Black-chinned Hummingbirds in Utah
When black-chinned hummingbirds are present in Utah, when they nest, which native Utah plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Utah
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect black-chinned hummingbirds in Utah
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer residents in Utah, 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 to arid, with the Wasatch Range rising above the Great Basin and red-rock canyon country in the south.
Nesting in Utah
Across Utah, 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.
Hot, dry summers.
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, desert willow for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Utah plants that attract black-chinned hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Utah, 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.
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.
Orchid-like flowers through summer for hummingbirds and orioles.
Late-season red flowers when other nectar is scarce.
Feeding black-chinned hummingbirds through the Utah 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 Utah'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 Utah year-round?
No. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Utah and leave for the winter.
When do black-chinned hummingbirds nest in Utah?
Nesting in Utah 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 Utah?
Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Desert willow, California fuchsia are native plants in Utah that provide food or cover for black-chinned hummingbirds.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Utah
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 — Utah
- 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.