Black-chinned Hummingbirds in Colorado
When black-chinned hummingbirds are present in Colorado, when they nest, which native Colorado plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–7b yard.
- Status in Colorado
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–7b
When to expect black-chinned hummingbirds in Colorado
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer residents in Colorado, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Semi-arid high plains in the east and the Rocky Mountains through the center, with most backyards between 5,000 and 7,000 ft.
Nesting in Colorado
Across Colorado, black-chinned hummingbirds typically nest from April–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.
Warm, dry days and cool nights; afternoon storms are common in July and August.
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Colorado plants that attract black-chinned hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Colorado, these 7 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.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds.
Blue-violet spikes favored by Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding black-chinned hummingbirds through the Colorado 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 Colorado'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 Colorado year-round?
No. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Colorado and leave for the winter.
When do black-chinned hummingbirds nest in Colorado?
Nesting in Colorado typically runs April–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 12–16 days.
What native plants attract black-chinned hummingbirds in Colorado?
Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Fireweed are native plants in Colorado that provide food or cover for black-chinned hummingbirds.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Colorado
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 — Colorado
- 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.