Rufous Hummingbirds in Idaho
When rufous hummingbirds are present in Idaho, when they nest, which native Idaho plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–7b yard.
- Status in Idaho
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–June
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Idaho
Rufous Hummingbirds are summer residents in Idaho, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.
Nesting in Idaho
Across Idaho, rufous hummingbirds typically nest from May–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.
Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.
- 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 Idaho plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Idaho, 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.
Blue-violet spikes favored by Broad-tailed 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.
Feeding rufous hummingbirds through the Idaho 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 Idaho'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 Idaho year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Idaho and leave for the winter.
When do rufous hummingbirds nest in Idaho?
Nesting in Idaho typically runs May–June, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 15–17 days.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in Idaho?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Red-flowering currant, Oregon grape, Salmonberry are native plants in Idaho that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Idaho
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 — Idaho
- 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.