Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in Colorado
When broad-tailed 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
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–7b
When to expect broad-tailed hummingbirds in Colorado
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer residents in Colorado, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar from penstemon and scarlet gilia.
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, broad-tailed hummingbirds typically nest from June–July. Nest site: cup on a low branch under cover. Females lay 2 eggs, incubate for 16–19 days, and young leave the nest after 21–26 days.
Warm, dry days and cool nights; afternoon storms are common in July and August.
- Broad-tailed 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 broad-tailed hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Colorado, these 7 provide food or cover broad-tailed 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 broad-tailed hummingbirds through the Colorado year
Breeds at 6,000–10,000 ft; can drop body temperature overnight to survive frosty mountain nights.
- Best foods: Sugar water 1:4.
- In Colorado's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for broad-tailed hummingbirds · Best feeder for broad-tailed hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are broad-tailed hummingbirds in Colorado year-round?
No. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Colorado and leave for the winter.
When do broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in Colorado?
Nesting in Colorado typically runs June–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 16–19 days.
What native plants attract broad-tailed 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 broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Colorado
Sources
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Broad-tailed 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.