Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Alberta
When ruby-throated hummingbirds are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
- Range note
- Central Alberta.
When to expect ruby-throated hummingbirds in Alberta
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Central Alberta. Through the season they feed on nectar from tubular red and orange flowers; gnats, mosquitoes and small spiders.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, ruby-throated hummingbirds typically nest from June–August. Nest site: walnut-sized cup of plant down bound with spider silk, saddled on a downward-sloping branch. Females lay 1–3 eggs (usually 2), incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 18–22 days.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, oregon grape for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Alberta plants that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 5 provide food or cover ruby-throated 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.
Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding ruby-throated hummingbirds through the Alberta year
Change nectar every 2 days in hot weather (under 80°F, every 4–5 days) and clean the feeder each refill. Males defend feeders aggressively; several feeders out of sight of each other help.
- Best foods: Sugar water: 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water, no dye.
- Avoid: Honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners and red dye.
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for ruby-throated hummingbirds · Best feeder for ruby-throated hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are ruby-throated hummingbirds in Alberta year-round?
No. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter. Central Alberta.
When do ruby-throated hummingbirds nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs June–August, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 1–3 eggs (usually 2), incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract ruby-throated hummingbirds in Alberta?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Oregon grape, Fireweed are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.