Black-chinned Hummingbirds in California
When black-chinned hummingbirds are present in California, when they nest, which native California plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–11a yard.
- Status in California
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- March–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–11a
When to expect black-chinned hummingbirds in California
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer residents in California, arriving shortly before nesting begins in March and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Mediterranean along the coast and Central Valley, alpine in the Sierra Nevada, and desert in the southeast.
Nesting in California
Across California, black-chinned hummingbirds typically nest from March–July. Nest site: tiny cup in riparian trees. Females lay 2 eggs, incubate for 12–16 days, and young leave the nest after 21 days.
Dry summers with little rain from May to October; water and summer-blooming natives matter more than extra seed.
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, desert willow, ocotillo for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native California plants that attract black-chinned hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for California, these 8 provide food or cover black-chinned hummingbirds use:
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds.
Orchid-like flowers through summer for hummingbirds and orioles.
Red spring flower spikes timed to hummingbird and oriole migration.
Winter–spring red flowers for Costa's and Anna's hummingbirds.
Night blooms and summer fruit; Gila Woodpecker nest cavities.
Feeding black-chinned hummingbirds through the California year
The common summer hummingbird of Texas Hill Country and the desert Southwest; pumps its tail while hovering.
- Best foods: Sugar water 1:4.
- In California's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for black-chinned hummingbirds · Best feeder for black-chinned hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are black-chinned hummingbirds in California year-round?
No. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer breeders in California and leave for the winter.
When do black-chinned hummingbirds nest in California?
Nesting in California typically runs March–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 12–16 days.
What native plants attract black-chinned hummingbirds in California?
Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Scarlet gilia, Desert willow, Ocotillo, Chuparosa, Saguaro are native plants in California that provide food or cover for black-chinned hummingbirds.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in California
Sources
- Black-chinned Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-chinned Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-chinned Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — California
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.