When springtime weather shows up in the Midwest, everyone spends as much time as they can outside. Long winters keep us all cooped up, and we flock to parks, forests, and gardens to take in the sounds and signs of the new season. People aren’t the only ones out enjoying the weather — soon, thousands of Iowa hummingbirds will show up to feast on the wildflowers of our beautiful state! Prepare yourself by getting one of your best hummingbird feeders ready and charging up your camera. When will hummingbirds arrive in Iowa? Keep reading to find out!

As spring begins to bloom here in the Hawkeye State, you'll notice thousands of hummingbirds appearing as their annual migration beings. Keep an eye out for Iowa hummingbirds starting in April!
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
When their winter homes in South America and Central America become too steamy, they start to make their way to the slightly cooler climates in North America. Interestingly, hummingbirds have been migrating back to the United States earlier and earlier due to overall warmer winters here in North America.
While these beautiful birds make their way into Iowa, spring blooms are their most common food source.
Flickr / Carol VanHook
This Blue Flag Iris is one of their most beloved plants, and towns like Altoona have collections of pollinator-friendly wildflowers in public parks and along walking trails. Hummingbirds love tubular flowers with high nectar content. The tubular shape is also a perfect fit for their long beaks.
When the weather patterns change, some flower patches struggle to keep up with the high demand.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Hummingbird feeders become an important source of nectar for the birds who can't find enough food from flowers and plants along their journey. These tiny, fast-moving birds can fly up to 1,300 miles in one stretch. As you can imagine, that kind of hard work requires a lot of fuel and energy in the form of nectar.

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If you're looking to spot hummingbirds, head to Pikes Peak State Park! The park's bird feeders attract hundreds of them every day.
Flickr / Carl Wycoff
Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 3,000 times per minute. They need to constantly be eating, and nectar helps keep them fueled up. If you're filling your own feeder with commercially-available nectar, avoid the bright red stuff that's packed with artificial dyes. We don't know for sure that the dye will warm hummingbirds but we want to keep the hummingbird feeders packed with what's closest to their natural food source. You can also make your own nectar by mixing sugar and water.
Help out hummingbirds and other pollinators by planting friendly flowers. Some of their favorites include trumpet vines and butterfly bushes.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
While hummingbirds particularly like trumpet-shaped flowers, they'll feed on a variety of high-nectar plants. Bee balm, sage, rhododendron, and lupine are all beautiful flowers that can help attract hummingbirds to your garden. It's a win-win, you get a beautiful garden and the hummingbirds get fed.
The hummingbird migration is well on its way, and they'll be fluttering their way through the Hawkeye State this spring.
Flickr / Alvin Trusty
Now that we've answered the question, "When will hummingbirds arrive in Iowa?" it's time to get ready for them!

How will you be preparing for hummingbirds in Iowa? Let us know in the comments below what your tips and tricks are for attracting hummingbirds into your garden, and snagging a picture or two too. We love to hear your first-hand accounts!

Pikes Peak is a great place to spot hummingbirds snacking on nectar, from natural plants, and from the park’s hanging feeders. It’s also a great place to enjoy a hike with a breathtaking view! This one park in Iowa with cliffs, a waterfall, camping, and trails truly has it all.

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When Will Hummingbirds Arrive In Iowa?

CC | February 23, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in Iowa?

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the most common across the United States, including in Iowa, but you’ll most likely also spot some of these species at your flowers during the spring migration.

  • Ruby throated Hummingbird
  • Rufous Hummingbird
  • Broad-tailed humingbird
  • Allen’s Hummingbird
  • Anna’s Hummingbird
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird
  • Calliope Hummingbird

 

When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in Iowa?

Most people put out their feeders in the spring when the bulk of hummingbirds are coming into the state, but there are some hummingbirds that stay in the U.S. year round and you can always keep your feeder out through all seasons for them. Whatever you decide, the key element is putting out the best hummingbird feeders for the birds.

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Iowa?

Yes, it is 100 percent safe to feed hummingbirds in Iowa. After flying all those arduous miles, these birds are going to need a break and a snack.

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Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Altoona, IA, USA