Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right For Montana During Their Migration This Spring
Allow us to brighten your day with some positive news, fellow Montanans. We’re about to be “invaded” by precious hummingbirds as they migrate north for the spring. And while they’re most prominent in the western half of the state, that doesn’t mean you won’t see any if you live in Eastern Montana. If you’re wondering ‘when will hummingbirds arrive in Montana?’ — we have all the details here! Make sure you prepare for this beautiful onslaught by getting one of the best hummingbird feeders ready for the occasion.
Hummingbirds embark on two migrations each year, one in the spring and the other in the autumn.
The spring migration tends to start in early April as they make their way up from Mexico and Central America. If you live in Missoula County or the Flathead, you'll probably be the first to see them (and you'll see the most of them as well). Lucky you!
Several types of hummingbirds can be spotted in the Treasure State, the most common being the black-chinned hummingbird.
The males usually arrive at the end of April, while the females start showing up a couple of weeks later. They tend to leave by mid-August, so enjoy these beauties while you can. They tend to stay close to the mountains, but you'll find them just about everywhere.
Rufous Hummingbirds show up to breed in mid-May, usually choosing to stick close to the mountains.
If you see one of these in your backyard feeder, watch closely. They tend to be fearless and will chase other birds away. For such a tiny bird, these strong and resilient creatures really pack a powerful punch. They can fly a maximum of 1,300 miles in one go when the occasion calls for it.
Other hummingbirds spotted in Montana include the beautiful Calliope hummingbirds in May and the equally as striking Anna's hummingbirds.
Anna's are also known to be pretty territorial. Each different kind of hummingbird has a different coloring and plumage, so it's fascinating to watch your feeder and see all the different species that land there.
Due to the overall warming of the climate in North America, we may be lucky enough to see hummingbirds more often. They've been migrating earlier due to these balmy temps and some even stay year round in the United States.
The hummingbird is, by far, the smallest bird on the planet.
They measure two to five inches in length, and their tiny wings beat up to 80 times per second. That's a serious workout! It's no wonder they can cover so much ground at one time.
If you have any red-blossomed, tubular-shaped flowers or bulbs around your home, you're in luck -- that's what they tend to prefer. The tubular shape is best designed for the hummingbird's long beak.
However, you'll also see hummingbirds feeding on wax currant, serviceberry, Jacob's ladder, or basically any pink, blue, orange, peach, and purple flowers. These are a treat for the hummingbirds and also for your eyes, a garden win-win!
DIY hummingbird feeders are fairly simple to create and make for a fun family project.
You can make your own nectar using one part table sugar and four parts boiled water. It will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. Don't add any artificial dyes or other additives to the nectar, you want to keep it as close as possible to their natural food source. But you can paint your feeder a bright color to attract the hummingbirds' attention.
Now that we’ve answered the question, ‘when will hummingbirds arrive in Montana?’ — are you ready? How are you going to welcome the lovely spring season? Join the conversation in the comments! For more springtime magic, head out on one of the eight best spring hiking trails in Montana.
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Hummingbirds in Montana
February 19, 2023
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What types of hummingbirds are in Montana?
Although you’re likely to spot the Ruby throated hummingbirds the most (they are the most common in North America), you might also see these species of hummingbird in Montana this spring.
Ruby throated Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbird
Broad-tailed hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird
Golden currant
When should I hang a hummingbird feeder in Montana?
If you’re bold, you can keep your feeder out year round to nourish the birds that stay in the U.S. during the winter. But generally, people put out their feeders in the springtime. Either way, you’ll want to find the best hummingbird feeders for the migrating beauties.
Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Montana?
Yes, it is safe to feed hummingbirds in Montana. These hardworking birds need a big meal after a long migration.
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
