Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in North Dakota
When ruby-throated hummingbirds are present in North Dakota, when they nest, which native North Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–4b yard.
- Status in North Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
- Range note
- Eastern North Dakota.
When to expect ruby-throated hummingbirds in North Dakota
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer residents in North Dakota, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Eastern North Dakota. Through the season they feed on nectar from tubular red and orange flowers; gnats, mosquitoes and small spiders.
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Nesting in North Dakota
Across North Dakota, 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.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
- Ruby-throated 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 August.
Native North Dakota plants that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, 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.
Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding ruby-throated hummingbirds through the North Dakota 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 North Dakota'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 North Dakota year-round?
No. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer breeders in North Dakota and leave for the winter. Eastern North Dakota.
When do ruby-throated hummingbirds nest in North Dakota?
Nesting in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Fireweed are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
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 — North Dakota
- 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.