Hummingbirds in Montana: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them
Yes, hummingbirds are common in Montana during the summer months, with the rufous hummingbird and calliope hummingbird being the most frequent visitors. You can find them in mountain meadows, forest edges, and suburban gardens from May through September. Start your search in the western valleys or the foothills of the Rockies for the best sightings. These tiny birds are a highlight of the Montana summer.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Calliope Hummingbird · Cole Wolf CC BY
Calliope Hummingbird · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Calliope Hummingbird · Cole Wolf CC BY
- 6
- species recorded
- 46,769
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- July, May, June
- peak months
Yes, hummingbirds are in Montana. Next you'll want:
What hummingbird sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Rivoli's Hummingbird · call, short rattle
0:05Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC133506
Blue-throated Mountaingem · call, perched warning calls
0:05Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC132503
Lucifer Sheartail · call, wing buzz
0:08Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC132966
Verified species, source iNaturalist
4 types of hummingbirds recorded in Montana
4 hummingbird species have a verified observation record in Montana across the hummingbird family (Trochilidae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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2
3
4
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
680 verified observations on iNaturalist of hummingbird have been recorded in Montana, most often in July, May, June.
When hummingbird are recorded in Montana
Yes, hummingbirds are common in Montana during the summer months, with the rufous hummingbird and calliope hummingbird being the most frequent visitors. You can find them in mountain meadows, forest edges, and suburban gardens from May through September. Start your search in the western valleys or the foothills of the Rockies for the best sightings. These tiny birds are a highlight of the Montana summer.
1. What are the most common hummingbirds in Montana?
The Rufous Hummingbird is the most widespread, known for its fiery orange-red plumage and aggressive behavior. The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America and favors mountain meadows. Broad-tailed and Black-chinned hummingbirds also visit, primarily in the southern and western parts of the state. For detailed identification, check ourhummingbird guide.
2. When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Montana?
Hummingbirds arrive in Montana in May and stay through August. Peak viewing is in July when wildflowers are in full bloom. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to watch them feeding at flowers or feeders. By early September, most have begun their long migration south. See ourMontana wildlife guidefor seasonal tips.
3. Where in Montana can I find hummingbirds?
Look in areas with abundant nectar-rich flowers. Glacier National Park and the Bitterroot Valley are excellent spots. Suburban gardens with feeders also attract many birds. Mountain meadows during the wildflower peak are prime habitat. For more locations, visit theMontana wildlife hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. How to identify hummingbirds by their flight and sound?
Hummingbirds are recognized by their rapid wingbeats, which create a distinct humming sound. The Rufous is particularly vocal with sharp, buzzy calls. Watch for their hover-and-dart flight pattern as they move between flowers. Each species has a slightly different wing sound that experienced birders can use for identification.
5. What flowers attract hummingbirds in Montana?
Native plants like scarlet gilia, bee balm, and various penstemons are favorites. They are particularly drawn to red and orange tubular flowers. Planting these in your garden can create a local hotspot for hummingbirds. For more on habitat, see thehummingbird species page.
6. Planning your hummingbird watching trip
Use this widget to find the best trails and lodging near Montana's hummingbird hotspots. Western Montana's valleys offer many accessible viewing areas. Don't forget your binoculars and a camera with a fast shutter speed.
7. Hummingbird gear and gifts
Celebrate these tiny gems with our hummingbird-themed collection.
Hummingbird Stained Glass Sticker
A translucent vinyl sticker that catches light, perfect for windows.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Magnet
A cheerful ceramic magnet for your fridge or locker.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Art Print
A lovely art print to decorate your home.Check Price and Availability
Browse morewildlife apparelat our shop.
8. Frequently asked questions about hummingbirds in Montana?
Hummingbirds arrive in May and depart by late August. They are attracted to red tubular flowers and sugar-water feeders. All species are protected under federal law, making it illegal to disturb them or their nests. The best viewing spots are mountain meadows and western valleys.
Are hummingbirds protected in Montana?
Yes, all hummingbird species in Montana are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This federal law makes it illegal to harm, capture, or disturb their nests. When setting up feeders, ensure they are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of avian diseases. For more on bird protection, see ourhummingbird guide.
What is the best time of year to see hummingbirds in Montana?
The peak window for hummingbird sightings in Montana is from late June through early August. This coincides with the blooming of native wildflowers like scarlet gilia and penstemon. Many species begin their southward migration in late August, so spring and mid-summer offer the most reliable views. Check theMontana wildlife hubfor seasonal updates.
Where can I find calliope hummingbirds in the Treasure State?
The calliope hummingbird, North America's smallest bird, favors high-elevation willow thickets and mountain meadows in western Montana. Look for them in areas like Glacier National Park or the Jewel Basin. They are often seen hovering near nectar-rich flowers in subalpine environments. Visit thecalliope hummingbird pagefor more specific identification tips.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hummingbird in Montana: July, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hummingbird sighting in Montana
46,769 verified hummingbird records have been logged in Montana, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Nez Perce National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bowdoin NWR · 273 species recorded
- Lee Metcalf NWR · 256 species recorded
- Fort Peck Dam (general) · 255 species recorded
- Giant Springs SP · 253 species recorded
- Freezout Lake WMA · 251 species recorded
- Warm Springs WMA · 246 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hummingbird species live in Montana?+
The Rufous Hummingbird is the most widespread, known for its fiery orange-red plumage and aggressive behavior. The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America and favors mountain meadows. Broad-tailed and Black-chinned hummingbirds also visit, primarily in the southern and western parts of the state. For detailed identification, check ourhummingbird guide.
Where can you see hummingbirds in Montana?+
The Rufous Hummingbird is the most widespread, known for its fiery orange-red plumage and aggressive behavior. The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America and favors mountain meadows. Broad-tailed and Black-chinned hummingbirds also visit, primarily in the southern and western parts of the state. For detailed identification, check ourhummingbird guide.
When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Montana?+
The Rufous Hummingbird is the most widespread, known for its fiery orange-red plumage and aggressive behavior. The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America and favors mountain meadows. Broad-tailed and Black-chinned hummingbirds also visit, primarily in the southern and western parts of the state. For detailed identification, check ourhummingbird guide.
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in Montana