Every summer, Colorado’s skies come alive with the vibrant flashes and darting movements of hummingbirds. These tiny, jewel-like birds are a delight to birdwatchers and nature lovers across the state. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the open meadows and foothills, hummingbirds bring a sense of wonder to the landscape.
Their brilliant colors—ranging from emerald greens to fiery oranges—make them stand out, even as they hover gracefully from flower to flower.
Colorado is lucky to host several species of hummingbirds, especially during their migration season, which peaks in late spring and early fall. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird, with its signature metallic trill, is the most common, but others like the Rufous, Calliope, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds also make their presence known.
Each has its own unique behaviors, plumage, and charm. While these birds may seem delicate, they are surprisingly tough, capable of enduring long migratory journeys and mountain weather.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just happen to spot one of these little wonders at your feeder, hummingbirds are a reminder of the incredible wildlife that calls Colorado home. Their fleeting presence brings life and color to even the most rugged corners of the state.
1. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus platycercus
- Life span: 7-12 years
- Size: 3.5-4.3 in
- Weight: 3-5 g
- Wingspan: 4.7-5.5 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is commonly found in the western United States, particularly in mountainous regions such as Colorado, where it breeds during the summer. Its range extends from the Rockies to northern Mexico, and it migrates to Central America for the winter.
This species is easily recognized by its iridescent green back and ruby-red throat, or “gorget,” in males, while females lack the bright throat patch, instead showing a more muted green with white underparts.
They thrive in forested areas, especially near water sources like meadows and streams, where they construct their nests. Their striking appearance and seasonal presence make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds nest in the branches of trees, often near water, in forests or meadows. Females build small, cup-shaped nests using soft plant materials like dandelion down, spider webs, and lichen for camouflage. They raise their young alone, fiercely defending their nests from potential threats. These birds often return to the same nesting sites year after year, relying on the abundant flowers blooming nearby to sustain them during the breeding season.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers such as columbines and penstemons, using their long, specialized beaks to access deep tubular blooms. They also eat insects and spiders, which provide essential protein, especially during the breeding season. These birds visit feeders too, particularly those offering sugar water. Their high metabolism means they’re always foraging for food, with frequent feeding stops throughout the day to sustain their energy.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird’s population has experienced some declines due to habitat loss and climate change. However, their adaptability has helped stabilize numbers in recent years. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting habitats and ensuring wildflower availability in their breeding grounds.
Public awareness of bird-friendly gardens and the use of nectar feeders has also contributed positively to their conservation. These hummingbirds remain a common, beloved summer visitor in mountainous regions of the western U.S.
2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
- Life span: 3-6 years
- Size: 3-4 in
- Weight: 2.5-4.5 g
- Wingspan: 4.3-5.1 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a familiar summer visitor across much of the western United States, including Colorado, where it breeds in a variety of habitats, from deserts to foothills and urban gardens. The male Black-chinned Hummingbird is recognized by its mostly black throat, which can shimmer with a band of violet at its base when viewed in certain lighting.
Females are more subtle in appearance, with a plain throat and greenish upperparts. These birds are highly adaptable, often perching in exposed areas or near nectar sources. They migrate south to Mexico and Central America in the fall, returning to the U.S. in the spring.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds prefer to nest in a variety of habitats, from riparian zones to suburban gardens. Their nests are typically built in trees or shrubs, often near water, and are constructed by the female using plant down, leaves, and spider webs. The female raises the young alone, showing fierce territorial behavior around the nest. Black-chinned Hummingbirds may raise two broods in a season, and their nests are well-camouflaged to protect them from predators.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds consume nectar from a wide variety of flowers, favoring species like honeysuckle and penstemon. They are also known to feed at hummingbird feeders, where they eagerly sip sugar water. In addition to nectar, they hunt small insects and spiders, providing much-needed protein. Their ability to adapt to different environments makes them versatile foragers, able to find food in diverse settings, from forests to urban landscapes.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds have adapted well to human activity, and their population remains stable. However, habitat degradation, particularly in riparian areas, poses a risk. Conservationists emphasize protecting water sources and planting native flowering species to support the species during breeding and migration.
Urban gardens that provide nectar sources and insect habitats also contribute to the hummingbird’s ongoing survival, ensuring these adaptable birds continue to flourish in both wild and suburban environments.
3. Calliope Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 2.75-3.25 in
- Weight: 2-4 g
- Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest long-distance migratory bird in North America, with a range that includes high-elevation areas in the western United States, from Montana to Colorado, during the breeding season.
The male Calliope is noted for its vivid magenta-streaked throat, which contrasts with its green back and white belly. Females, like many hummingbird species, are less colourful, with a pale throat and greenish upperparts. These hummingbirds are typically found in montane meadows and other open areas where flowers are abundant.
Their presence is most noticeable in summer when they breed before migrating south to Mexico for the winter.
Calliope Hummingbirds nest at high elevations in montane meadows, often close to streams where flowers bloom abundantly. Females are responsible for constructing their delicate nests, typically hidden in shrubs or trees.
They use soft plant materials and spider webs to create a secure environment for their eggs. The female incubates the eggs alone, while the male moves on after mating, typical of most hummingbird species.
Calliope Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from alpine flowers like Indian paintbrush and larkspur. They prefer areas with diverse wildflower populations, ensuring they have a steady nectar supply. Like other hummingbirds, they also supplement their diet with small insects, which they catch mid-flight or pluck from plants. Their ability to hover allows them to feed efficiently, maintaining the high energy levels needed for their long migrations to Mexico.
While not considered endangered, Calliope Hummingbirds benefit from habitat conservation efforts that protect alpine meadows from development. Their breeding grounds, often at higher altitudes, are vulnerable to climate change, which could impact flower availability.
Projects that focus on maintaining wildflower diversity are crucial for their survival. These efforts, combined with public education on the importance of pollinator-friendly environments, help ensure the smallest migratory bird continues to thrive.
4. Rufous Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 2.75-3.75 in
- Weight: 2.5-4.5 g
- Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its fiery plumage and migratory behavior. Males are easily identifiable by their vibrant orange-red throat, rust-coloured body, and white breast. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued coloration with green upperparts and rusty flanks. This hummingbird has an extensive migratory route, traveling from the Pacific Northwest, where it breeds, to as far south as Mexico.
Rufous Hummingbirds are often spotted passing through the Rocky Mountains, including Colorado, during their migration. Despite their small size, these birds are highly territorial and are known for their aggressive behavior toward other hummingbirds.
Rufous Hummingbirds build their nests in coniferous forests, often near the ground or on low-hanging branches. Females meticulously weave their nests from plant fibers, spider silk, and downy feathers. They fiercely protect their territory and young, often displaying aggressive behaviors toward other birds. Once the nest is complete, the female lays two eggs and incubates them alone, fiercely defending the area while feeding regularly on nearby flowers.
Known for their love of nectar, Rufous Hummingbirds rely heavily on tubular flowers such as red columbine and Indian paintbrush. They also catch insects like gnats, flies, and small spiders to supplement their diet with protein.
These birds have a rapid metabolism and visit feeders filled with sugar water during migration. Their diet is critical during their long migratory journeys, where they cover thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico.
Rufous Hummingbirds have faced threats due to habitat loss, particularly from logging and urban development. Climate change also impacts their migratory patterns. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wildflower habitats and promoting native plant growth in gardens.
Monitoring migration routes has become essential to understanding their survival, as the birds cover vast distances. Despite challenges, the species is still relatively abundant during its migration, though careful attention is needed to ensure continued protection.
5. Anna’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Calypte anna
- Life span: 4-6 years
- Size: 3.9-4.3 in
- Weight: 2-6 g
- Wingspan: 4.7-5.9 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
Anna’s Hummingbird is primarily found along the Pacific coast, from southern British Columbia down to Arizona, and is only occasionally spotted in Colorado. Unlike most hummingbirds, Anna’s can be seen year-round in parts of its range.
Males are striking with their glossy rose-pink throat and crown, a sharp contrast to their metallic green back and greyish underparts. Females are less vibrant, with green upperparts and a lightly speckled throat. Though rare in Colorado, their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in both natural and urban environments.
They are often observed in gardens or areas with flowering plants, where they display territorial behaviors.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are early breeders, often starting to nest in late winter or early spring. Females build their nests in shrubs or trees using plant material, down, and spider silk to create a flexible structure. They are highly adaptable, nesting in urban gardens, parks, and even on window ledges. The female incubates two tiny eggs, and after hatching, she continues to feed and protect her young until they are ready to fledge.
Anna’s Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar, with a preference for brightly colored flowers like fuchsia and eucalyptus. They are frequent visitors to feeders, where they consume sugar water. In addition to nectar, they hunt small insects and spiders to meet their protein needs, especially during the breeding season. Their varied diet, along with their ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes, makes them one of the more adaptable hummingbird species.
Anna’s Hummingbirds have expanded their range over the past century, adapting well to urbanization. They are commonly found in gardens, where feeders and abundant flowering plants support their populations. Climate change has extended their breeding season, allowing them to remain in areas year-round where they once migrated. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining biodiversity in urban areas and encouraging homeowners to plant native flowers, which provide natural food sources for these resilient birds.
Where to look for Hummingbirds in Colorado
If you’re looking to spot hummingbirds in Colorado, you’re in for a treat. These tiny, energetic birds are most active from late spring to early fall, particularly in the mountains and along their migration routes.
The key to finding them is knowing where and when to look. Start by visiting high-elevation areas or foothills where wildflowers and feeders attract them. Hummingbirds are drawn to brightly coloured flowers, especially red and orange, and they love areas with a mix of open fields and forest edges.
Bring a pair of binoculars, or just sit quietly near a feeder, and soon you’ll see them darting around, hovering at flowers or performing daring aerial displays. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times to spot them.
Here are four great places to find hummingbirds in Colorado:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – The alpine meadows and lower elevations are perfect for spotting Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
- Garden of the Gods – Nestled in the foothills of Colorado Springs, this park often attracts hummingbirds to its desert-like environment.
- Mount Evans – Known for its high-altitude wildlife, this is a great spot for hummingbirds in summer.
- Chautauqua Park in Boulder – Its mix of open meadows and forests is a magnet for migrating species.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are a vibrant and vital part of Colorado’s natural beauty, with species like the Broad-tailed, Rufous, Calliope, Black-chinned, and Anna’s Hummingbirds all contributing to the region’s ecological diversity.
These birds, known for their remarkable migration patterns and nesting behaviors, thrive in varied habitats from high-altitude meadows to urban gardens. Conservation efforts, including habitat preservation and the planting of native flowers, play a crucial role in ensuring their continued presence in the state.
