Rufous Hummingbirds in Georgia
When rufous hummingbirds are present in Georgia, when they nest, which native Georgia plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–9a yard.
- Status in Georgia
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 7a–9a
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Georgia
In Georgia, rufous hummingbirds are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters bring irregular purple finch and pine-siskin irruptions from the north. While here they rely on winters in mexico; some along the gulf coast.
Humid subtropical, with cooler mountains in the north and a warm coastal plain in the south.
Native Georgia plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Georgia, these 6 provide food or cover rufous hummingbirds use:
Nectar through spring and summer.
Large orange trumpets through midsummer.
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Red tubular spring flowers for early hummingbirds.
Blooms right as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return.
Feeding rufous hummingbirds through the Georgia 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 Georgia's winter: Mild winters bring irregular purple finch and pine-siskin irruptions from the north.
Full diet breakdown for rufous hummingbirds · Best feeder for rufous hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are rufous hummingbirds in Georgia year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are winter visitors in Georgia and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in Georgia?
Coral honeysuckle, Trumpet creeper, Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Coral bean, Red buckeye are native plants in Georgia that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Georgia
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 — Georgia
- 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.