even a chilly rainstorm can nudge them along.
• Physical readiness: young hummingbirds sometimes wait until after they have enough fat reserves. Adults often leave earlier.

The Right Time to Take Feeders Down

Feeder care is part of the hummingbird story. Even if you haven’t seen a hummingbird in a couple of weeks, leaving feeders up for a while longer can help those last travelers.

A tiny Ruby-Throated hummingbird resting safely on its nest.

But it’s also smart to take them down a few weeks after the final sighting in your area, usually by mid-October in most parts of New York. Clean your feeders before storing so they’re ready for spring.

A Seasonal Guide for New York Backyards

Here’s a quick table for what hummingbird lovers in different parts of New York might expect. Adjust based on your elevation and local climate.

Final Thoughts on When Hummingbirds Leave New York

Watching hummingbirds leave is bittersweet. You miss their bright visits, but there’s something beautiful about their timing.

By late August into September, the Ruby-throated hummingbirds start packing up. If you keep feeders clean and flowers blooming late, you might see a few stretching into October.

And if you’re lucky, even one that surprises you into mid-October!