Rufous Hummingbirds in Louisiana
When rufous hummingbirds are present in Louisiana, when they nest, which native Louisiana plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 8a–10a yard.
- Status in Louisiana
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 8a–10a
- Range note
- Rare but regular winter visitor to feeders.
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Louisiana
In Louisiana, rufous hummingbirds are winter visitors rather than breeders. Rare but regular winter visitor to feeders. Mild winters make Louisiana a major wintering ground for sparrows, wrens, and even western hummingbirds. While here they rely on winters in mexico; some along the gulf coast.
Humid subtropical, with coastal marsh, bottomland hardwood forest and piney uplands in the north.
Native Louisiana plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Louisiana, these 6 provide food or cover rufous hummingbirds use:
Native red tubular flowers timed to hummingbird arrival.
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana's winter: Mild winters make Louisiana a major wintering ground for sparrows, wrens, and even western hummingbirds.
Full diet breakdown for rufous hummingbirds · Best feeder for rufous hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are rufous hummingbirds in Louisiana year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are winter visitors in Louisiana and do not typically nest there. Rare but regular winter visitor to feeders.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in Louisiana?
Trumpet honeysuckle, Trumpet creeper, Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Coral bean, Red buckeye are native plants in Louisiana that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Louisiana
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 — Louisiana
- 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.