Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in New Mexico
When broad-tailed hummingbirds are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect broad-tailed hummingbirds in New Mexico
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer residents in New Mexico, 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.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Nesting in New Mexico
Across New Mexico, 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 early summer followed by the July–August monsoon.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, desert willow, ocotillo for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Mexico plants that attract broad-tailed hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 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.
Orchid-like flowers through summer for hummingbirds and orioles.
Red spring flower spikes timed to hummingbird and oriole migration.
Feeding broad-tailed hummingbirds through the New Mexico 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 New Mexico'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 New Mexico year-round?
No. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer breeders in New Mexico and leave for the winter.
When do broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in New Mexico?
Nesting in New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Desert willow, Ocotillo are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
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 — New Mexico
- 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.