Rufous Hummingbird
A tiny, highly territorial western hummingbird that may use a garden briefly during migration; flower diversity and multiple clean feeders reduce conflict.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Watch flowering gardens, parks, woodland openings, and mountain meadows in spring, summer, or fall depending on your place in the West.
Food
Nectar from tubular flowers plus tiny insects such as gnats, midges, flies, and aphids.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Plant regional nectar flowers such as columbine, penstemon, currant, fireweed, mint, and Indian paintbrush, with perches and insect habitat nearby.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Rufous Hummingbird habitat
Plant regional nectar flowers such as columbine, penstemon, currant, fireweed, mint, and Indian paintbrush, with perches and insect habitat nearby.
Rufous Hummingbird diet and food
Nectar from tubular flowers plus tiny insects such as gnats, midges, flies, and aphids.
Use plain white sugar water at 1:4 and place more than one clean feeder out of sight of each other so a dominant bird cannot control all of them.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Nectar from tubular flowers plus tiny insects such as gnats, midges, flies, and aphids.
Cover & plants
Plant regional nectar flowers such as columbine, penstemon, currant, fireweed, mint, and Indian paintbrush, with perches and insect habitat nearby.
Rufous Hummingbird nesting and breeding
Females build tiny spider-silk cups high in coniferous or deciduous trees, often on drooping branches; do not prune or inspect nest trees.
Rufous Hummingbird behavior and where to look
Hovers at flowers and aggressively chases other hummingbirds, even during a short one- or two-week migration stopover.
Photography
Photograph at a flower or natural perch and never use flash, playback, or a close approach to a nest.
What to avoid
Never use dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners; replace cloudy nectar promptly and add spacing rather than more food to a single feeder.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
