Yes, Denver does get hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are found across most of North America during the warmer months, and Denver’s location makes it a prime spot for seeing these tiny, fast-flying birds. Several species of hummingbirds pass through Denver on their migration routes or spend the summer breeding there. With the right habitat and a few hummingbird feeders, it’s easy to attract hummingbirds to backyards and gardens in the Denver area.
What types of hummingbirds can be found in Denver?
There are four main species of hummingbirds that live in or migrate through the Denver area:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird seen in Denver. These hummingbirds breed across much of eastern North America in the summer and migrate through the Rocky Mountains on their way to and from their wintering grounds in Mexico or Central America.
In Denver, Ruby-throats start arriving in early May and remain common through September. The adult male has an iridescent ruby-red throat, white breast, and blackish-green back. Females lack the red throat and are overall greener with white stripes along the sides.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer residents that breed in the mountains surrounding Denver. These medium-sized hummingbirds have an emerald green back, white breast, and broad tail with black tips. The males have an iridescent pinkish-red throat patch called a gorget.
Broad-taileds arrive in the foothills west of Denver in April and May. Some wander east to Denver proper from July through September. They are common visitors to gardens and feeders in mountain parks and neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbirds are migrants that pass through Denver in spring and fall. They breed farther north and spend the winter along the Gulf Coast. In spring, males are especially vibrant with coppery-orange plumage on their backs, bright orange throats, and some green on the crown and rump. Females and immature birds are greener overall.
Rufous Hummingbirds can be seen in Denver from April to June during their northward migration and again from July through September on their southbound route. They are regular visitors to nectar feeders but don’t breed in the Denver area.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest hummingbird species in North America. They breed at high elevations in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Some wander east through mountain parks or into the Denver area, mainly during late summer.
Male Calliopes are brilliant green on the head and back with long purple throats decorated by wispy feather extensions. Females lack the colorful throat feathers and are more uniformly greenish-gray. Calliopes are less likely to visit feeders than other species but may come to gardens with abundant flowers.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Denver?
The timing of hummingbird arrivals and departures from the Denver area follows a predictable seasonal pattern:
Spring Migration
– Mid-April: First Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds appear.
– Late April: Ruby-throats become common. Rufous numbers increase through May.
– Early May: Broad-tailed Hummingbirds arrive in foothills and mountains.
– Mid-May: All three migrants species widespread. Some Calliopes may wander through high country.
Summer
– June-July: Ruby-throats and Rufous pass through on return migration. Broad-tailed numbers peak.
– July-August: Ruby-throat numbers decline. Rufous and Calliope sightings increase.
Fall Migration
– August-September: Ruby-throats, Rufous, and Calliopes migrate south through area.
– Mid-September: Broad-tailed Hummingbirds leave foothills for Mexico and Central America.
– Late September: Few hummingbirds left except for late migrating Ruby-throats.
– October: Denver hummingbird season ends. Last stragglers depart by early October.
So in summary, hummingbirds first arrive in Denver in mid-April. Numbers and diversity increase through May. Most hummingbirds leave by late September or October, although rare sightings can occur into November if weather is warm.
What flowers attract hummingbirds in Denver?
Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular, nectar-rich flowers in the red to orange color spectrum. Here are some good options for attracting hummingbirds with blooms in Denver gardens:
Native Plants
– Columbine
– Coral bells
– Firecracker penstemon
– Indian paintbrush
– Larkspur
– Lobelia
– Trumpet vine
Non-native Plants
– Bee balm
– Cardinal flower
– Crocosmia
– Fuchsia
– Nasturtium
– Petunia
– Runner bean
– Snapdragons
Plant these flowers in beds, borders, or containers where hummingbirds can easily spot them. Choose a mix of early, mid, and late bloomers to provide nectar through the entire hummingbird season.
Should you provide a hummingbird feeder in Denver?
Yes, hummingbird feeders are an excellent way to attract these birds. The nectar provides a reliable supplemental food source, especially in hot weather when flower nectar is less abundant. Follow these tips for successful feeders:
– Use a feeder designed specifically for hummingbirds, with appropriately sized ports and perches.
– Fill with a 4:1 ratio solution of white refined sugar and water. Boil the water first to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
– Avoid red dye, honey, or other additives. Plain sugar water is best.
– Change the nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. Rinse the feeder fully.
– Place in a shady spot to prevent the nectar from spoiling rapidly.
– Several feeders spread around the yard are better than one. Hummingbirds are territorial.
– Hang high enough or use a moat/perch design to deter bees.
– Take feeders in at night to prevent overnight freezing.
When to put up hummingbird feeders
Set up your feeders by early April so they are ready when the first hummingbirds arrive. Keep them up through September or early October until migration ends. Taking down feeders will encourage the last remaining birds to continue their journey south.
Where are the best places to see hummingbirds in Denver?
Some top spots for viewing hummingbirds in the Denver area include:
Parks and Natural Areas
– Chatfield State Park – diverse habitats attract several species
– Genesee Park – mountain forest with broad-tailed hummingbirds
– Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre – feeders at visitor center
Botanic Gardens
– Denver Botanic Gardens – hundreds visit the hummingbird gardens
– Hudson Gardens – flower beds and walking trails
– Butterfly Pavilion – indoor tropical exhibit
Zoos and Nature Centers
– Denver Zoo – multiple feeders in the Bird World exhibit
– Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge – native prairie and woodlands
Any garden, backyard, or neighborhood with abundant flowers and some feeders is likely to attract hummingbirds that stray from these hotspots. Try different locations around Denver to observe the diversity of hummingbirds migrating through.
How can I provide habitat for hummingbirds?
You can make your Denver garden or yard more attractive to hummingbirds with these habitat enhancements:
Flowers
Plant plenty of tubular, nectar-producing flowers, especially red and orange varieties. Have a mix of flowers that bloom through spring, summer, and fall.
Feeders
Supplement natural nectar sources by setting up a few hummingbird feeders. Follow best practices on maintenance and placement.
Water
Add a mister, drips, or small water feature. Hummingbirds bathe and drink while flying. The sound of moving water also appeals to them.
Shelter
Provide trees, shrubs, and tall plantings that offer perches and roosting sites. Hummingbirds rest between frenzied feeding bouts.
Native Plants
Emphasize native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees in your landscape. These plants are best adapted to Denver’s climate and appeal to hummingbirds’ natural food preferences.
Pesticides
Avoid pesticides that could poison hummingbirds or kill insect pollinators needed for flower production. Practice natural pest control instead.
Fun facts about hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are captivating birds. Here are some interesting facts about their unique adaptations and behaviors:
– Hummingbird hearts beat up to 1,200 times per minute while in flight.
– They have the highest metabolism of any animal relative to their size.
– Ruby-throated Hummingbirds weigh less than a nickel but may migrate over 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.
– Their wings beat around 50 times per second, allowing precise hovering and sudden bursts of speed.
– Hummingbirds don’t sip nectar but have specially adapted tongues that quickly lap it up.
– They prefer red or orange tubular flowers, which co-evolved with their pollination abilities.
– Hummingbirds can see into the ultraviolet spectrum, helping them find nectar guides on petals.
– They aggressively defend feeding areas. Males may dive-bomb much larger birds or mammals that approach.
– Hummingbirds build tiny cup nests on branches using soft plant down held together with spider silk.
– A cold night puts hummingbirds at risk. They can enter a state of nocturnal torpor to conserve energy.
– The migratory Ruby-throated Hummingbird travels over 3,000 miles roundtrip during its annual migration.
Conclusion
Denver’s location on the edge of the Rocky Mountains makes it a prime destination for seeing spectacular hummingbirds. Several species migrate through the area following flower blooms and establishing breeding territories. It’s easy to attract them by landscaping with their favorite blossoms and setting up feeders. Observing hummingbirds darting and hovering as they gather nectar and insects is a highlight for many Denver residents and visitors. Learning more about these tiny birds reveals incredible adaptations that allow them to embark on epic migrations despite their very small size. With a little encouragement, you’ll be delighted by hummingbirds zipping around your own Denver garden as they pass through on their seasonal journeys.
