Hummingbirds are present in Utah, delighting residents and visitors with their dazzling speed and vibrant colors throughout the warmer months. These tiny, acrobatic flyers are a regular and welcome sight across the state, from lowland valleys to high mountain meadows. Their annual arrival signifies the beginning of spring, as they return from their wintering grounds to breed and fuel up on rich nectar sources. Utah’s diverse habitats support their high-energy needs.
Identifying Utah’s Common Hummingbird Species
The two most widespread species found breeding in Utah are the Broad-tailed Hummingbird and the Black-chinned Hummingbird.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is frequently encountered in the higher elevations and is easily identified by the male’s iridescent rose-red throat patch, or gorget. This species is also notable for the loud, metallic, trilling sound made by the male’s wings during flight, which serves as an auditory territorial display.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is common across the state, often found in lower and mid-elevation riparian areas. The male features a black chin and throat, bordered by a thin, shimmering band of violet that is only visible when the light catches it correctly. This bird’s wingbeats produce a more subdued, low-pitched humming sound.
The third frequently observed species is the Rufous Hummingbird, a long-distance traveler. The male is primarily a brilliant copper-orange color, which gives the species its name. Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their feisty, aggressive behavior and are often seen chasing other hummingbirds away from feeders or flowers.
Seasonal Presence and Migration Patterns
Utah functions primarily as a summer destination and a migratory stopover for these birds, as nearly all species winter far south in Mexico or Central America. The first arrivals, typically male Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds, generally begin appearing in late April or early May, coinciding with the first major spring flower blooms. They quickly establish territories and begin the breeding season, which peaks during the warm summer months.
The fall migration begins relatively early, with most birds departing from Utah between late August and early September. This departure is prompted not by temperature, but by the shortening of daylight hours, which acts as a biological cue for the journey south. The Rufous Hummingbird follows a unique route, migrating north along the Pacific Coast in spring but traveling south through the Rocky Mountains, including Utah, in the late summer. This means the Rufous is often seen later in the season than the resident breeders.
Practical Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
To successfully attract these fast-moving visitors, a combination of feeders and appropriate landscaping is the most effective approach. For feeders, a simple solution of one part refined white sugar dissolved in four parts water mimics the sugar concentration of natural nectar. Avoid adding red food dye, as this additive offers no benefit to the birds.
Feeders must be cleaned frequently, especially in Utah’s summer heat, as a sugar solution can ferment rapidly, producing toxic alcohol. Cleaning every two to three days with hot water is recommended to prevent mold and bacteria buildup. Hanging multiple feeders out of sight from one another can help reduce the aggressive territorial behavior of species like the Rufous Hummingbird.
Supplementing feeders with nectar-rich plants provides a more natural and sustainable food source. Hummingbirds are primarily drawn to tubular flowers, especially those in shades of red, orange, or pink.
Recommended Plants
- Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)
- Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata)
- Hummingbird Trumpet (Epilobium canum)
- Red-hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
- Various Salvias
Planting a variety of species that bloom at different times ensures a continuous food supply from spring through the fall migration.