Rufous Hummingbirds in Alaska
When rufous hummingbirds are present in Alaska, when they nest, which native Alaska plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 1a–8a yard.
- Status in Alaska
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 1a–8a
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Alaska
Rufous Hummingbirds are summer residents in Alaska, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Subarctic interior, temperate rainforest in the Southeast panhandle, and Arctic tundra on the North Slope.
Nesting in Alaska
Across Alaska, rufous hummingbirds typically nest from June. Nest site: cup in conifers or shrubs. Females lay 2 eggs, incubate for 15–17 days, and young leave the nest after 21 days.
A short, explosive summer with near-continuous daylight compresses nesting into a few weeks.
- Rufous Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as salmonberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Alaska plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Alaska, these 2 provide food or cover rufous hummingbirds use:
Spring flowers for Rufous Hummingbirds, early fruit for thrushes.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding rufous hummingbirds through the Alaska year
The most aggressive hummingbird — one male may guard all feeders; hang several out of sight of each other.
- Best foods: Sugar water 1:4.
- In Alaska's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for rufous hummingbirds · Best feeder for rufous hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are rufous hummingbirds in Alaska year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Alaska and leave for the winter.
When do rufous hummingbirds nest in Alaska?
Nesting in Alaska typically runs June, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 15–17 days.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in Alaska?
Salmonberry, Fireweed are native plants in Alaska that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alaska
Sources
- Rufous Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Rufous Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Rufous Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alaska
- 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.