Montana’s hummingbird season is one of nature’s most anticipated events for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Each spring and summer, these tiny jeweled visitors return to the state, bringing vibrant colors and incredible aerial displays to backyards and wild spaces across Big Sky Country.
While you might expect to see just one or two species, Montana actually hosts eight different types of hummingbirds, each with unique characteristics and arrival patterns. Understanding when these remarkable birds arrive and how to identify them transforms casual observation into an engaging wildlife experience.
Whether you’re setting up feeders in your backyard or planning a birding expedition, knowing what to look for helps you appreciate the diversity of hummingbird species that grace Montana’s landscapes. From the tiny Calliope to the feisty Rufous, each species offers something special for observers willing to pay attention to the details.
1. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) holds the distinction of being the smallest bird in the United States and Canada, measuring just 3 to 3.5 inches long. Despite their diminutive size, these hummingbirds are hardy migrants that breed throughout Montana’s mountainous regions, making them one of the most common species you’ll encounter during the summer months.
Males are particularly striking with their magenta-purple streaked gorget that fans out during courtship displays. The gorget appears as elongated rays rather than a solid patch, creating a distinctive starburst effect when the light catches it just right. Females lack this dramatic throat coloring but display peachy-buff sides and a white breast with fine dark streaking.
1..1 When They Arrive in Montana
Calliope hummingbirds typically begin arriving in Montana in late April to early May, with peak arrival occurring during the first two weeks of May. According to Montana Public Radio’s field notes, these tiny migrants time their arrival to coincide with the blooming of native wildflowers in mountain meadows and foothills.
They remain in Montana throughout the breeding season, with most individuals departing by late August or early September. The males typically leave first, followed by females and juveniles a few weeks later.
Pro Tip: Listen for the high-pitched “zing” sound males make during their dramatic U-shaped dive displays. This buzzing noise, created by their tail feathers, is often your first clue that a Calliope is nearby.
1..2 How to Spot Them
Look for Calliope hummingbirds in open mountain meadows, forest edges, and riparian areas between 4,000 and 9,000 feet elevation. They prefer areas with abundant wildflowers, particularly red columbine, Indian paintbrush, and penstemon. In residential areas, they readily visit feeders and favor gardens with tubular flowers.
Their small size and relatively short bill help distinguish them from other Montana hummingbirds. Watch for their distinctive hovering behavior close to flowers and their preference for perching on exposed branches between feeding sessions.
2. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is renowned for having the longest migration route of any hummingbird species, traveling up to 3,000 miles from Mexico to Alaska. Montana sits squarely along this impressive migratory path, making it an excellent place to observe these feisty, territorial birds during both spring and fall migrations.
Adult males display brilliant orange-red plumage covering most of their body, with an iridescent orange-red gorget that appears to glow in direct sunlight. Females and immature birds show green backs with rufous-washed sides and varying amounts of orange spotting on their throats. Their relatively aggressive nature means they often dominate feeders, chasing away other hummingbirds regardless of size.
2..1 When They Arrive in Montana
Rufous hummingbirds pass through Montana during two distinct periods. The spring migration occurs from late April through May, with birds heading north to their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The fall migration is more pronounced, typically running from mid-July through September, as birds take advantage of Montana’s late-summer wildflower blooms on their southward journey.
Some Rufous hummingbirds do breed in western Montana, particularly in mountainous areas near the Idaho border, but most individuals you’ll see are migrants passing through the state.
Key Insight: Fall migration for Rufous hummingbirds actually begins in mid-summer. Adult males start moving south as early as late June, making July and August prime viewing months in Montana.
2..2 How to Spot Them
Watch for Rufous hummingbirds’ characteristic aggressive behavior at feeders and flower patches. They’re often the most dominant species present, actively defending prime feeding territories. Their rapid, direct flight pattern differs from the more meandering flight of other species.
Males are easily identified by their overall rufous coloring, while females require more careful observation. Look for extensive rufous coloring on the flanks and tail, and check for rufous spots on the throat. Their slightly longer bill compared to Calliope hummingbirds also aids identification. You’ll find them in diverse habitats from mountain meadows to suburban gardens, anywhere nectar sources are abundant.
3. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is primarily associated with the Rocky Mountain region and breeds at high elevations throughout the mountain west. In Montana, they’re less common than Calliope or Rufous hummingbirds but can be found in suitable habitat, particularly in the southwestern portions of the state.
Male Broad-tailed hummingbirds feature an iridescent rose-red gorget and a metallic green back and crown. Their most distinctive characteristic is the loud, cricket-like trill produced by their wings during flight—a sound created by modified outer primary feathers. Females are larger than males with green backs, white underparts with buff-washed sides, and white-tipped outer tail feathers with rufous bases.
3..1 When They Arrive in Montana
Broad-tailed hummingbirds arrive in Montana later than most species, typically in mid to late May. According to Montana Field Guide, their presence in the state is concentrated during the breeding season from late May through August, with most birds departing by early September.
Their arrival timing coincides with the blooming period of high-elevation wildflowers, which provide essential nectar resources for breeding birds.
3..2 How to Spot Them
The metallic trill of the male’s wings is your best identification clue—once you hear this distinctive sound, you’ll never forget it. The trill is audible from considerable distances and continues throughout the bird’s flight, making it possible to detect Broad-tailed hummingbirds even before you see them.
Look for these hummingbirds in mountain meadows, forest openings, and along streams at elevations above 4,000 feet. They prefer areas with a mix of conifers and deciduous trees near open flowering areas. In Montana, your best chances of finding them are in the mountainous regions of the southwestern part of the state, particularly in areas with abundant lupine, larkspur, and other native wildflowers.
4. Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is more commonly associated with lower elevation habitats in the western United States, but it does occur in Montana, particularly in the southern and western portions of the state. These adaptable hummingbirds have expanded their range northward in recent decades, making them increasingly likely visitors to Montana gardens and natural areas.
Males display a black throat with a narrow purple band at the lower edge that’s only visible in good lighting conditions. Their backs are metallic green, and they have white underparts. Females are greenish above with pale underparts and lack any distinctive throat markings, making them challenging to identify. Both sexes pump their tails while hovering, a behavior that helps distinguish them from similar species.
4..1 When They Arrive in Montana
Black-chinned hummingbirds are among the earlier arrivals, typically showing up in Montana in late April to early May. However, they’re not as numerous as Calliope or Rufous hummingbirds. Most observations occur during the breeding season from May through July, with birds beginning their southward migration by late July and August.
Their presence in Montana appears to be increasing, possibly due to climate change and the proliferation of hummingbird feeders providing reliable food sources.
Important Note: Female Black-chinned hummingbirds are extremely difficult to distinguish from female Ruby-throated hummingbirds in the field. Geographic location provides the best clue—Black-chinned are far more likely in Montana, while Ruby-throated are rare visitors from the east.
4..2 How to Spot Them
Watch for the characteristic tail-pumping behavior while the bird hovers—this distinctive habit is one of the best field marks for identifying Black-chinned hummingbirds. The male’s purple throat band only shows in direct sunlight, so in most lighting conditions, the throat appears entirely black.
These hummingbirds adapt well to urban and suburban environments and readily visit feeders. Look for them in riparian areas, canyons, and foothills with mixed vegetation. They seem to prefer areas with a combination of trees for nesting and open spaces with flowering plants. In Montana, focus your search in lower elevation areas, particularly in valleys and along waterways in the western and southern parts of the state.
5. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) is primarily a resident of the Pacific Coast, but in recent years, individuals have been documented in Montana, particularly during winter months. This represents a significant range expansion for a species that was historically restricted to California and nearby coastal areas.
Males are spectacular with their rose-red crown and gorget that extends down the sides of the neck. In sunlight, these iridescent feathers create a brilliant display of color. Females have green backs, grayish underparts, and typically show a small patch of red feathers on the throat. Anna’s hummingbirds are stockier and larger than most other species found in Montana.
5..1 When They Arrive in Montana
Unlike other hummingbirds in Montana, Anna’s hummingbirds don’t follow typical migration patterns to the state. Instead, occasional individuals appear during fall and winter months, particularly from November through March. According to birding reports from western Montana, these winter sightings have become more frequent in recent years.
These birds are likely individuals that wandered from their normal range or represent the species’ ongoing northward expansion. They’re not regular breeders in Montana and should be considered rare but increasingly possible visitors.
5..2 How to Spot Them
If you maintain your hummingbird feeders into fall and winter, you increase your chances of attracting an Anna’s hummingbird. These hardy birds can survive cold temperatures that would be lethal to other hummingbird species, making them uniquely adapted to winter conditions.
The male’s extensive red coloring on both the crown and throat distinguishes them from all other Montana hummingbirds. Their larger size and stockier build are also helpful identification features. Listen for their distinctive song—Anna’s is one of the few hummingbird species that produces actual songs rather than just chips and calls. The song is a series of scratchy, buzzy notes that males deliver from exposed perches.
6. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird (Calypte costae) is primarily a desert species found in the southwestern United States, making it an extremely rare visitor to Montana. Any sighting in the state would be considered exceptional and worthy of documentation.
Males display a brilliant purple crown and gorget with elongated feathers that project dramatically to the sides, creating a distinctive “mustache” effect. Females are plain with green backs and whitish underparts, lacking distinctive field marks. Costa’s hummingbirds are small, compact birds with relatively short tails and wings.
6..1 When They Might Appear in Montana
There are very few documented records of Costa’s hummingbirds in Montana, and any appearance would likely occur during late spring or summer months as vagrant individuals wander outside their normal range. These would be exceptional sightings rather than expected occurrences.
If you believe you’ve seen a Costa’s hummingbird in Montana, careful documentation with photographs is essential, as this would represent a significant state record.
6..2 How to Identify Them
The male’s elongated purple gorget feathers that flare to the sides are diagnostic—no other hummingbird shares this distinctive feature. The purple color appears much deeper and more violet than the red-purple of Calliope or the rose-red of Anna’s hummingbirds.
Costa’s hummingbirds have a distinctive high-pitched, whistling call that’s quite different from the chips and squeaks of other species. However, given their rarity in Montana, any suspected Costa’s hummingbird should be carefully compared with similar species and ideally photographed for verification by experienced birders.
7. Broad-billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is another southwestern specialty that would be considered a rare vagrant in Montana. These striking hummingbirds are more commonly found in southern Arizona and Mexico, making any Montana appearance highly unusual.
Males are stunning with their metallic blue-green bodies, blue throats, and distinctive red bills with black tips. Females are less colorful with gray-green upperparts, grayish underparts, and the same distinctive red-based bill. The broad, flat bill shape that gives the species its name is visible in good views of both sexes.
7..1 When They Might Appear in Montana
Broad-billed hummingbirds would be accidental visitors to Montana at best, with any sightings most likely occurring during summer months if vagrant individuals wander far north of their normal range. There are extremely limited records of this species in Montana, and any observation would require careful documentation.
Common Mistake: Don’t assume every hummingbird with a colored throat is a rare species. Always consider the common Montana species first—Calliope, Rufous, and Black-chinned—before concluding you’ve found a rarity.
7..2 How to Identify Them
The red bill with a black tip is the most distinctive field mark for Broad-billed hummingbirds and immediately separates them from all regularly occurring Montana species. Males also show extensive blue coloring on the throat and underparts, quite different from the green-backed, red-throated appearance of most Montana hummingbirds.
If you suspect you’ve seen a Broad-billed hummingbird in Montana, photograph the bird if possible and note the bill color carefully. The combination of the red-based bill and blue-green body coloration makes males unmistakable, but females require more careful observation to separate from other species.
8. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widespread hummingbird species in eastern North America, but in Montana, it’s a rare visitor. These hummingbirds occasionally wander west of their normal range, particularly during migration periods, making them possible but unlikely sightings in the state.
Males feature a brilliant ruby-red gorget that appears black in poor lighting, metallic green backs, and forked tails. Females have green backs, white underparts, and rounded tails with white tips on the outer feathers. They’re nearly identical to Black-chinned hummingbirds, making field identification extremely challenging without excellent views or photographs.
8..1 When They Might Appear in Montana
Ruby-throated hummingbirds would most likely appear in Montana during spring or fall migration periods, particularly in May or August through September, when individuals might overshoot or wander from their normal migration routes. Eastern Montana has a slightly higher probability of hosting vagrant Ruby-throated hummingbirds than western portions of the state.
Any Ruby-throated hummingbird in Montana should be considered an unusual occurrence worth documenting and reporting to Montana’s bird records committee.
8..2 How to Identify Them
Distinguishing Ruby-throated from Black-chinned hummingbirds is one of the most challenging identification problems in western birding. The male’s ruby-red gorget appears different from the Black-chinned’s purple band, but lighting conditions can make accurate color assessment difficult. Ruby-throated males lack the purple lower band that Black-chinned males show in good light.
For females, identification is nearly impossible without in-hand examination or excellent photographs. Geographic probability strongly favors Black-chinned in Montana, so any plain-throated female hummingbird should be assumed to be that species unless compelling evidence suggests otherwise. If you’re interested in learning more about what attracts hummingbirds to your area, providing the right habitat and food sources can increase your chances of observing these remarkable birds.
| Species | Arrival Time | Status in Montana | Key Identification Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calliope | Late April – Early May | Common breeder | Smallest size, streaked magenta gorget |
| Rufous | Late April – May (spring), July – September (fall) | Common migrant, occasional breeder | Overall orange-red coloring, aggressive behavior |
| Broad-tailed | Mid to Late May | Uncommon breeder (SW Montana) | Loud cricket-like wing trill |
| Black-chinned | Late April – Early May | Uncommon breeder | Tail-pumping behavior, purple throat band |
| Anna’s | November – March (irregular) | Rare winter visitor | Red crown and throat, stocky build |
| Costa’s | Late spring/summer (vagrant) | Extremely rare vagrant | Purple gorget with elongated side feathers |
| Broad-billed | Summer (vagrant) | Accidental visitor | Red bill with black tip, blue-green body |
| Ruby-throated | May, August – September (vagrant) | Rare vagrant | Ruby-red gorget (males), eastern range |
Creating Hummingbird-Friendly Habitat in Montana
Attracting hummingbirds to your Montana property requires understanding their needs and timing. The most reliable way to bring these birds to your yard is by providing both natural and supplemental food sources during their presence in the state.
Native plants offer the best long-term solution for attracting hummingbirds. Consider planting red columbine, Indian paintbrush, penstemon, bee balm, and trumpet honeysuckle—all of which thrive in Montana’s climate and provide excellent nectar sources. These plants not only attract hummingbirds but also support native pollinators and create beautiful garden displays.
Hummingbird feeders supplement natural food sources and can be particularly valuable during early spring when flowers may not yet be blooming, or during fall migration when birds need to build fat reserves. Use a simple sugar water solution of one part white granulated sugar to four parts water—no red dye needed or recommended. Clean feeders every 3-4 days in hot weather to prevent harmful mold and bacteria growth.
Pro Tip: Place your feeders out in late April, before the first hummingbirds arrive. Early migrants need reliable food sources, and having feeders ready ensures they’ll find your yard during their search for territory and resources.
Water features also attract hummingbirds, though they prefer moving water over still bird baths. A gentle fountain, mister, or dripper provides drinking and bathing opportunities that hummingbirds find irresistible. Position water features near perching spots where birds can rest and preen after bathing.
Avoid pesticide use in areas where hummingbirds feed. These birds consume significant numbers of small insects and spiders for protein, and pesticides can harm both the birds and their insect prey. If you’re also interested in attracting hummingbirds in neighboring Idaho or learning about Colorado’s hummingbird species, similar habitat principles apply across the Rocky Mountain region.
Best Times and Locations for Hummingbird Watching in Montana
Montana’s diverse geography creates varied opportunities for hummingbird observation across the state. Western Montana, particularly areas near Missoula, the Bitterroot Valley, and Glacier National Park, offers the most reliable hummingbird watching due to abundant wildflowers and suitable habitat at multiple elevations.
The peak season for hummingbird diversity occurs from mid-May through August, when breeding species are present and fall migration begins. July and August are particularly productive months, as adult males of migratory species begin moving south while breeding birds are still active, creating overlap between residents and migrants.
Mountain meadows between 4,000 and 7,000 feet elevation provide prime viewing locations, especially areas with abundant wildflowers. Look for natural openings in coniferous forests, riparian corridors, and areas recovering from fire where wildflowers flourish. The Sacajawea Audubon Society recommends focusing on areas with diverse native plant communities for the best hummingbird encounters.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the most active feeding periods, though hummingbirds feed throughout the day. Calm, sunny days provide better viewing conditions than windy or rainy weather, when birds tend to seek shelter and reduce activity.
For those interested in observing hummingbirds in other regions, you might also explore opportunities for hummingbirds in Michigan, Illinois, or even Tucson’s desert species to compare different regional hummingbird communities.
Conclusion
Montana’s hummingbird community offers surprising diversity for observers willing to pay attention to timing and identification details. While Calliope and Rufous hummingbirds dominate the state’s hummingbird scene, the possibility of encountering six additional species adds excitement to every sighting.
Understanding when each species arrives and their distinctive field marks transforms casual backyard bird watching into engaging wildlife observation. Creating hummingbird-friendly habitat with native plants and clean feeders ensures these remarkable migrants find your property during their Montana stay.
Whether you’re watching a tiny Calliope perform its aerial courtship display or tracking the aggressive antics of a Rufous defending its territory, Montana’s hummingbirds provide endless entertainment and connection to the natural world. Keep your feeders filled, your eyes sharp, and your field guide handy—you never know when a rare visitor might appear alongside the expected species.
