When do hummingbirds leave Iowa? Here's how much longer you have to spot some.

How long should you be on the lookout for hummingbirds? They usually stick around Iowa until late September to early October.

Here's what we know about hummingbirds in Iowa, and when they'll migrate down south.

When do hummingbirds leave Iowa?

Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically start to leave Iowa in mid-September, Anna Buckardt Thomas, biologist at Iowa DNR said. Most are gone by the first week in October.

"It's always best to keep your hummingbird feeders up and freshly stocked for at least two weeks after you see the last hummingbird use it." Buckardt Thomas said. "Just in case there are any stragglers that need a nectar boost as they migrate."

Buckardt Thomas included that despite what bird-watchers may have heard, keeping feeders up into the fall will not discourage or slowdown hummingbird migration. It could be a lifeline for late migrants.

What kind of hummingbirds can you spot in Iowa?

There’s a debate as to how many hummingbird species frequent Iowa from year to year, according to the DNR. Part of the difficulty is getting the birds to sit still for a photo, and another part is that four of the five species ever documented in Iowa are especially rare. Ruby-throated hummingbirds, however, are common.

The ruby-throated hummingbird has a distinctively festive coloration and can be seen all summer, the DNR said. Both males and females are mostly iridescent emerald, with a patch on their chest and chin that’s red in males and white or gray in females.

How can I attract hummingbirds in Iowa?

Iowa DNR said that hummingbirds like food they can spot, so think of bright colors and easy spots.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds prefer visiting red and orange flowers, while rufous hummers are less picky. For artificial feeders, the bright color of the feeder itself can attract more hummingbirds.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When do hummingbirds leave Iowa? Here's how much longer you have to spot some.