Black-chinned Hummingbirds in Washington
When black-chinned hummingbirds are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect black-chinned hummingbirds in Washington
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer residents in Washington, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Nesting in Washington
Across Washington, 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.
Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, red-flowering currant, oregon grape for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Washington plants that attract black-chinned hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, these 8 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.
Early spring blooms fuel returning Rufous Hummingbirds.
Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.
Spring flowers for Rufous Hummingbirds, early fruit for thrushes.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding black-chinned hummingbirds through the Washington 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 Washington'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 Washington year-round?
No. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Washington and leave for the winter.
When do black-chinned hummingbirds nest in Washington?
Nesting in Washington 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 Washington?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Red-flowering currant, Oregon grape, Salmonberry, Fireweed are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for black-chinned hummingbirds.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
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 — Washington
- 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.