Hummingbird fans, today is your lucky day! Two questions that we get a lot is “When should I put out my feeder?” and “What can I put in my garden to lure Hummingbirds?”. In response to this we have compiled an extensive list which includes all 50 states so that we can answer this question with some information which you can actually use!
As you peruse each state you will see the following entries:
- Commonly spotted
- Occasional visitors
- Hummingbird Garden tips
- When to put out your feeder
- Additional information
The ‘commonly spotted’ field indicates the Hummingbirds that you can see either year-round or regularly during migration times. Occasional visitors will either be infrequent or rare. We’ve grouped them altogether just so that you’ll know if a specific type has ever been spotted in your state and we’ve included vagrants and rare vitiros in our total species count.
If it’s been sighted, it’s on the list.
Aside from this, the gardening tips are specially selected choices which will grow and thrive in your state and we’ve included the optimal time to put out your feeder. Finally, under ‘additional information’ we’ve included either state-specific or general tips for attracting Hummingbirds into your yard. There’s one for each state, so be sure to read through them. We’ve hidden a few advice-gems inside which we think that you might find useful.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Hummingbird strategies for each of the 50 states!
Alabama – 11 Species
Commonly spotted: Blue-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green-breasted Mangos, Green Violetear, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Buff-bellied, Black Chinned, Allen’s, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Red flowers work the best for attracting local Hummingbirds. Go with Trumpet vine, Salvia, and/or Petunia if you really want to get some attention
When to put out your feeder: Late April or Early May
Additional tips: Once you’ve lured them in, a few banana peels in a nearby feeder can attract flies to go with the nectar which you’ve left out for the birds.
Alaska – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Rufous, Anna’s, Costa’s, and Calliope Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Dropmore Honeysuckle is a good choice, as well as perennials like Penstemon, Cardinal flower, and Coral Bells. You can also add annuals like Scarlet Sage, Petunia, Fuchsia, or Snapdragon to really make the Hummingbird feel welcome.
When to put out your feeder: Late April or Early May
Additional tips: Anna’s Hummingbirds eat more insects than any North American Hummingbird, so you might try setting out some live or dried mealworms near your Hummingbird feeder and you might just make a new friend.
Arizona – 18 species
Commonly spotted: Rufous, Lucifer, White-eared, Magnificent (Refulgent), Costa’s, Broad-tailed, Broad-billed, Blue-throated, Berylline, Black-chinned, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Cinnamon, Plain-capped Starthroats, Allen’s, Green Violetear, Violet-crowned, Calliope, and Bumblebee Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: The Texas Red Sage shrub is an excellent choice, with it’s extended blooming season and attractive red flowers, it should definitely get their attentions.
When to put out your feeder: Year-round is a good idea, but you can also wait until early or mid-April if you want a part-time feeding arrangement only.
Additional tips: Hummingbirds like to ‘guard’ their feeders and the placement of a swing-perch adds the aesthetics of motion to the colorful festivities.
Arkansas – 9 species
Commonly spotted: Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Magnificent (Refulgent), Buff-bellied, Broad-tailed, Calliope, Anna’s, Black-chinned, and Green Violetear Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Spring natives such as Azaleas, Red Buckeye, and Red Maple are good, and Summer bloom choices include Coral Bells, Turk’s Cap Lily, Coral Honeysuckle, and Red Hibiscus.
When to put out your feeder: Late March or early April
Additional tips: Adding a ‘moat’ between the hanger and feeder if you can to keep off ants and NEVER use lard to keep them away, as the oils can get on the Hummingbird’s wings.
California – 14 Species
Commonly spotted: Anna’s, Allen’s, Black-chinned, Rufous, Calliope, Costa’s, Blue-throated, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Violetears, Broad-billed, Xantus’s, Violet-crowned, Magnificent (Refulgent), and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Garden tips: Mexican Bush-sage and Passionflower are good choices for planting. Aloes are great too because you can get some use out of the Aloe as well and the birds love their orange flowers. Cardinal Climber and Butterfly Bush are also excellent choices.
When to put out your feeder: You can leave it out year-round or simply put it up in mid-March or early April.
Additional tips: Even one Hummingbird-approved plant in a hanging basket is sufficient to get a Hummingbird’s attention, so try a hanging basket if you are short on gardening space.
Colorado – 11 Species
Commonly spotted: Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Costa’s, Calliope, Rufous, Magnificent (Refulgent), and Anna’s Hummingbirds.
Occasional / Rare visitors: Ruby-throated, Blue-throated, Broad-billed, Green Violetear
Hummingbird Garden tips: Beardtongues, Cardinal flowers, and Coral Bells are good perennials you can choose. For annuals, you can try things like Flowering Tobacco, Scarlet Sage, and Fuschia. Finally, some good shrubs are Butterfly Bush and Arnold’s Red Honeysuckle.
When to put out your feeder: You’ll want to put your feeder out in mid-April.
Additional tips: Don’t forget to clean your feeder every few days, especially when it’s hot. Bacteria and mold can build up and the sugar water can even ferment!
Connecticut – 5 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Broad-billed, Calliope, and White-eared Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Siberian Peashrub, Azaleas, and Dropmore Honeysuckle are all great lures to bring Hummingbirds into your garden. Fuchsia, Trumpet vine, and Foxglove are also good choices.
When to put out your feeder: Late April or early May
Additional tips: Be sure to hang your feeder in a spot that gets a little shade every now and again, as this will help to keep your sugar water from fermentation/spoiling too quickly.
Delaware – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Allen’s and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Good plants for Delaware Hummingbirds include Bee Balm, Day Lilies, Butterfly Bush, Hollyhocks, Petunias, and Flowering Tobacco.
When to put out your feeder: Late March or early April
Additional tips: Tie a bright orange or red ribbon around a high tree in your backyard to help get Hummingbirds to notice your yard.
Florida – 18 Species
Commonly spotted: Black-chinned, Rufous, Ruby-throated, Costa’s, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.
Occasional / Rare visitors: Magnificent (Refulgent), Blue-throated, Green Violetear, Cuban Emerald, Antillean Crested, Green-breasted Mangos, White-eared, Broad-billed, Bahama Woodstars, Anna’s, and Allen’s Hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Garden tips: Red Maple, Lyre-leaved Sage, and Red Buckeye are all Hummingbird favorites that bloom in spring. Some summer perennials and vines that you can add to your garden are Orange Jewelweed, Red Hibiscus, and Cardinal Climber.
When to put out your feeder: Early to mid-March
Additional tips: Plant numerous species in your garden and arrange them in groupings to avoid any conflicts between hungry Hummingbirds.
Georgia – 13 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Blue-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Allen’s, Anna’s, Black-chinned, Buff-bellied, Broad-billed, Broad-tailed, Calliope, Green-breasted Mangos, Magnificent (Refulgent), and Green Violetears
Hummingbird Garden tips: Orange Jewelweed, Cardinal Climber, Coral Bells, and Coral Honeysuckle all do well and while it’s not native, a Mimosa tree in your backyard is definitely a Hummingbird draw. Finally, consider Salvia, as it is hardy and attractive to these little birds.
When to put out your feeder: Late February to early March
Additional tips: Avoid territorial ‘spats’ by putting a second Hummingbird feeder out of view, if possible.
Hawaii – No Hummingbirds!
Commonly spotted: N/A
Occasional / Rare visitors: N/A
Hummingbird Garden tips: N/A
When to put out your feeder: See below
Additional tips: Hawaii has no Hummingbirds, though they do have HoneyCreepers who perform the same function. Sadly, while setting out feeders is generally tolerated, it is technically illegal in Hawaii.
Idaho – 8 Species
Commonly spotted: Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Calliope, and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Ruby-throated, Broad-billed, Costa’s, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Good perennial lures include Red-Flowering Currant, Red-hot Poker, and Crocosmia, and you can also keep them coming with Fuchsia Magellanica as it will last from summer until winter.
When to put out your feeder: Early to mid-April
Additional tips: A proper nectar mix consists of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar.
Illinois – 5 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Black-chinned, Broad-billed, and Allen’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: New Jersey Tea, Bergamot, and Beardtongue are all excellent lures for local Hummingbirds.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: Never dye your Hummingbird nectar red or any other color. The chemicals aren’t good for them and you can accomplish the same thing with a red feeder bottle.
Indiana – 3 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: N/A
Hummingbird Garden tips: Wild Bergamot works very well. You can also use Cardinal flower, Pinxter flower, and Bleeding-heart to good effect.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: Hummingbirds absolutely love Basswood and Black Locust trees!
Iowa – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Rufous and Green Violetear Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Plant Bergamot, Beardtongue, or New Jersey Tea and you’ve got a recipe for luring hungry Hummingbirds!
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: Be sure to deadhead your flowers to enhance their blooming.
Kansas – 9 Species
Commonly spotted: Anna’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Calliope, and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Allen’s, Costa’s, Magnificent (Refulgent), and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Go with Bergamot, Beardtongue, or New Jersey Tea and you’ll love the results!
When to put out your feeder: Mid to late April
Additional tips: Hang your feeders within easy view range from your windows if at all possible. That way you can watch them with less risk of frightening them away.
Kentucky – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Violetear Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Spring flowering plants like Columbine, Crossvine, and Trumpet Creeper are excellent choices. For summer, Orange Jewelweed, Coral Bells, Bee Balm, and Red Morning Glory are all great choices as well.
When to put out your feeder: Early to mid-April
Additional tips: Hummingbirds need to have fresh water so if you’ve got a birdbath, be sure to fill it up daily.
Louisiana – 12 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated, Rufous, Anna’s, Black-chinned, Blue-throated, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Allen’s, Broad-billed, Buff-bellied, Calliope, Green Violetear, and Magnificent (Refulgent) Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Plant Red Maple, Red Buckeye, and some summer bloomers like Orange Jewelweed, Butterfly Bush, or Coral Honeysuckle and you should be well-prepared to receive those Hummingbirds.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-March to early April
Additional tips: Adding a mister to your yard for the hot months can help to attract Hummingbirds.
Maine – 3 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Calliope Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Plant some Turk’s Cap Lily, Dropmore Honeysuckle, or Weigala (Red Prince) and you might just find yourself with a garden full of Hummingbirds!
When to put out your feeder: Early May
Additional tips: If you are having a problem with bees and nothing else works, you can mix up a double-strength nectar mix and create a ‘lure’ feeder to draw them away.
Maryland – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Allen’s and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Crossvine, Trumpet Creeper, and Red Maple all do well in Maryland. Coral Honeysuckle, Cypress Vine, Red Hibiscus, and Salvia are also good plants you can nourish to attract local Hummingbirds.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: Some Hummingbirds love grape jelly. Try it in your feeder sometime and see what happens!
Massachusetts – 6 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Calliope, Broad-billed, Black-chinned, and Allen’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Bergamot, Columbine, and Cardinal flower are great choices for your garden. Japanese Honeysuckle and Eucalyptus will thrive there as well and should attract some welcome Avian attention.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: Hummingbirds like to line their nests with very soft material, so cultivating Pussy willow and Cinnamon Fern draw nesting Hummingbirds to your garden for materials.
Michigan – 5 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: White-eared, Green Violetear, and Broad-billed Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Bergamot, Beardtongue, and New Jersey Tea are all great options that will grow well in Michigan.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-April to Early May
Additional tips: Selecting plants that bloom at different times will help to ensure that there is ample nectar for your Hummingbirds during the growing season.
Minnesota – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Rufous, Anna’s, Calliope, Costa’s, Green Violetear, and Magnificent (Refulgent) Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Bergamot, Beardtongue, and New Jersey Tea will do well in Minnesota and you should also consider Coral Bells and Honeysuckle.
When to put out your feeder: Early May
Additional tips: You can save money by transplanting Wild Bergamot into your yard. It grows all over Minnesota and Hummingbirds just LOVE it!
Mississippi – 8 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: White-eared, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Allen’s, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Summer perennials like Bee Balm, Butterfly Bush, and Lantana are all beautiful and very attractive for Hummingbirds. Add some Red Buckeye and Trumpet Creeper for spring and you should be set!
When to put out your feeder: Mid-March to early April
Additional tips: Create a number of patches of 3 individual plants, so that nectar volume is maximized in each little area.
Missouri – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Violetear, Rufous, Calliope, Black-chinned, Allen’s, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Go with Bergamot if you have a lot of clay in your soil, as it will still thrive there. Fire Pink, Cardinal Flower, and local Honeysuckle will be a hit with the birds as well.
When to put out your feeder: Early to Mid-April
Additional tips: Don’t use any pesticides in your backyard. Hummingbirds eat a lot of insects and they might get sick. Just let the Hummingbirds take care of the insects for you.
Montana – 6 Species
Commonly spotted: Anna’s, Calliope, Rufous, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Costa’s, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Oregon grape, Blue Virgin’s Bower, Wax Currant, and Shrubby Penstemon are all native Montana plants that you can use to attract Hummingbirds to your yard.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to mid-May
Additional tips: Avoid using honey in Hummingbird feeders, as you may end up growing mold.
Nebraska – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Broad-tailed and Calliope Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Bee Balm, Texas Sage, and Red Hot Poker are great plants for attracting hummingbirds. Anise Sage is also good and a favorite for Hummingbirds.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-May
Additional tips: Don’t let your feeders run dry. Hummingbirds will keep coming to a reliable source of nectar until they have exhausted it and letting your feeders dry out can lead to them leaving and looking for another source.
Nevada – 9 Species
Commonly spotted: Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Costa’s, Black-chinned, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Magnificent (Refulgent), Broad-billed, and Allen’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Dropmore Honeysuckle, Penstemon, and Scarlet Sage are great additions to your garden for attracintg Hummingbirds.
When to put out your feeder: Year-round is optional, as there are many year-round Hummingbirds in Nevada, but if you want to only do it part-time then you can put your feeders out in early April.
Additional tips: Instead of bleach, it is safer to clean your Hummingbird feeders with 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water.
New Hampshire – 3 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Calliope Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Pinxter Flower, Wild Bergamot, and Cardinal Flowers will thrive in New Hampshire and make your Hummingbirds happy.
When to put out your feeder: Early May
Additional tips: If you are patient, you can teach Hummingbirds to drain nectar from a plastic bottlecap held between your fingers and thumb. Give it a try and just be sure to be very still until the bird learns to trust you.
New Jersey – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Violetear, Allen’s, Black-chinned, Calliope, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Try planting Scarlet Sage, Trumpet Vine, Lobelia, Delphinium, or some Red Columbine to transform your regular garden into a Hummingbird garden.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: When selecting Hummingbird flowers, go for the ones with tubular flowers. The insects can’t get to the nectar but the Hummingbirds can.
New Mexico – 17 Species
Commonly spotted: Costa’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Rufous, Anna’s, and Blue-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Calliope, Broad-billed, Violet-crowned, White-eared, Lucifer, Magnificent (Refulgent), Ruby-throated, Cinnamon, Berylline, Allen’s, and Plain-capped Starthroat Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Autumn Sage, Agastache, and and Hummingbird Trumpet vine are all great additions to your Southwest garden for luring in hungry Hummingbirds.
When to put out your feeder: Late March to early April
Additional tips: Hummingbirds like to nest in shrubs and in small trees of the deciduous variety. In New Mexico, a good one that you can grow in your backyard is Honey Locust.
New York – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Calliope and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Bee Balm, Morning Glory, and Foxglove are 3 favorites of New York Hummingbirds.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: When planning out your Hummingbird garden, make sure that you know the size of the plants when they are fully matured.
North Carolina – 11 Species
Commonly spotted: Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Breasted Mangos, Calliope. Green Violetear, Allen’s, Broad-tailed, Anna’s, Broad-billed, Buff-bellied, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some Hummingbird-friendly plants which thrive in North Carolina include Bee Balm, Coral Bells, Cardinal Flower, Day Lilies, and Foxgloves.
When to put out your feeder: You can leave your feeder out year-round, otherwise just be sure to put it out in late March or early April
Additional tips: Be patient. It can take days, weeks, or even months before you start to attract Hummingbirds to your garden.
North Dakota – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Broad-tailed and Calliope Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Hummingbirds are uncommon in North Dakota but you can increase your odds of attracting them by planting Cape Honeysuckle, Cardinal Climber, Red Buckeye, and Morning Glory.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-May
Additional tips: While they are rare, Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds have been spotted in North Dakota, so plant a nice place for them to find, put up a red-ribbon on a tree, and you might just be the lucky host to a Hummingbird family.
Ohio – 5 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Calliope, Anna’s, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Plants that thrive in Ohio and can attract those Hummingbirds include Fly Honeysuckle, Scarlet Trumpet Vine, Manzanita, and New Jersey Tea.
When to put out your feeder: Mid to late April
Additional tips: Annual plants die at the end of the season, while perennials come back next year. A combination of both is the best when it comes to attracting Hummingbirds and this setup also ensures that your garden looks a little different every year!
Oklahoma – 8 Species
Commonly spotted: Anna’s, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Broad-tailed, Calliope, Broad-billed, and Green Violetear Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some great lures you can plant which thrive in Oklahoma are Indian Paintbrush, Flowering Tobacco, Pineapple Sage, Fuchsia, and Snapdragon.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-April
Additional tips: Select some different colors once you already have some red in your garden. Hummingbirds are most attracted to red but they will visit other colors.
Oregon – 9 Species
Commonly spotted: Calliope, Broad-tailed, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Xantus’s, Costa’s, and Allen’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Crocosmia Lucifer, Red Currant, and Fuchsia are 3 great options for starting on your Hummingbird garden.
When to put out your feeder: Late February to early March
Additional tips: Native plants are best. They will thrive in your location and attract more insects for your Hummingbirds to eat!
Pennsylvania – 3 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Calliope Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Try planting Coral Bells, Columbine, Cardinal Flower, or Butterfly Weed. Hummingbirds love all of these and they will do well in Pennsylvania.
When to put out your feeder: Early to mid-April
Additional tips: You can purchase window-feeders and they are a delight! Be sure to get one once you have attracted a few Hummingbirds to your yard, you’ll be glad that you did.
Rhode Island – 2 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby–throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: N/A
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some great Rhode Island lure-selections include Azaleas, Petunias, Foxglove, and Morning Glory.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: Put your feeder out early and leave it up until late in the evening. Many Hummingbirds migrate thousands of miles and they need to stock up on energy before they go or replenish themselves once they get to you. Putting your feeders out a week or so before season and leaving it out a little longer is a great way to help.
South Carolina – 8 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Allen’s, Calliope, Black-chinned, Blue-throated, Buff-bellied, and Broad-billed Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some great South Carolina suggestions for your Hummingbird garden include Horsemint, Trumpet Vine, Canna Lily, and Wishbone flower.
When to put out your feeder: You can leave the feeder out year-round or simply put it out in mid-March
Additional tips: Avoid oversized feeders, as you will end up wasting nectar.
South Dakota – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Broad-tailed, Calliope, Anna’s, Magnificent (Refulgent), and Costa’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Mountain Gooseberry, Colombian Monkshood, Fireweed, and Desert Indian Paintbrush are all favorites of Hummingbirds in South Dakota.
When to put out your feeder: While Hummingbirds are uncommon in South Dakota, they are out there. Put your feeder out in mid-May and plant some nectar-rich vines and shrubs for them and you might just make some new friends.
Additional tips: Make sure that you purchase a sturdy feeder. Cheap ones can break easily but a nice glass or thick plastic feeder will last a long, long time.
Tennessee – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Allen’s, Broad-tailed, Calliope, Anna’s, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Among the best Tennessee selections are Hollyhock, Bee Balm, Cardinal Vine, and Delphinium.
When to put out your feeder: Early to mid-April
Additional tips: You can buy bee-proof feeders. They are designed with small apertures that the bees cannot get into but that the Hummingbird’s bill can access just fine.
Texas – 18 Species
Commonly spotted: Calliope, Costa’s, Violet-crowned, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, Rufous, Ruby-throated, Magnificent (Refulgent), Blue-throated, Broad-billed, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Violetear, White-eared, Allen’s, Green-breasted Mangos, Berylline, Anna’s, and Lucifer Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some great Texas Hummingbird nectar-plants include Indian Paintbrush, Flame Acanthus, Scarlet Rosemallow, and Coralbean.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-March to early April
Additional tips: Save yourself a lot of trouble, buy feeders that are easy to clean!
Utah – 8 Species
Commonly spotted: Costa’s, Rufous, Black-chinned, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Magnificent (Refulgent), Broad-billed, Calliope, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Utah-friendly nectar sources you can plant include Red Hot Poker, Penstemon, Hummingbird Trumpet, and Agastache.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: If you see Hummingbirds feeding on a particular plant in the wild, remember that you can always transplant some to your garden.
Vermont – 2 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Rufous Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips:
When to put out your feeder: Vermont Hummingbirds will be very happy if you plant Hollyhocks, Fuchsia, Dark Purple Iris, or Bee Balm.
Additional tips: Try new flowers each year. You might think you’ve got the best combination already but you might be very, very surprised.
Virginia – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Violet-crowned, Green Violet-ears, Allen’s, Black-chinned, and Magnificent (Refulgent) Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some plants that thrive in Virginia which you can use to great effect are Coral Honeysuckle, Wild Bergamot, Cardinal flower, and Wild Columbine.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-April
Additional tips: They always seem to be moving, but Hummingbirds do like a nice perch. Provide lots of perches around your feeders and you’ll see for yourself!
Washington – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Black-chinned, Rufous, Calliope, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Xantus’s, Costa’s, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: The best plants for your Washington Hummingbird garden include Lupine, Red Hot Poker, Honeysuckle, and Geraniums.
When to put out your feeder: Late February to early March
Additional tips: There is always more to learn. You might have a full yard one week and no Hummingbirds at all the next. Experimentation is key to making the ultimate Hummingbird Haven.
West Virginia – 4 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Violet-ears, Black-chinned, and Rufous Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some great West Virginia perennials to plant are Coral Honeysuckle, Cardinal Flower, and Gayfeather. You can also plant some annuals like Cigar flower, Scarlet Sage, and Pineapple Sage.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-April
Additional tips: Avoid yellow-colored feeders, as these can attract wasps.
Wisconsin – 5 Species
Commonly spotted: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Green Violetear, Broad-billed, Anna’s, and Rufous Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: Some great Wisconsin natives that you can use in your garden are Bee Balm, Honeysuckle, Cardinal flower, and Great Blue Lobelia.
When to put out your feeder: Late April to early May
Additional tips: Red Trumpet vines seem to be one of the most highly-favored of Hummingbird feeder plants.
Wyoming – 7 Species
Commonly spotted: Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Occasional / Rare visitors: Ruby-throated, Magnificent (Refulgent), Calliope, Anna’s, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Garden tips: For Wyoming Hummingbirds, try planting Red Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, Scarlet Mint, and Glacier Lillies.
When to put out your feeder: Mid-May
Additional tips: Select a feeder with slits instead of holes. Woodpeckers have a sweet tooth and they won’t hesitate to steal nectar. This tactic makes sure that only the Hummingbirds can get to it.
Some final words
This concludes our compilation of Hummingbird strategies for each of the 50 states. While the plants which we have listed are not the only ones that you can use, they should be enough to get you started. Just make sure to get your feeders out a little early and before you know it you might just be hosting a Hummingbird family of your own!
Until next time, good luck crafting your Hummingbird Haven!