Rufous Hummingbirds in British Columbia
When rufous hummingbirds are present in British Columbia, when they nest, which native British Columbia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–9a yard.
- Status in British Columbia
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–9a
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in British Columbia
Rufous Hummingbirds are summer residents in British Columbia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Temperate rainforest on the coast, dry interior valleys and mountains, and boreal forest in the northeast.
Nesting in British Columbia
Across British Columbia, 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.
Dry, warm coastal summers; hot in the Okanagan.
- Rufous Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, red-flowering currant, oregon grape for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native British Columbia plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for British Columbia, these 8 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.
Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds.
Early spring blooms fuel returning Rufous Hummingbirds.
Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.
Spring flowers for Rufous Hummingbirds, early fruit for thrushes.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding rufous hummingbirds through the British Columbia 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 British Columbia'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 British Columbia year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are summer breeders in British Columbia and leave for the winter.
When do rufous hummingbirds nest in British Columbia?
Nesting in British Columbia typically runs June, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 15–17 days.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in British Columbia?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Red-flowering currant, Oregon grape, Salmonberry, Fireweed are native plants in British Columbia that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in British Columbia
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 — British Columbia
- 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.