Black-chinned Hummingbirds in Wyoming
When black-chinned hummingbirds are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Wyoming
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect black-chinned hummingbirds in Wyoming
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer residents in Wyoming, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, 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.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
- 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 Wyoming plants that attract black-chinned hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 7 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.
Blue-violet spikes favored by Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Late-season red flowers when other nectar is scarce.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding black-chinned hummingbirds through the Wyoming 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 Wyoming'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 Wyoming year-round?
No. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do black-chinned hummingbirds nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, California fuchsia, Fireweed are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for black-chinned hummingbirds.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — Wyoming
- 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.