Where are hummingbirds found in Colorado?

Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in nature. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other avian species. Colorado is home to several different hummingbird species that take up residence during the summer months to breed and raise their young. The hummingbirds found in Colorado migrate from southern wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. These tiny birds fly hundreds of miles to reach their Colorado breeding habitats. Knowing where to look for hummingbirds in Colorado can help bird enthusiasts spot these speedy birds.

Major hummingbird species found in Colorado

Here are the main hummingbird species that spend their summers in Colorado:

Broad-tailed hummingbird

The broad-tailed hummingbird is the most common and widespread hummingbird found in Colorado. It is a medium-sized hummingbird with iridescent green feathers on its back and white feathers underneath. The male has a reddish-pink throat patch or gorget. This species is found throughout much of Colorado from the plains to the mountains during summer. Broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in mountain meadows and forests and are attracted to tubular red flowers.

Rufous hummingbird

The rufous hummingbird is the second most common hummingbird in Colorado. The male has brightly colored reddish-orange feathers on its back, tail, and flanks. The female is green on the back with some rufous coloring on the tail. This species breeds in forests and meadows in western Colorado. Rufous hummingbirds are feisty and chase off other hummingbirds from feeders. They migrate earlier than other species, arriving in Colorado in early spring.

Calliope hummingbird

The Calliope hummingbird is the smallest breeding hummingbird in the United States. Adult males have colorful reddish-purple throats and whitish feathers along the belly. Females lack the flashy gorget. This species nests in high mountain meadows and pine forests of western Colorado. Calliopes are less aggressive at feeders than other hummingbirds.

Black-chinned hummingbird

The black-chinned hummingbird has dark, iridescent green and purple feathers. Adult males have a black throat with a thin band of purple. Females and juveniles have white at the base of the throat. This species breeds along Colorado’s eastern plains and mountain parks. Black-chinned hummingbirds are common in urban areas and at feeders.

When do hummingbirds arrive in Colorado?

Most hummingbirds that breed in Colorado arrive in mid-late April through May from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. Here are the usual spring arrival times of Colorado’s common hummingbirds:

– Broad-tailed – Mid-April
– Rufous – Late April
– Calliope – Early May
– Black-chinned – Mid-May

The timing of arrivals depends on weather patterns each year. Males tend to arrive 1-2 weeks before females to scout out territories. Rare vagrant species like Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds may arrive as early as February during warm winters. By late May, all the breeding hummingbirds have returned to Colorado for the summer.

Where are the best places to see hummingbirds in Colorado?

Here are some of the top places to spot hummingbirds in Colorado during summer:

Mountain meadows

High elevation mountain meadows with wildflowers provide ideal nesting habitat for broad-tailed, Calliope’s, and rufous hummingbirds. Look for territorial males zipping over the meadows. Good sites include Guanella Pass, Copper Mountain, and West Maroon Valley.

Ponderosa pine forests

Broad-tailed and rufous hummingbirds nest in ponderosa pine forests along the Front Range and Western Slope. Flowers like Indian paintbrush and larkspur bloom here in summer. Try spots like Bear Creek Trail, Mount Evans, and Guanella Pass.

Riparian areas

Creekside habitats with willows and cottonwoods attract hummingbirds in eastern Colorado. Look for black-chinned and broad-tailed hummingbirds along riparian corridors like Clear Creek, Arkansas River, and South Platte River.

Residential gardens

Hummingbird feeders and nectar-producing flowers like honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and columbine planted in yards attract hummingbirds. Urban parks and gardens in cities statewide host hummingbirds.

High mountain passes

Alpine wildflowers that bloom near mountain passes provide nectar for migrating rufous and calliope hummingbirds in July-August. Try Independence Pass, Loveland Pass, and Trail Ridge Road.

Best flowers for hummingbirds in Colorado

Hummingbirds rely on nectar from colorful tubular flowers as their main food source. Here are some of the best hummingbird flowers and plants that grow wild and in gardens across Colorado:

These tubular flowers provide a high nectar reward for hummingbirds. Planting them in gardens or yards will help attract hummingbirds during the times they bloom.

How to attract hummingbirds to your yard

Here are some tips to make your yard or garden more inviting to hummingbirds in Colorado:

Install a feeder

Hang a hummingbird feeder in a visible location near trees or shrubs where hummers can perch. Use a nectar mixture of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid dye or honey in the nectar. Clean feeders weekly.

Plant red tubular flowers

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright red, orange, and pink flowers with ample nectar. Plant blooms like fuchsia, lobelia, bee balm, and coral bells. Cluster together different flowers for variety.

Provide a water source

A mister, sprinkler, or shallow bird bath gives hummingbirds a place to drink and bathe. Position water near perches and blooming flowers.

Avoid pesticides

Chemical pesticides can be toxic to hummingbirds. Use organic gardening methods to control pests. Soap and oil sprays are safer alternatives.

Supply perches

Hummingbirds rest between feeds. Place perches such as branches, poles, or shepherd’s hooks near feeders and flowers so they have spots to conveniently stop.

Taking these simple steps can create an enticing environment that will attract beautiful hummingbirds to visit your yard all summer long.

Interesting hummingbird facts

Here are some fascinating facts about the biology and behavior of hummingbirds found in Colorado:

– Hummingbird hearts beat up to 1,260 times per minute while in flight.

– They have the highest metabolism of all animals relative to their size to power their rapid wing beats.

– Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly in all directions, including backwards and upside down.

– Their wings rotate in a figure eight pattern to enable precision hovering.

– Males perform elaborate courtship dives and displays to attract females.

– Hummingbirds have a tongue that extends to sip nectar from flowers.

– They eat up to half their body weight in nectar each day and also consume insects for protein.

– To conserve energy overnight, hummingbirds go into a deep hibernation-like state called torpor.

– Nest are made from spider webs, moss, lichen, and bud scales glued together with saliva.

– Migration is one of the most incredible feats of endurance in the animal kingdom. Their long journey includes crossing the Gulf of Mexico nonstop 500 mile flight.

– Hummingbird species found in Colorado migrate as far south as Panama for winter.

The characteristics and behaviors of hummingbirds make them one of the most unique bird species found along the Front Range and mountain states. Learning more about them reveals the wonder of these delicate but extremely tough birds.

Conclusion

Colorado provides ideal breeding habitat for several species of hummingbirds that summer across the state. The best places to observe these energetic birds are in mountain wildflower meadows, pine forests, creekside habitats, gardens, and at nectar feeders. Providing food sources like nectar-rich red flowers and clean feeders can attract hummingbirds to yards and gardens. Watching the aerial displays and learning about the incredible migration journeys and adaptations of hummingbirds lets you appreciate these tiny birds. With a little effort, you can enjoy observing hummingbird magic anywhere across Colorado.