Baby Hummingbird Gets Fed

Where They’re Coming From, Why They Return, and How to Welcome Them Back—Especially in Boulder

Spring in Colorado brings a rush of renewal—blooming wildflowers, warming trails, and the return of one of nature’s most dazzling creatures: the hummingbird. These tiny birds, some weighing less than a nickel, are now making their incredible journey north, arriving from wintering grounds as far away as southern Mexico and Central America.

Colorado—and especially Boulder—sits along an important migratory path. With its mix of wild habitats, blooming native flowers, and welcoming backyard feeders, the Front Range becomes a vital stopover for hummingbirds in need of fuel and rest.

Rufous Hummingbird

Who’s on the Wing?

In the coming weeks, Colorado will begin to see the return of several species, most notably:

• Broad-tailed Hummingbird – The earliest to arrive, often by late March or early April in the lower elevations and by May in the mountains.

• Black-chinned Hummingbird – Common in Boulder’s foothills and city gardens, arriving mid-to-late spring.

• Rufous Hummingbird – A bit later to arrive, these fiery flyers often show up in early summer but begin their spring journey now.

These birds return year after year to the same feeding and breeding grounds, guided by an internal GPS that scientists are still trying to fully understand.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

What Triggers the Return?

Unlike fall, when migration is driven by dropping temperatures and fading food sources, spring migration is all about timing and opportunity. Hummingbirds head north as blooming flowers and insects reappear along the way, often syncing their journey with warmer weather fronts and longer days.

These birds are fuel-burning machines—with heart rates that can exceed 1,200 beats per minute—so the availability of nectar, insects, and sugar water is critical.

How Boulder and Colorado Residents Can Help

You can play an essential role in welcoming these tiny migrants:

• Put out feeders by mid-to-late March in lower elevations like Boulder, and keep them clean and full through spring.

• Plant nectar-rich spring bloomers such as columbine, bee balm, and penstemon. Native plants are ideal for both food and habitat.

• Avoid chemical sprays in your garden, as hummingbirds rely on small insects for protein, especially during nesting season.

• Keep cats indoors—ground-level feeders or blooms can attract birds within reach of predators.

In Boulder, spots like the Boulder Creek Path, Chautauqua Park, and even residential gardens become hummingbird hotspots in April and May. Keep your eyes open—you might catch a glimpse of a shimmering male doing his aerial courtship dance.

Chautauqua Park Boulder

A Seasonal Marvel Worth Celebrating

Spring migration is not just about birds coming home—it’s a reminder of nature’s rhythm and resilience. For residents of Boulder and all of Colorado, welcoming back these shimmering symbols of endurance is a seasonal tradition worth celebrating.

So hang your feeders, plant your gardens, and look to the skies—the tiny titans of spring are back.

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