Rufous Hummingbirds in Alberta
When rufous 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
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Alberta
Rufous Hummingbirds are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
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, 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.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Rufous 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 June.
Native Alberta plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 5 provide food or cover rufous 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 rufous hummingbirds through the Alberta 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 Alberta'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 Alberta year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do rufous hummingbirds nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs June, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 15–17 days.
What native plants attract rufous 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 rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
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 — 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.