Hummingbirds are certainly present in Colorado, and the state’s diverse environment makes it an important habitat for these tiny, fast-moving birds. The mix of high mountain elevations, varied forest types, and widespread flowering meadows provides a rich source of the nectar and small insects they need. Colorado serves as both a summer breeding ground for some species and a crucial migratory corridor for others traveling south.
Species Frequently Seen in Colorado
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is the most commonly encountered species, breeding across the state’s mountainous regions. Males are easily recognized by their iridescent, rose-red throat patch, or gorget, and the distinctive metallic trilling sound their wings make during flight. These birds typically occupy high-elevation pine-oak and mountain forests.
The Rufous Hummingbird is another frequent visitor, though it is primarily a migrant passing through the state. Males display a striking fiery orange-red gorget and rusty-orange coloration across their back and flanks. Rufous hummingbirds are known for their territorial behavior and often dominate feeders and flower patches during their stopovers.
The Calliope Hummingbird, the smallest bird in North America, uses Colorado as a migratory route. Males have a unique streaky reddish-purple gorget that separates into distinct rays on the neck. They are often found in open shrubby areas and high-elevation meadows during their southward journey.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is also a summer breeder, often found in western Colorado. Males are recognizable by their black throat with a violet band at the base.
The Annual Migration Cycle
The seasonal presence of hummingbirds in Colorado is tied directly to their annual migration, with the earliest arrivals typically occurring in late April or early May. Male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are usually the first to arrive to stake out their territory. Their timing is synchronized with the initial cycles of spring flowering at lower to mid-elevations.
The bulk of the population, including females and other species, arrives throughout May and June as more flowers bloom across the higher mountain terrain. Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds are often only transient visitors, passing through Colorado later in the summer as they travel between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. The Rufous migration peaks in July, while Calliopes are frequently sighted in August.
Departure from Colorado begins as early as July for some non-breeding visitors, but the main exodus occurs from late August through early September. This departure is driven by a combination of declining daylight hours, dropping temperatures, and the scarcity of nectar sources as the flowering season ends. Most hummingbirds depart by the end of September to winter in Mexico or Central America.
Creating a Hummingbird Friendly Environment
Providing a supportive environment for hummingbirds involves offering safe, clean, and consistent sources of food. A simple sugar-water mixture is effective for feeders, requiring a ratio of one part sugar to four parts water. It is important to boil the water first to dissolve the sugar completely and then allow the solution to cool fully before filling the feeder.
Feeders must be maintained with strict hygiene to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can harm the birds. The nectar solution should be changed every two to three days in hot summer weather, or at least once a week otherwise. When cleaning, completely disassemble the feeder and scrub all parts with hot water. Avoid using soap unless followed by a thorough rinsing, and never use red dyes in the sugar water.
Strategic placement of the feeder can enhance its effectiveness; hummingbirds prefer a location that offers both partial shade and proximity to protective cover, such as trees or shrubs. Complementing feeders with specific plants provides a natural and healthier food source, as flowers contain additional nutrients. Native Colorado plants with long, tubular flowers are particularly attractive.
Ensuring the yard is free of chemical pesticides is also important, as hummingbirds rely on small insects and spiders for protein. Excellent plant choices include:
- Penstemon (Beardtongue), which offers early-season nectar.
- Scarlet Gilia, which can bloom into mid-September, supporting late migrants.
- Western Salvia.
- Bee Balm (Monarda).