Hummingbirds bring a touch of magic to Montana’s landscapes with their tiny size and incredible speed. These small, colorful birds are known for their ability to hover and dart between flowers, feeding on nectar with their long, slender beaks.
In Montana, several species make an appearance each year, adding a splash of vibrant color and activity to gardens, meadows, and forests. While they are most commonly seen during the warmer months, their arrival marks a sure sign of spring and summer.
Among the species found in Montana are the Rufous, Calliope, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Each has its own distinct traits, from the Rufous’s fiery orange feathers to the delicate charm of the Calliope, the smallest breeding bird in the United States. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from mountain meadows to river valleys, making them a delight for backyard bird watchers and avid nature enthusiasts alike
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 3-3.75 in (7.6-9.5 cm)
- Weight: 0.07 – 0.21 oz (2-6 g)
- Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in (7.9 – 10.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migration pattern: Leaves Montana in late summer; migrates south for winter
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a familiar sight in the eastern parts of North America, though it is less common in Montana. It breeds in areas ranging from the central United States to southern Canada, migrating to Central America for the winter.
This hummingbird is known for its vibrant colouring, particularly in the males, who display an iridescent ruby-red throat that glimmers in the sunlight. Their backs are a bright metallic green, contrasting with their white underparts. Females are less vivid, with a green back and a pale, unmarked throat.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are typically seen in Montana during migration, as they pass through in search of nectar-rich flowers and feeders. Their rapid wingbeats and darting movements make them a lively presence in any garden they visit.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are meticulous nest builders, creating their tiny homes in sheltered spots like tree branches. The female constructs the nest using soft plant materials, spider silk, and lichen, making it blend seamlessly with its surroundings. She carefully forms the cup-shaped nest, which is about the size of a walnut shell, ensuring it’s well hidden from predators.
Once completed, she lays two small white eggs. These birds favour deciduous trees near open areas or edges, providing them with both cover and access to food sources. In Montana, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are more often seen during migration, but their nesting habits remain similar wherever they build their delicate, camouflaged homes.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are voracious feeders, relying primarily on nectar from flowering plants. They have a preference for tubular-shaped flowers, such as trumpet vine and red columbine, which match their long beaks. To supplement their energy-rich diet, they also consume small insects like gnats, spiders, and fruit flies, providing essential proteins.
They visit feeders filled with sugar water, making them a frequent guest in gardens. Their diet is especially important during migration, as they need to store up energy for their long journey, which can include nonstop flights over the Gulf of Mexico. This need for constant feeding makes them a vibrant but fleeting presence during their time in Montana.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has benefited from increasing public interest in backyard bird feeding, particularly the use of nectar feeders. Their populations have remained stable over the years, thanks to awareness about creating bird-friendly habitats. However, habitat loss and changes in climate patterns pose potential threats, as they can impact the availability of food sources along their migratory routes.
Conservation groups encourage planting native flowering plants and maintaining healthy woodlands to support these birds. While not listed as endangered, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird depends on the continued efforts of bird enthusiasts to maintain safe migration corridors and nesting sites.
2. Calliope Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 2.75-3.25 in (7.0 – 8.3 cm)
- Weight: 0.07 – 0.21 oz (2-6 g)
- Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in (8.9 – 10.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Migrates south from Montana in late summer
The Calliope Hummingbird holds the distinction of being the smallest breeding bird in North America, yet it makes a strong impression with its distinctive appearance. Its breeding range includes the mountainous regions of the western United States, including Montana, and it migrates south to Mexico for the winter.
Males are particularly striking with their magenta-coloured streaks that fan out along their white throats, forming a “whiskered” appearance that is unique among hummingbirds. Their backs are a deep green, adding to their colourful charm. Females, while more subdued, have a similar green back but a pale, unmarked throat, often with a touch of buff colouring along the sides. Calliope Hummingbirds are found in Montana’s mountain meadows, open woodlands, and even in backyard gardens where nectar sources are plentiful.
Despite their small size, they are known for their boldness, frequently engaging in aerial displays and defending their territory. Observing one of these tiny wonders in the wild is a true delight for bird enthusiasts.
Calliope Hummingbirds are known for choosing nesting sites in high-elevation areas, such as the mountain meadows and forested edges of Montana. The female builds her nest alone, selecting a spot in the forks of trees or shrubs that offers protection from wind and predators.
Using soft materials like plant down and spider silk, she constructs a small but sturdy nest. Often decorated with bits of lichen for camouflage, the nest expands as the chicks grow. She lays two eggs, incubating them for about two weeks. This nesting behaviour allows Calliope Hummingbirds to take advantage of cooler, flower-rich environments during Montana’s summer. Their choice of higher elevations makes them a unique presence among the state’s hummingbird species.
Calliope Hummingbirds have a diet that revolves around nectar, which they gather from a wide variety of flowering plants. They are especially drawn to bright, tubular flowers such as paintbrush and columbine, which match their long, slender beaks. They also eat small insects and spiders, which provide vital protein, especially during breeding season.
Their feeding habits are characterized by their ability to hover steadily, allowing them to access nectar deep within blooms. In Montana, they take advantage of the rich array of wildflowers in high-altitude meadows and often visit backyard feeders. These birds’ adaptability in their feeding behaviour helps them thrive in both wild and human-altered landscapes.
Calliope Hummingbirds are currently considered stable, but they still face challenges from habitat loss and changing climate conditions, especially in their high-elevation breeding grounds. As development encroaches on their natural habitat, maintaining wildflower-rich meadows and forest edges becomes increasingly important.
In Montana, conservation efforts include protecting key breeding areas and educating the public about the importance of planting native flowers. Backyard feeders also provide supplemental food during migration, supporting their long journeys. Calliope Hummingbirds benefit from increased awareness of their habitat needs, ensuring that these small but resilient birds continue to grace Montana’s summer skies.
3. Rufous Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 2.75-3.75 in (7.0 – 9.5 cm)
- Weight: 0.09 – 0.16 oz (2.5-4.5 g)
- Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in (8.9 – 10.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migration pattern: Leaves Montana in late summer; winters in Mexico
The Rufous Hummingbird is a highly territorial species with a broad range that spans the western United States, including Montana. It breeds as far north as Alaska and then migrates south to Mexico for the winter, making it one of the longest migratory journeys for a bird of its size.
This hummingbird is easy to recognize due to its striking reddish-orange plumage. Males are especially vivid, with a bright copper-coloured back and an iridescent red-orange throat that can catch the light beautifully. Females are more muted, with greenish backs and rufous sides, along with some speckling on their pale throats. Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their feisty behaviour, often chasing away other hummingbirds from feeding areas.
In Montana, they are a common sight during the summer months, especially in areas with plenty of flowers and feeders. Their vibrant colors and bold personality make them a standout among the hummingbird species found in the state.
Rufous Hummingbirds are highly adaptable nesters, building their small, cup-shaped nests in a range of locations, from shrubs to coniferous trees. The female does all the work, weaving together plant down, moss, and spider silk to create a flexible nest that can expand as the chicks grow.
She often situates the nest on a low branch, providing some protection from predators while keeping an eye on her surroundings. The nest is meticulously crafted and camouflaged, often decorated with bits of lichen. She lays two white eggs, incubating them for about two weeks. In Montana, these hummingbirds nest in mountainous and forested areas, taking advantage of cooler, nectar-rich environments during the breeding season.
Rufous Hummingbirds have a diverse diet that includes nectar from a wide range of flowers, as well as small insects and spiders. They are especially drawn to bright red, orange, and tubular flowers, which they visit frequently for their energy-rich nectar. Their diet helps fuel their long migratory journey from breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska to wintering sites in Mexico.
These hummingbirds are known for being aggressive at feeders, often chasing off other hummingbirds to dominate nectar sources. In Montana, their diet shifts slightly as they take advantage of the rich mountain blooms and feeders set out by residents, helping them to thrive during their time in the state.
Rufous Hummingbirds face challenges from habitat loss and climate change, especially as their migratory routes are long and complex. Their population has seen declines in recent years, largely due to changes in flower availability and shifts in suitable habitat areas. Conservation efforts focus on preserving native flowering plants and ensuring that critical breeding and migratory habitats remain intact.
In Montana, conservation groups encourage the planting of native plants and the use of nectar feeders to support these travelers. Public awareness has increased, and more people are creating bird-friendly spaces, providing a crucial lifeline for this resilient but vulnerable species.
4. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
- Life span: 3-6 years
- Size: 3-4 in (7.6 – 10.1 cm)
- Weight: 0.09 – 0.16 oz (2.5-4.5 g)
- Wingspan: 4.3-5.1 in (10.9 – 12.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and uncommon
- Migration pattern: Departs Montana in late summer for southern regions
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is found across much of the western United States, with its breeding range stretching from Texas to Montana and westward to California. It typically prefers arid or semi-arid regions, such as river valleys, foothills, and canyons, where it can find both natural nectar sources and insect prey.
Males are distinguishable by their black throat, which displays a subtle band of iridescent violet at the base when the light hits it just right. Their backs are metallic green, while their undersides are a soft grayish-white. Females lack the dark throat, instead having a plain white throat and similar green back. In Montana, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are seen during the summer breeding season, often visiting feeders in more rural and suburban areas.
Their less flashy appearance compared to some other hummingbirds makes them more subtle, but their quick movements and acrobatic flight patterns make them just as captivating to observe.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds build their nests in sheltered spots like the forks of tree branches, often choosing areas with a mix of open space and vegetation. The female constructs the nest using plant down, spider webs, and bits of lichen to form a small, sturdy cup. The nest is stretchy, allowing it to expand as the chicks grow.
She usually lays two eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. These birds tend to select nesting sites near water sources, such as streams or rivers, providing access to abundant food. In Montana, they choose nesting sites that provide both shelter and a clear view of nearby feeding areas, making them a delightful presence in the warmer months.
The diet of Black-chinned Hummingbirds primarily consists of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, including those with tubular shapes that suit their long beaks. They are less particular than some other hummingbird species and will feed from many flower types, as well as visit nectar feeders. In addition to nectar, they consume small insects like gnats and aphids, catching them in flight or plucking them from plants.
Their ability to hover allows them to feed efficiently, and they often return to favourite feeding spots multiple times a day. In Montana, they take advantage of both native blooms and garden feeders, which provide a reliable energy source during the breeding season and their time in the state.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is generally stable in its range, but like many hummingbirds, it faces potential risks from habitat loss and climate change. As development reduces the availability of natural habitats, maintaining suitable breeding areas is important. In Montana, efforts to preserve riparian zones and native plant species have been key to supporting their populations.
Providing feeders and planting hummingbird-friendly gardens also play a significant role in their conservation. Although not currently threatened, these measures help ensure that Black-chinned Hummingbirds continue to thrive across their range. Public interest in birdwatching has brought more attention to their needs, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems that benefit both hummingbirds and other wildlife.
5. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus platycercus
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 3.5-4 in (8.9 – 10.1 cm)
- Weight: 2.8-4.5 g (0.01 – 0.16 oz)
- Wingspan: 5.25 in (13.3 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and uncommon
- Migration pattern: Migrates south from Montana by late summer
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a mountain-dwelling species, with its breeding range extending from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Utah up through parts of Montana. It favours high-elevation meadows, open woodlands, and alpine areas during the breeding season, making it a common sight in the more mountainous regions of the state.
Males are recognizable by their iridescent rose-coloured throats, known as gorgets, which can flash brilliantly in the sunlight. Their backs are a shimmering green, providing a stunning contrast to their rose throat. Females and juveniles have a green back and a paler throat, often with a touch of rust along their flanks. During the breeding season, the males make a distinctive whirring or trilling sound with their wings, a result of their wing feathers’ structure.
In Montana, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are often seen feeding on nectar from native wildflowers or visiting feeders in high-altitude areas. Their vibrant appearance and high-altitude preference make them a special part of Montana’s hummingbird diversity.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds prefer to nest in high-altitude areas, selecting sites in open woodlands, meadows, or near the edges of forests. The female builds the nest, using soft materials like plant fibers, spider webs, and lichens to create a flexible, cup-shaped structure that blends into its surroundings.
Nests are often placed on low branches, providing shelter from the elements while still offering a good vantage point. She lays two eggs and incubates them for about two weeks, during which she remains vigilant against predators. In Montana, the choice of nesting location is influenced by the availability of flowers and insects, making mountain meadows ideal. The effort she puts into crafting and maintaining the nest is essential for the survival of her young.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird’s diet is centered on nectar, which it collects from a range of flowering plants, especially those with tubular shapes like larkspur and penstemon. This nectar provides the energy needed for their rapid wing beats and active lifestyle. They also consume insects, such as flies and small beetles, which they catch mid-air or pick from vegetation.
These insects provide necessary protein, especially during the breeding season when demands are high. In Montana, they are often seen feeding on wildflowers in mountain meadows, where a rich variety of blooms supports their energy needs. Their foraging habits make them a critical part of the pollination process in these ecosystems.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird faces challenges related to habitat loss and climate change, particularly as the high-elevation meadows they depend on are affected by shifts in temperature and flowering patterns. In Montana, efforts to conserve mountain habitats and promote native flowering plants have been beneficial.
Additionally, climate change monitoring is critical for understanding how shifting seasons affect their migration and breeding. Public awareness has increased through birdwatching programs and citizen science projects that track hummingbird populations. Maintaining healthy ecosystems where these birds breed and feed ensures their continued presence in Montana. While not currently endangered, proactive conservation measures help protect the future of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in a changing world.
Where to look for Hummingbirds in Montana
Finding hummingbirds in Montana is a rewarding experience that connects you to the vibrant nature of the region. These tiny, energetic birds are best spotted during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. To catch a glimpse of them, head to places with abundant flowers, shrubs, and trees—hummingbirds are always on the lookout for nectar-rich blooms.
To attract them, set up feeders filled with a simple sugar-water solution in your backyard or visit areas with plenty of native wildflowers. Patience is key, as these little fliers can zip by quickly, but when they do, it’s worth the wait.
Four great places to spot hummingbirds in Montana include Glacier National Park, where the lush meadows and diverse plant life attract various species like the Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds. Missoula’s Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is another prime spot, with its trails winding through flower-filled landscapes. For a mix of forest and open space, try Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, where hummingbirds can be seen darting among the blooming plants. Finally, Bitterroot Valley offers a rich habitat that draws hummingbirds each summer, making it an ideal location for both beginners and seasoned birdwatchers looking for a close encounter with these dazzling birds.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds bring a vibrant touch to Montana’s natural beauty, with their diverse species and lively behaviours. From mountain meadows to backyard gardens, these tiny birds remind us of the importance of preserving habitats. Observing them offers a unique connection to the state’s ecosystem, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.
