Rufous Hummingbirds in Mississippi
When rufous hummingbirds are present in Mississippi, when they nest, which native Mississippi plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7b–9a yard.
- Status in Mississippi
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 7b–9a
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Mississippi
In Mississippi, rufous hummingbirds are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters with rare hard freezes. While here they rely on winters in mexico; some along the gulf coast.
Humid subtropical, with the Delta in the northwest, piney woods in the south and a short Gulf coastline.
Native Mississippi plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Mississippi, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi's winter: Mild winters with rare hard freezes.
Full diet breakdown for rufous hummingbirds · Best feeder for rufous hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are rufous hummingbirds in Mississippi year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are winter visitors in Mississippi and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in Mississippi?
Trumpet honeysuckle, Trumpet creeper, Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Coral bean, Red buckeye are native plants in Mississippi that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Mississippi
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 — Mississippi
- 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.