Yes, Billings, Montana does have hummingbirds. There are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in Billings and the surrounding areas during the warmer months of the year.
Common Hummingbird Species in Billings, Montana
Some of the most common hummingbird species seen in Billings, Montana include:
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbirds in Billings. These hummingbirds have bright orange plumage on their backs and sides and white undersides. The males have vivid gorget feathers with bright red-orange coloring. Rufous Hummingbirds are feisty and territorial, defending flower beds and feeders from other hummingbirds and even larger birds.
Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest breeding bird in North America and can be seen in Billings during the summer months. The males have vibrant magenta throat feathers while the females lack any iridescent throat patches. These tiny hummingbirds zip around flowers and feeders with lightning-fast speed.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are medium-sized hummingbirds with wings that make a loud buzzing sound in flight because of their wide shape. The males have a bright pink throat and forked tail. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds breed in forested mountain areas but will visit parks, gardens and backyards in Billings on their migrations.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are common summer residents in Billings. The males have a dark, forked tail and a purple band at the base of their lower mandible. Females and young Black-chinned Hummingbirds lack an iridescent throat patch. These hummingbirds can often be seen visiting gardens and parks in urban areas.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only breeding hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River. In the Billings area, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are uncommon spring and fall migrants. The males have a brilliant red throat patch and make a whistling noise with their wings.
When to See Hummingbirds in Billings
Most hummingbird species pass through Billings during the spring and fall migration seasons. Here are the typical sighting months for common Billings hummingbirds:
| Hummingbird Species | Spring Migration Months | Summer Months | Fall Migration Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rufous Hummingbird | April – May | May – July | July – September |
| Calliope Hummingbird | May | June – July | July – August |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | May – June | June – July | July – September |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | May | May – August | August – September |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | May | Rare in summer | August – September |
As the table shows, the peak sighting months for hummingbirds in Billings are May through September. However, a few individuals of some species may arrive as early as April or stay as late as October depending on food availability and weather patterns.
Best Places to See Hummingbirds in Billings
Here are some top spots in and around Billings to observe hummingbirds in their natural habitat:
- Pictograph Cave State Park – This state park just southeast of Billings has flowering plants that attract hummingbirds. Walking the trails may provide glimpses of buzzing hummers.
- Lake Elmo State Park – Located west of Billings, this state park also has trails winding through areas where wildflowers grow to feed hummingbirds.
- Audubon Conservation Education Center – This center northwest of Billings has landscaped grounds, gardens and natural areas that attract many bird species including hummingbirds.
- Powder River Nature Trail – This scenic trail follows the Powder River and has a diversity of plants that bloom from spring to fall, providing nectar for hummingbirds.
- Rimrocks – The dramatic sandstone Rimrocks surrounding Billings offer pockets of vegetation fed by seeps and springs where hummingbirds forage.
- Botanical Gardens – Public gardens and conservatories like the Billings Zoo Botanical Gardens intentionally plant flowers to attract hummingbirds.
- Backyard feeders – Hummingbirds readily come to backyard nectar feeders in the Billings area, allowing close-up views.
Providing Food and Habitat for Hummingbirds
Billings residents can make their yards more attractive to hummingbirds by providing nectar feeders and plants that provide food sources.
Nectar Feeders
It’s easy to set up nectar feeders (hummingbird feeders) to supplement the diet of these energetic birds:
- Use a feeder with red accents, as the color red attracts hummingbirds.
- Fill the feeder with a 4:1 ratio of water to white refined sugar. Do not use brown sugar, honey or artificial sweeteners.
- Change the nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather, to prevent spoilage.
- Clean the feeder with a water vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) every couple weeks.
- Place the feeder in a location with some shade to prevent the nectar from heating up in the sun.
Plants for Hummingbirds
Gardens can also be planted with species that provide nectar for hummingbirds:
- Native plants – Penstemon, Indian paintbrush, fireweed, honeysuckle, columbine.
- Non-native flowers – Petunias, cosmos, zinnias, trumpet vine, salvias.
- Trees – Aspen, cottonwood, black locust.
- Vining plants – Morning glory, trumpet creeper.
Choose a variety of plants that bloom in succession to provide nectar through spring, summer and fall. Tubular flowers in the red, orange, pink color spectrum appeal most to hummingbirds.
Water
Hummingbirds also need water for bathing and drinking. Provide a shallow basin, fountain or mister that hummingbirds can access while flying. Change the water daily to keep it fresh and clean.
Fun Facts About Hummingbirds in Montana
- At least 12 species of hummingbirds have been documented in Montana.
- The Calliope Hummingbird breeds in Montana and is the smallest bird species in the state.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds reported in Montana are outside their core breeding range of eastern North America.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds breeding in Montana migrate all the way to Mexico for the winter.
- Rufous Hummingbirds fly a circuitous migration route each year up the Pacific Coast and back through the Rocky Mountains.
- Male hummingbirds don’t help with nest-building or rearing young – their colorful feathers are meant to attract mates.
- Hummingbird wings beat up to 70 times per second – allowing them to hover and fly backwards.
- A hummingbird’s heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute while feeding.
- Hummingbirds consume up to 2-3 times their weight in flower nectar and insects each day to power their fast metabolism.
- Scientists estimate there are about 330 species of hummingbirds worldwide, but new species are still being discovered.
Conclusion
Billings, Montana is situated along the migration routes of several hummingbird species that pass through in spring and fall or stay to breed during the summer months. By providing nectar feeders and planting hummingbird-friendly flowers, Billings residents can attract these energetic, shimmering birds to their yards. Watching hummingbirds buzz around the garden and compete at nectar feeders provides an entertaining connection to nature right in the heart of the city.
