05 · May
Nectar season opens
Hummingbirds return across much of North America. One part white sugar to four parts water, no dye — and clean the feeder every couple of days as the weather warms.
- Nectar
- Mealworms
- Fruit
At a glance
- Put out
- Nectar, Mealworms, Fruit
- Birds to expect
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, and 3 more
- Main job
- Start the nectar feeder if you have not already.
- Watch for
- Nectar is one part white sugar to four parts water — no dye, honey or sweetener.
What is changing this month
Hummingbirds are back across much of North America, and the first broods are hatching. Warm weather also means sugar water spoils quickly.
Birds to expect in May
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Seasonal
Baltimore Oriole
Seasonal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Seasonal
Gray Catbird
Seasonal
House Wren
Seasonal
American Goldfinch
Year-round
Chipping Sparrow
Year-round
Most often reported at feeders this month. What turns up depends on your region and the weather, so treat it as a starting point.
Feeder jobs for May
- Start the nectar feeder if you have not already.
- Clean hummingbird feeders every couple of days.
- Avoid insect sprays near feeders during nesting.
Water in May
Birds bathe more in warm weather, so the bath needs refreshing daily. Add stones so birds can drink without bathing.
Species in focus: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
One part white sugar to four parts water, no dye. In warm weather clean the feeder every couple of days and discard cloudy solution immediately — mould grows quickly in sugar water.
- Food
- Nectar
- Feeder
- Nectar feeder
- Season
- Spring to autumn (eastern North America)
What to watch for
- Nectar is one part white sugar to four parts water — no dye, honey or sweetener.
- Clean hummingbird feeders every couple of days as the weather warms; discard cloudy solution at once.
- Orioles take a weaker mix, about one part sugar to six parts water.
- Do not use insect sprays near feeders during nesting season.
Three things not to do
- Don't add red dye, honey, brown sugar or sweetener to nectar.
- Don't leave nectar in the feeder for a week; warm weather spoils it fast.
- Don't use insect sprays near feeders during nesting season.
Check this locally
Timing shifts with latitude, elevation and the year. Use these as pointers, then check what is actually happening near you.
- North: hummingbirds may only just be arriving; a feeder out early does no harm.
- Mid-latitudes: nesting and nectar season overlap; keep both clean.
- South: heat already makes sugar water spoil within days.
Questions this month raises
What ratio should nectar be?
One part white sugar to four parts water by volume. Never use honey, brown sugar, raw sugar or sweetener, and never add red food colouring.
How often should I clean a hummingbird feeder?
Every couple of days in warm weather, and ideally each time you refill. Discard cloudy solution or any sign of black mould immediately.
Do orioles use hummingbird feeders?
Sometimes, but they take a weaker mix — about one part sugar to six parts water — and are more reliably attracted with fruit such as orange halves.