Rufous Hummingbirds in Montana
When rufous hummingbirds are present in Montana, when they nest, which native Montana plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–6a yard.
- Status in Montana
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–6a
When to expect rufous hummingbirds in Montana
Rufous Hummingbirds are summer residents in Montana, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on nectar and gnats.
Continental — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.
Nesting in Montana
Across Montana, rufous hummingbirds typically nest from 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.
Warm, dry summers and a short growing season.
- Rufous Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as golden currant, oregon grape for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Montana plants that attract rufous hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Montana, these 6 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.
Evergreen with yellow spring flowers and blue summer fruit.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding rufous hummingbirds through the Montana 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 Montana'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 Montana year-round?
No. Rufous Hummingbirds are summer breeders in Montana and leave for the winter.
When do rufous hummingbirds nest in Montana?
Nesting in Montana typically runs June, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 15–17 days.
What native plants attract rufous hummingbirds in Montana?
Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Oregon grape, Fireweed are native plants in Montana that provide food or cover for rufous hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Montana
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 — Montana
- 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.