Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in South Dakota
When ruby-throated hummingbirds are present in South Dakota, when they nest, which native South Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–5b yard.
- Status in South Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
When to expect ruby-throated hummingbirds in South Dakota
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer residents in South Dakota, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May 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, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Nesting in South Dakota
Across South Dakota, ruby-throated hummingbirds typically nest from May–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 thunderstorms; the Black Hills host western mountain birds.
- 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 South Dakota plants that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for South 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 South 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 South 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 South Dakota year-round?
No. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer breeders in South Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do ruby-throated hummingbirds nest in South Dakota?
Nesting in South Dakota typically runs May–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 South Dakota?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Fireweed are native plants in South Dakota that provide food or cover for ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in South 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 — South 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.