Black-chinned Hummingbirds in Montana
When black-chinned hummingbirds are present in Montana, when they nest, which native Montana plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–6a yard.
- Status in Montana
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–6a
When to expect black-chinned hummingbirds in Montana
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer residents in Montana, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Continental — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.
Nesting in Montana
Across Montana, black-chinned hummingbirds typically nest from May–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 summers and a short growing season.
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, oregon grape for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Montana plants that attract black-chinned hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Montana, these 6 provide food or cover black-chinned hummingbirds use:
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.
Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding black-chinned hummingbirds through the Montana 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 Montana'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 Montana year-round?
No. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Montana and leave for the winter.
When do black-chinned hummingbirds nest in Montana?
Nesting in Montana typically runs May–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 12–16 days.
What native plants attract black-chinned hummingbirds in Montana?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Oregon grape, Fireweed are native plants in Montana that provide food or cover for black-chinned hummingbirds.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Montana
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 — Montana
- 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.