Hummingbirds are found throughout New Mexico during the warmer months of the year. These tiny, colorful birds migrate north to breed and nest during the summer before returning to Mexico and Central America for the winter. There are several species of hummingbirds that nest in New Mexico, attracted by the diversity of flowering plants and availability of nesting habitats in the state.
Quick Answer
Yes, there are multiple species of hummingbirds that nest and breed in New Mexico each summer, including the Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, and others. New Mexico provides ideal nesting and foraging habitat for hummingbirds with its variety of flowering plants and adequate precipitation.
Overview of Hummingbird Species in New Mexico
Some of the most common hummingbird species that nest in New Mexico each summer include:
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – This medium-sized hummingbird with an iridescent reddish-pink throat is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in New Mexico. It nests throughout forested areas of the state.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Smaller and more slender than the Broad-tailed, the Black-chinned Hummingbird is another common summer nesting species. It prefers riparian areas.
- Rufous Hummingbird – The feisty Rufous Hummingbird passes through New Mexico in spring and fall during migration. Some remain to nest in northern parts of the state.
- Calliope Hummingbird – The tiny Calliope, North America’s smallest bird, nests at higher elevations in New Mexico’s mountain ranges.
- Anna’s Hummingbird – A rare nesting species in New Mexico that occasionally overwinters along the state’s southern border.
- Costa’s Hummingbird – Another species mainly found nesting in southwestern New Mexico near desert scrub habitat.
Other more rare or accidental hummingbird species such as Allen’s, Broad-billed, Magnificent, White-eared, and Berylline Hummingbirds may also show up in New Mexico on occasion.
Nesting Behavior and Habits
Hummingbirds demonstrate some unique nesting behaviors and habits:
- Extremely small nests – They build tiny, compact cup-shaped nests out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens.
- Tree branches and cacti sites – Nests are located on high tree branches and even on top of cacti in the desert.
- Aggressive protection – Mother hummingbirds aggressively defend nests from intruders.
- Brood parasitism – Some species engage in brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other hummingbirds.
- Two broods – Most species produce two broods per summer, some may have three.
- Rapid development – Eggs develop rapidly with young leaving the nest in 2-3 weeks.
By building well-camouflaged nests and aggressively defending their territory, female hummingbirds are able to successfully raise multiple broods over the course of a New Mexico summer.
Ideal Nesting Conditions in New Mexico
There are several key reasons why New Mexico offers ideal nesting and breeding conditions for hummingbirds in summer:
- Diverse flowering plants – New Mexico has a diversity of flowering plants and blooming agaves that provide nectar.
- Riparian corridors – River areas lined with trees like cottonwoods and willows create nesting habitat.
- Mountain wildflowers – Hummingbirds nest at higher elevations where wildflowers bloom in summer.
- Adequate rain – The state gets occasional summer rains and moisture supporting flowering plants.
- Climate – Warm summers with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit are preferred.
- Feeders – Hummingbird feeders supplement natural food sources.
With plentiful food availability and suitable nesting spots, New Mexico offers everything hummingbirds need to breed and raise multiple broods each season before migrating south again for winter.
Prime Nesting Locations
Some specific prime nesting locations for hummingbirds in New Mexico include:
- Sandia Mountains – Broad-tailed and Calliope Hummingbirds nest in these mountains outside Albuquerque.
- Gila National Forest – The diversity of flowers and trees in the Gila allow multiple species to nest here.
- Santa Fe National Forest – Higher elevation forests and meadows around Santa Fe.
- Rio Grande cottonwood forests – Riparian corridors in central and southern New Mexico.
- Mimbres River – A southern New Mexico river area lined with trees.
- Buffalo River – Provides habitat for Rufous Hummingbirds in the northwest part of the state.
Basically any area in New Mexico with adequate flowers, trees, and mild summer temperatures may see nesting hummingbirds during the season.
Timing of Nesting Season
The nesting season for hummingbirds in New Mexico aligns with the following general timeline:
- Early May – The first hummingbird species (Rufous and Broad-tailed) arrive and males establish territories.
- Mid May – Females arrive and nest building begins.
- Late May – Egg laying and incubation starts.
- June – First broods leave nests and a second nesting begins.
- July – Many nestings and a peak in activity as migrants pass through.
- August – Nesting season winds down but some species may have a third brood.
- September – Last broods fledge and birds prepare to migrate south.
The active nesting season lasts from about May through August in most parts of New Mexico. Some higher elevation areas may see nesting extend a bit longer into September.
Threats and Conservation
There are a few threats and concerns related to hummingbird nesting in New Mexico:
- Climate change – Drought and reduced flowers may impact food supplies.
- Habitat loss – Development, logging, and fires can reduce nesting habitat.
- Pesticides – Chemicals reduce insect populations that hummingbirds rely on.
- Nest disturbance – Hiking, climbing, and other activities may disturb nests.
- Predators – Jays, roadrunners, squirrels, and snakes may raid nests.
Protecting areas of natural habitat, reducing pesticide use, placing nests out of reach, and minimizing disturbances are important conservation measures. Most hummingbird species in New Mexico remain common and widespread during the nesting season.
Conclusion
New Mexico provides excellent breeding and nesting opportunities for hummingbirds during the summer months. Its diversity of flower and tree species gives the birds ample food resources, while its rivers, forests, mountains, and deserts offer abundant nesting locations. Species like the Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Calliope Hummingbirds all commonly nest and raise multiple broods over the course of a New Mexico summer. Backyard feeders also supplement natural food sources for the birds. While habitat loss and climate change pose some concerns, most New Mexico hummingbird populations remain stable, benefiting from the favorable nesting conditions found across the state.
