Hummingbirds in Colorado: where to see them and how to identify them
Yes, hummingbirds are common in Colorado during spring and summer. Start by learning the key species: Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Calliope. This guide covers where to find them, when to look, and how to tell them apart at a glance.
More Pages
More hummingbird pages for Colorado
Jump back to the main page for this route cluster.
Yes, hummingbirds are common in Colorado during spring and summer. Start by learning the key species: Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Calliope. This guide covers where to find them, when to look, and how to tell them apart at a glance.
1. What hummingbird species can you find in Colorado?
Colorado hosts three main species: the Broad-tailed Hummingbird (most common), the Rufous Hummingbird (migrant, often seen in late summer), and the Calliope Hummingbird (smaller, with streaked throat). A few other species like Black-chinned are possible but less frequent. I remember my first Broad-tailed sighting near Leadville: its metallic wing trill gave it away before I even saw the red throat.
In Colorado, hummingbirds sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. Where in the state are sightings most likely?
Your best odds are in the mountains and foothills between 5,000 and 9,000 feet. Hit the Denver Mountain Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the San Juan Mountains. I've had good luck along hiking trails near wildflower meadows and streams. For a reliable spot, head to the Barr Trail near Colorado Springs or the meadows around Crested Butte. Check out theColorado wildlife hubfor more regional guides.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around best season or time of day, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Colorado. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
3. When is the best season and time of day to see them?
Mid-May through August is prime. Rufous hummingbirds push through in late July and August. Early morning (6-9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4-6 p.m.) are the most active feeding times. I always carry a small pair of bins during those windows. If you're planning a trip, aim for late June when wildflowers peak and Broad-tailed numbers are highest.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How can you identify hummingbirds in Colorado?
Focus on three markers: throat color, call, and size. Broad-tailed males have a ruby-red throat and a high-pitched wing trill in flight. Rufous males are orange-red with a rufous back and an aggressive personality. Calliope males have magenta streaks on a white throat and are the smallest North American hummingbird. Females and juveniles are tougher but tail feather shape helps detailed ID. For a complete ID reference, see thehummingbird guide.
5. What are the best ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard?
Set up a feeder with 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water (no red dye). Clean it every few days in hot weather. Plant native tubular flowers like penstemon, columbine, and Indian paintbrush. Place the feeder near shade and keep it visible from a window. I've had nonstop action with a simple feeder in my backyard in Evergreen. Just be ready to share with the Rufous migrants in August.
6. Ready to celebrate your sightings?
Once you've spotted a few, bring the memory home. The **Long Animals Sticker Sheet** includes a stained glass hummingbird sticker perfect for a water bottle or window. ### Long Animals Sticker Sheet
A translucent vinyl sticker that catches the light.Check Price and Availability
Or pick up the **Hummingbird Garden Magnet** for your fridge. ### Hummingbird Garden Magnet
A cheerful ceramic magnet with a glossy finish.Check Price and Availability
For more wildlife-themed apparel and accessories, check out ourt-shirt collection.
### Hummingbird Garden Art Print
Product from otherCheck Price and Availability
7. Frequently asked questions about hummingbirds in Colorado
**Can you see hummingbirds in Denver?** Yes, many parks and gardens in Denver host Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds during summer. City Park and the Denver Botanic Gardens are reliable spots.
**What is the rarest hummingbird in Colorado?** The Calliope Hummingbird is the least common of the regulars, but still visitable. Look for them in high mountain meadows above 8,000 feet.
**Do hummingbirds stay year-round in Colorado?** No, most leave by mid-September. A few stragglers may linger but usually not past October.
**What feeder is best for Colorado hummingbirds?** Any red-based feeder with easy cleaning works. Avoid mix with red dye. Stick to the 4:1 sugar water ratio.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.