Rufous Hummingbirds in Florida
When rufous hummingbirds are present in Florida, when they nest, which native Florida plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 8a–11b yard.
- Status in Florida
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 8a–11b
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Florida
In Florida, rufous hummingbirds are winter visitors rather than breeders. Winter is the busy feeder season as northern migrants — goldfinches, wrens and others — arrive from October. While here they rely on winters in mexico; some along the gulf coast.
Humid subtropical in the north to tropical in the Keys; a wet summer and a dry winter season.
Native Florida plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Florida, these 5 provide food or cover rufous hummingbirds use:
Blooms spring through summer.
Large orange trumpets through midsummer.
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil.
Red tubular spring flowers for early hummingbirds.
Blooms right as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return.
Feeding rufous hummingbirds through the Florida 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 Florida's winter: Winter is the busy feeder season as northern migrants — goldfinches, wrens and others — arrive from October.
Full diet breakdown for rufous hummingbirds · Best feeder for rufous hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are rufous hummingbirds in Florida year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are winter visitors in Florida and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in Florida?
Coral honeysuckle, Trumpet creeper, Cardinal flower, Coral bean, Red buckeye are native plants in Florida that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Florida
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 — Florida
- 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.