Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in Utah
When broad-tailed hummingbirds are present in Utah, when they nest, which native Utah plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Utah
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect broad-tailed hummingbirds in Utah
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer residents in Utah, 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 to arid, with the Wasatch Range rising above the Great Basin and red-rock canyon country in the south.
Nesting in Utah
Across Utah, 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.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, desert willow for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Utah plants that attract broad-tailed hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Utah, 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.
Late-season red flowers when other nectar is scarce.
Feeding broad-tailed hummingbirds through the Utah 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 Utah'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 Utah year-round?
No. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Utah and leave for the winter.
When do broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in Utah?
Nesting in Utah 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 Utah?
Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Desert willow, California fuchsia are native plants in Utah that provide food or cover for broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Utah
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 — Utah
- 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.