Hummingbirds, with their shimmering feathers and rapid wingbeats, grace Utah’s landscapes. These tiny, acrobatic birds bring flashes of color and energetic activity to various environments. Their presence adds a dynamic element to the state’s natural beauty, captivating observers with their aerial displays. Adapted to a range of habitats, they are a common sight throughout the state.
Hummingbird Species in Utah
Utah is home to several hummingbird species, each with distinct characteristics. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is frequently observed, recognized by the male’s iridescent rose-magenta gorget, or throat patch, and a distinctive trilling sound produced by its wings during flight. These birds are common in the mountainous regions of the state.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is identifiable by the male’s black gorget bordered by a shimmering violet-purple band. This species prefers more arid environments and riparian areas at lower to mid-elevations. The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is regularly seen, especially during migration, noted for the male’s fiery orange-red gorget and rufous coloration on its back and flanks.
Other species include the Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope), North America’s smallest bird, with the male displaying streaked magenta throat feathers. The Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), identifiable by the male’s iridescent rose-red gorget and crown, is found in Utah, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
Seasonal Presence and Habitats
Hummingbirds arrive in Utah during spring, with initial sightings occurring in late April or early May, as they migrate north from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. They spend the summer months breeding and raising their young across various habitats within the state. Their departure begins in late August and continues through September.
These birds inhabit a diverse range of environments within Utah, from high mountain meadows and forested canyons to urbanized settings like suburban gardens and parks. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are found at elevations above 5,000 feet, where they forage among wildflowers.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds prefer lower elevation riparian zones along rivers and streams, where flowering plants provide nectar sources. Rufous Hummingbirds are observed during their migration through Utah, utilizing a wide array of habitats as they pass through. The availability of flowering plants and insects dictates their presence, leading them to areas rich in these resources throughout their seasonal stay.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Creating a welcoming environment for hummingbirds in your yard involves providing reliable sources of nectar, water, and shelter. Planting a variety of native and non-native flowers with tubular shapes is effective. Examples include bee balm (Monarda spp.), columbine (Aquilegia spp.), penstemon (Penstemon spp.), and salvias (Salvia spp.), many of which are available in vibrant red, orange, or pink hues.
Nectar feeders offer a consistent food source, especially when natural flowers are scarce. A simple solution of one part granulated white sugar dissolved in four parts water mimics natural nectar and should be prepared without red dye. Feeders require regular cleaning, ideally every two to three days in warm weather, to prevent mold or bacteria.
Providing perching spots, such as small branches on shrubs or trees, offers resting places. A shallow water source, like a bird bath with a gentle mister or drip, can also attract them for drinking and bathing. Avoiding pesticides in your garden helps ensure a healthy insect population, which hummingbirds also consume for protein, complementing their nectar diet.