How Do Hummingbirds Survive Snow and Cold Weather?
People say they want their hummingbirds to migrate south to avoid freezing. Many others reported they were removing hummingbird feeders to prevent migration.
Day length drives bird migration the most. Hummingbirds leave when the days get shorter, regardless of filled feeders.
We advise keeping hummingbird feeders full for several weeks after seeing the final hummer in case stragglers need more energy before their lengthy trek south.
Many reports show hummingbirds surviving snow and frigid conditions. Anna's hummingbirds survive winters in Washington, as long as they have food.
The Seattle Audubon Society advises feeding hummingbirds who have become accustomed to finding food in your yard to maintain their food supply throughout the cold weather.
They are tougher than most people think. They can torpor. Animals reduce their metabolic rate by 95% during this profound sleep.
Torpid hummingbirds need 50 times less energy than awake ones. Discover hummingbird behaviour.
If a hummingbird comes to your feeder in snowy or cold weather, take it in at night and put it out early in the morning so it can get fuel.
Alternatively, you may try one of the Seattle Audubon Society's suggestions to prevent the sugar water from freezing.
Keep Feeders Up for Late Migrating Fall Hummingbirds