Hummingbirds in North Dakota: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them
Want to spot hummingbirds in North Dakota? The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species, found across the state from May to September. Focus on wooded areas near water or set up a feeder in your yard for best odds. Start with the Turtle Mountains or the Missouri River corridor.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Dan Vickers CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Kimberly Emerson CC BY-ND
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Dylan Schnabel CC BY
- 5
- species recorded
- 5,788
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- August, May, September
- peak months
Yes, hummingbirds are in North Dakota. 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
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
50 verified observations on iNaturalist of hummingbird have been recorded in North Dakota, most often in August, May, September.
When hummingbird are recorded in North Dakota
Want to spot hummingbirds in North Dakota? The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species, found across the state from May to September. Focus on wooded areas near water or set up a feeder in your yard for best odds. Start with the Turtle Mountains or the Missouri River corridor.
Where in North Dakota are hummingbirds most likely seen?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are most often seen in the eastern and central parts of the state, especially in theTurtle Mountains, Pembina Gorge, and along the Missouri River. They frequent forest edges, gardens, and backyards with nectar feeders. Key spots include Lake Metigoshe State Park and the Sibley Nature Area. In the west, sightings are sparser but possible near water sources. For more details on the species, check ourhummingbird page.
In North Dakota, 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.
When is the best season and time of day to see hummingbirds in North Dakota?
Peak season runs from mid-May through early September, with the spring migration around late May and fall migration starting in August. Early morning and late afternoon are the most active feeding times. After a cold front, you might see a surge of migrating birds refueling at feeders.
How can you identify a hummingbird in North Dakota? What similar species might confuse you?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding species in North Dakota. Males have an iridescent ruby-red throat, green back, and forked tail. Females and juveniles have a white throat with speckles. Similar-looking insects like hawk moths or sphinx moths have thicker bodies and lack feathers. Keep an eye out for rare vagrants like Rufous Hummingbirds, which have a rusty back and copper-colored tones. Learn more abouthummingbirdshere.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What do hummingbirds eat in North Dakota and how can you attract them?
They primarily eat nectar from flowers like trumpet vine, bee balm, and columbine, plus small insects. To attract them, set up a feeder with a 4:1 water to sugar solution (no red dye). Place it in a shaded area near shelter. Clean feeders every few days to prevent mold. Native plants also provide natural food sources. Find more tips onNorth Dakota wildlife.
Are there any special hummingbird species to look for in North Dakota beyond the Ruby-throated?
Occasional vagrants such as Rufous, Calliope, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds have been reported, mostly during fall migration. Check hotspots like bird sanctuaries and use eBird to track reported sightings. These visits are rare but do happen.
How to plan your hummingbird watching trip in North Dakota
Use this tool to find lodging and travel options near hummingbird hotspots.
How can you remember your hummingbird sightings? Easy Street Markets has some cool options.
After a successful day of spotting, consider a memento from Easy Street Markets. These items make great additions to your birding setup or gift for a fellow observer.
Hummingbird Stained Glass Sticker
This translucent vinyl sticker has a stained glass look that catches the light. Perfect for a window or water bottle to show off your hobby.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Magnet
A cheerful ceramic magnet with a glossy finish. Stick it on your fridge or a metal locker to bring a bit of the outdoors inside.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Art Print
This art print shows a detailed hummingbird in a garden setting. It's printed on quality paper and fits standard frames. A nice way to decorate a birding room.Check Price and Availability
Explore our full collection ofwildlife shirtsand other gear.
Common questions about hummingbirds in North Dakota
**Q: Do hummingbirds stay in North Dakota year-round?** A: No. Most leave by late September to migrate south to Mexico and Central America.
**Q: How fast do hummingbirds fly?** A: They can reach speeds up to 30-40 mph during normal flight and even faster during courtship dives.
**Q: What is the best feeder color to attract hummingbirds?** A: Red is known to attract them, but do not use red dye in the sugar water. Choose a feeder with red parts.
**Q: Can I see hummingbirds in western North Dakota?** A: Yes, but less common. Look near water sources in the badlands, like along the Little Missouri River.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hummingbird in North Dakota: August, May, September
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hummingbird sighting in North Dakota
5,788 verified hummingbird records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2025. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · Find hotels
- Arrowwood NWR (general) · 251 species recorded
- Upper Souris NWR (general) · 250 species recorded
- Kellys Slough NWR · 249 species recorded
- Long Lake NWR · 246 species recorded
- Des Lacs NWR · 245 species recorded
- Pipestem Reservoir (general) · 243 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hummingbird species live in North Dakota?+
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are most often seen in the eastern and central parts of the state, especially in theTurtle Mountains, Pembina Gorge, and along the Missouri River. They frequent forest edges, gardens, and backyards with nectar feeders. Key spots include Lake Metigoshe State Park and the Sibley Nature Area. In the west, sightings are sparser but possible near water sources. For more details on the species, check ourhummingbird page. In North Dakota, 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.
Where can you see hummingbirds in North Dakota?+
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are most often seen in the eastern and central parts of the state, especially in theTurtle Mountains, Pembina Gorge, and along the Missouri River. They frequent forest edges, gardens, and backyards with nectar feeders. Key spots include Lake Metigoshe State Park and the Sibley Nature Area. In the west, sightings are sparser but possible near water sources. For more details on the species, check ourhummingbird page. In North Dakota, 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.
When is the best time to see hummingbirds in North Dakota?+
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are most often seen in the eastern and central parts of the state, especially in theTurtle Mountains, Pembina Gorge, and along the Missouri River. They frequent forest edges, gardens, and backyards with nectar feeders. Key spots include Lake Metigoshe State Park and the Sibley Nature Area. In the west, sightings are sparser but possible near water sources. For more details on the species, check ourhummingbird page. In North Dakota, 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in North Dakota
Common questions about hummingbirds