Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in Wyoming
When broad-tailed 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
- July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect broad-tailed hummingbirds in Wyoming
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer residents in Wyoming, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar from penstemon and scarlet gilia.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, broad-tailed hummingbirds typically nest from 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.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
- 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 Wyoming plants that attract broad-tailed hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 7 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.
Late-season red flowers when other nectar is scarce.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding broad-tailed hummingbirds through the Wyoming 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 Wyoming'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 Wyoming year-round?
No. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming typically runs July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 16–19 days.
What native plants attract broad-tailed 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 broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — 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.