Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in the mountains of Colorado during the spring, summer, and fall months. Hummingbirds are attracted to the high-altitude meadows and forests of the Rocky Mountains where flowering plants provide nectar for these tiny birds.
What species of hummingbirds live in the Colorado mountains?
The most common hummingbird species found in the Colorado mountains are:
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
Of these, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird is the most widespread and can be found across most mountain areas of Colorado during summer. The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in Colorado and nests at high elevations. The Rufous Hummingbird passes through Colorado mountains during its spring and fall migrations.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Colorado mountains?
Hummingbirds typically start arriving in the Colorado mountains in early May. The timing of their arrival depends on weather conditions and availability of flowers. Here is a general timeline of when key hummingbird species arrive in Colorado mountain areas:
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds – early May
- Calliope Hummingbirds – mid-May
- Rufous Hummingbirds – late May
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds – early June
By late May, most hummingbird species have returned to the Colorado mountains to breed and nest. The populations build up through summer, as birds continue migrating into the region.
Where do hummingbirds live in Colorado mountains?
Hummingbirds are found in a variety of mountain habitats in Colorado including:
- Flowering meadows – especially those with larkspur, columbine, honeysuckle
- Rivers and streams – nesting and feeding along wooded banks
- Alpine tundra – during summer to feed on alpine flowers
- Mountain forests – nesting in conifers and feeding on flowers
- Mountain parks – openings in forests with flowers
Some key areas to spot hummingbirds in Colorado mountains are:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mount Zirkel Wilderness
- San Juan Mountains
- Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Medicine Bow Mountains
How do hummingbirds survive the cold mountain conditions?
Hummingbirds are adapted to survive in cold mountain conditions in several ways:
- Migration – Most hummingbirds migrate south in fall before the harsh winter hits the mountains.
- Torpor – They can enter a short-term hibernation to conserve energy on cold nights.
- Insulation – Their compact body size and dense plumage helps retain heat.
- Adaptations – Some species like Calliope Hummingbird have higher hemoglobin levels to uptake more oxygen in thin air.
By migrating and entering torpor, hummingbirds are able to endure below-freezing mountain temperatures during their breeding season. The availability of high-energy nectar flowers also helps hummingbirds meet the high metabolic demands of cold weather.
What flowers do hummingbirds feed on in Colorado mountains?
Some common mountain flowers that hummingbirds feed on in Colorado include:
| Flower | Bloom Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Indian paintbrush | May-July | Meadows, forest openings |
| Larkspur | June-August | Subalpine meadows |
| Columbine | May-July | Mountain forests, streams |
| Honeysuckle | May-September | Forest openings, edges |
| Fireweed | July-September | Disturbed areas, meadows |
These tubular wildflowers provide an abundant nectar source for hummingbirds throughout the mountain summers. Hummingbirds also feed on sap wells created by Yellow-bellied sapsuckers on trees.
How do hummingbirds nest in Colorado mountains?
Hummingbirds build small, compact nests to breed in the Colorado mountains. Key facts about their nesting include:
- Cup-shaped nests typically 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep
- Constructed with soft plant down, spider webs, lichens
- Built on branches of trees and shrubs 5-50 feet above ground
- Lined with soft plant fibers
- Females incubate 1-3 tiny white eggs for 2-3 weeks
Broad-tailed and Calliope hummingbirds favor nesting in conifers like pine, fir, and spruce trees. Due to their camouflage, the nests are extremely difficult to spot in the mountains. Nests are built in early summer and females may raise 2-3 broods per season.
How long do hummingbirds stay in Colorado mountains?
Most hummingbird species breed and nest in the Colorado mountains from May through August. Here are typical residence times for key species:
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – May to September
- Calliope Hummingbird – Late May to August
- Rufous Hummingbird – May to September (spring and fall)
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – June to August
By September, flower blooms begin to decrease in the mountains and most hummingbirds migrate south again for the winter. However, some Rufous and Broad-tailed hummingbirds may linger into early October if food resources allow.
What is the population trend for hummingbirds in Colorado?
In general, hummingbird populations have been stable or increasing slightly in Colorado over the past few decades according to observations:
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Stable population
- Calliope Hummingbird – Possible small increase
- Rufous Hummingbird – Stable or variable migration numbers
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Slight population increase
This reflects trends seen across North America of more hummingbirds utilizing artificial feeders and ornamental flowers in urban areas during migration and overwintering. In Colorado mountains, habitat loss is a concern but adequate flower resources remain for breeding birds.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my mountain home?
Here are some tips to attract hummingbirds to your home in the Colorado mountains:
- Plant native wildflowers like honeysuckle, columbine, larkspur
- Set up feeders with sugar-water (1 part sugar to 4 parts water)
- Use red feeders as the color attracts hummingbirds
- Position feeders near flowers, trees, or shrubs for perching
- Clean feeders every few days to prevent mold
- Avoid using pesticides which can harm the birds
- Put up feeders by early May before hummingbirds arrive
With abundant flowers and several feeders in optimal locations, you stand a great chance of seeing hummingbirds buzzing around your mountain property all summer!
Where are the best places to see hummingbirds in Colorado mountains?
Some top sites in Colorado mountains to observe hummingbirds include:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Moraine Park, Beaver Meadows
- Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness – Maroon Lake, Crater Lake
- Great Sand Dunes National Park – Medano Creek area
- Gunnison National Forest – East River Valley, Gothic
- Uncompahgre National Forest – Dallas Divide, Last Dollar Road
- Pike National Forest – Deckers, Cheeseman Canyon
Anywhere with flower meadows, mountain streams, forests with wildflowers, and ample habitat should attract these speedy birds. Parks and dedicated wilderness areas provide excellent accessibility for hummingbird watchers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several species of hummingbirds can be found migrating to and breeding in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and adjacent ranges from spring through early fall. These diminutive birds thrive in high-altitude meadows and forests where wildflowers, trees, and shrubs provide habitat. Preparing your mountain property to invite hummingbirds and visiting premier wildlife areas will reward observers with a chance to see these energetic pollinators flashing their dazzling colors and engaging aerial displays in the Colorado mountains.
