Discover When Hummingbirds Return to Colorado

Hummingbirds are beautiful animals that are known for their fast-flapping wings. With several breeds having stunning, iridescent plumage, it’s easy to see why hummingbirds are our favorites among Colorado wildlife.

Did you know that their hearts beat a whopping 1,250 per minute when flying? These fast flappers depart The Last Frontier State at the beginning of November. They head south to warmer weather for the season.

When Do Hummingbirds Return to Colorado?

Some of the most common hummingbirds in the state are:

• Rufous
• Ruby-throated
• Calliope

Typically, you’ll see these birds flying around again in Colorado toward the end of March and the beginning of April. On the other hand, some species, such as the broad-tailed hummingbirds, may arrive a bit later.

Rufous hummingbirds show up for a short time in July, and calliope hummingbirds pass through Colorado for a moment each August. It’s extremely common for hummingbirds to pass from one state to another. They always seem to be looking for nesting or wintering regions outside of the Columbine State. Interestingly, male hummingbirds will arrive before females. They need to establish their territory before potential mates arrive. 

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard in Colorado

Where in Colorado do hummingbirds fly? You’ll often spot them from the Rocky Mountains right to your backyard! You’re not alone if you want to bring these beautiful birds into your yard. You can do plenty of things to have hummingbirds fluttering throughout your garden in the spring and summer. 

The easiest thing you can do is have their natural food sources available. These include:

• Honeysuckle
• Golden currant
• Penstemons
• Salvias
• Trumpet vines
• Wax currant
• Indian paintbrush
• Lupines

Another tried and true way to attract hummingbirds is by hanging feeders. Having these in your yard is essential before the migrating birds return to Colorado. Put out hummingbird feeders by mid-March. 

You can take them down toward the end of November when the fluttering birds head south for the winter. It’s essential that you do not add any red dye to the feeders. If you’re making your own sugar water, use four parts water to one part sugar. 

Any coloring agent can be harmful. Be sure to keep the feeder clean and replenish the water each day. 

Bottom Line

Hummingbirds typically come back to Colorado around the end of March. Though the species can dictate when they return, most are back by July. They enjoy the gorgeous summers in Colorado and make their way to warmer destinations once winter arrives. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ramona Edwards/Shutterstock.com