Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in Idaho
When broad-tailed hummingbirds are present in Idaho, when they nest, which native Idaho plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–7b yard.
- Status in Idaho
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
- Range note
- Southeastern Idaho.
When to expect broad-tailed hummingbirds in Idaho
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer residents in Idaho, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Southeastern Idaho. Through the season they feed on nectar from penstemon and scarlet gilia.
Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.
Nesting in Idaho
Across Idaho, 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.
Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.
- Broad-tailed 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 Idaho plants that attract broad-tailed hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Idaho, these 8 provide food or cover broad-tailed 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.
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.
Feeding broad-tailed hummingbirds through the Idaho 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 Idaho'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 Idaho year-round?
No. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Idaho and leave for the winter. Southeastern Idaho.
When do broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in Idaho?
Nesting in Idaho 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 Idaho?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Red-flowering currant, Oregon grape, Salmonberry are native plants in Idaho that provide food or cover for broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Idaho
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 — Idaho
- 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.