when do hummingbirds come to iowa

Hummingbirds, specifically ruby-throated hummingbirds, start to arrive in Iowa around mid- to late April. Male hummingbirds usually migrate about two weeks before the females. The peak sightings generally begin around April 14. They stay through the summer to mate, nest, and raise their young and typically remain in Iowa until August or September, with some stragglers lingering until early October if the weather stays warm. They then migrate back south around late August through October. If you want to attract hummingbirds, it is recommended to put out feeders starting mid-April and keep them up until late November to accommodate any late departures. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the main species seen in Iowa during this time, with very rare visits from other species.