Rufous Hummingbird in February
Where rufous hummingbirds are in February, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
February in the Rufous Hummingbird's year
February still feels like deep winter, but days are lengthening and the first stirrings of the breeding season begin — resident birds start singing on mild mornings and some early nesters are already claiming territories. Late-winter storms can be the hardest feeding days of the year.
For the Rufous Hummingbird specifically, February is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 13 states and provinces where rufous hummingbirds occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where rufous hummingbirds are in February
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- winter visitor
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In February, rufous hummingbirds are absent in the South, winter visitor across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in February
Rufous hummingbirds are not nesting in February. The season runs May–June at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, rufous hummingbirds put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in February
- Winters in Mexico; some along the Gulf Coast
The most aggressive hummingbird — one male may guard all feeders; hang several out of sight of each other.
Don't let feeders run empty during late-winter storms; birds burn enormous energy staying warm. This is also the month to clean and repair nest boxes before early nesters move in.
Full Rufous Hummingbird diet guide → · Best feeder for rufous hummingbirds →
Watching rufous hummingbirds this month
Rufous hummingbirds are settled and predictable in February, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region rufous hummingbirds are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Rufous Hummingbird month by month
Rufous Hummingbird by state
Frequently asked
Where are rufous hummingbirds in February?
In February, rufous hummingbirds are absent in the South, winter visitor across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do rufous hummingbirds nest in February?
No — rufous hummingbirds typically nest May through June at mid-latitudes.
What do rufous hummingbirds eat in February?
Winters in Mexico; some along the Gulf Coast.
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
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.