Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Manitoba
When ruby-throated hummingbirds are present in Manitoba, when they nest, which native Manitoba plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.
- Status in Manitoba
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–3b
When to expect ruby-throated hummingbirds in Manitoba
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer residents in Manitoba, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar from tubular red and orange flowers; gnats, mosquitoes and small spiders.
Continental, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.
Nesting in Manitoba
Across Manitoba, 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 summers with a short, intense nesting season.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as native shrubs for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Manitoba plants that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Manitoba, these 3 provide food or cover ruby-throated hummingbirds use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding ruby-throated hummingbirds through the Manitoba 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 Manitoba'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 Manitoba year-round?
No. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Manitoba and leave for the winter.
When do ruby-throated hummingbirds nest in Manitoba?
Nesting in Manitoba 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 Manitoba?
Wild bergamot, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Fireweed are native plants in Manitoba that provide food or cover for ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Manitoba
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 — Manitoba
- 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.