When Do Hummingbirds
Nest And Lay Eggs?

By Richard Worden

Hummingbirds can be found throughout the U.S., with different species migrating across the country at different times of the year. But when do hummingbirds nest and lay eggs?

Most hummingbirds nest and lay their eggs between the months of March and July. The exact nesting period will differ based on the species and how far north they are situated. The eggs hatch roughly two weeks after they are laid, and you can expect baby birds during the spring and summer months.

While most hummingbirds in the U.S. lay eggs during these months, the exact time will depend on the type of hummingbird and the state they reside in. This article lists when hummingbirds nest and lay their eggs in the U.S. states with the highest hummingbird populations.

When Do Hummingbirds Nest And Lay Eggs?

A-Z State by State Listings

Alabama

Alabama is home to over 14 distinct species, the most common being the ruby-throated hummingbird. Hummingbirds arrive in Alabama starting in March and continue all the way until November. However, they primarily build nests and lay eggs between March and July.

Alaska

You can spot five distinct species of hummingbirds in Alaska. However, the most common is the rufous hummingbird, which you'll find across the state. This species usually arrives between March and April to build their nests. They only stay a short while to lay eggs and raise their young, leaving the state by July.

Arizona

Arizona is home to the most species of hummingbirds, housing an incredible 17. The sheer number of hummingbirds here means there's no ideal nesting season for any one kind, and you can find them nesting and laying eggs throughout the year across Arizona.

Arkansas

While Arkansas is known to host a few different species, the most common is the ruby-throated hummingbird. In fact, most experts believe it's the only species that nests and lays eggs in Arkansas. Ruby-throats arrive in March and migrate by the end of July.

California

Anna's hummingbird is the most common species found in California. However, you can spot up to eight types of hummingbirds in this state. California hummingbirds begin arriving in late December and early January to build nests, and most species completely migrate by the end of July. 

Colorado

The broad-tailed hummingbird and the rufous hummingbird are the most common species found in Colorado. And while they nest and lay eggs around the summer months, it's not unusual for these birds to mate and raise their young from February all the way until late May.

Connecticut

The ruby-throats are most common in Connecticut, but you might spot at least five other species in this state. Given the geographical location of Connecticut, some nest and lay eggs from April until the end of summer, migrating only in late September or early October.

Delaware 

Delaware is home to at least five distinct species of hummingbird, with the ruby-throated one being the most common. They'll likely nest at the beginning of April when the birds begin to arrive. Some species stay until late October, nesting and laying eggs until it gets too cold.

Florida

Hummingbirds are relatively rare in Florida compared to other states, but you can find the black-chinned and the rufous variety here during nesting season. These birds typically arrive and build nests in April, spending the summer months here before migration. 
when do hummingbirds nest and lay eggs

Idaho

Idaho is home to five popular species of hummingbirds with different behaviors and migration patterns. Most arrive in March and April; however, you can expect an increase in late August as many birds use this state as a rest stop before migration. As such, they will likely nest and lay eggs between March and September.

Illinois

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species found in Illinois. While these birds arrive in early and mid-April, most only build nests between May and July. As such, you can expect hummingbird eggs between these months or spring/early summer. 

Indiana

Indiana is home to a few species, with the ruby-throated being the most common. Hummingbirds arrive here in early May and begin constructing nests before looking for mates. Eggs are laid in the latter half of May, and the babies are born in late May and early June.  

Iowa

Iowa is visited by rarer species of hummingbird, like the Mexican violetear and the broad-billed hummingbird. The primary nesting and egg-laying season begins in February and lasts until May. However, it's common to see nests and eggs until December on occasion.

Kansas

The hummingbirds in Kansas begin constructing nests in early April when the climate begins to get warm. Most birds ensure they build nests and lay eggs in the early summer months (i.e., late July) before migrating to other nearby states. Unlike in, say, Arizona, there's not a big window for you to see hummingbirds if you live in Kansas.

Kentucky

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common resident of Kentucky. These hummingbirds typically arrive in April, with some showing up at the end of March. They construct nests when they arrive, but eggs are usually laid during the month of June.

Louisiana

The ruby-throat is the most common species in Louisiana, and it shows up at least twice a year to build nests and lay eggs. The first is between February and April when they lay their first brood. These birds typically return in July to build another nest and lay eggs. 

Maine

Hummingbirds arrive in Maine as early as April, and if you like to give these birds a treat, you may want to keep your feeders out as early as late March because different birds arrive at different times. These birds build nests and lay eggs from April all the way until September, depending on when they arrive from their migration.

Maryland

Maryland is another state home to the ruby-throated hummingbird, which arrives in early April after its migration. These birds may take up to two weeks to mate and lay eggs, after which they will protect and raise their young before flying away to another place. 

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to six species of hummingbirds, with some arriving at different times and a few sticking around all year. These birds begin nesting as early as April but may continue to nest and lay eggs until late September. So, you should expect to see them in Massachusetts between the spring and summer months.

Minnesota

The most common hummingbird species in Minnesota is the ruby-throated variety. However, it's common to spot up to seven species of hummingbird in this state, with many of them nesting and laying eggs here as well.

Hummingbirds arrive in Minnesota around mid-April, and many continue to nest and lay eggs until late October. It's not unusual to find a few birds still caring for their young until mid-November.

Mississippi

Bird watchers have spotted up to ten different species of hummingbird in Mississippi, of which only the ruby-throated variety nests and lays eggs east of the Mississippi river. A few other species may or may not nest depending on the time of year they're migrating.

Hummingbirds arrive in late March and early April when native shrubs like the buckeye and the azalea are in bloom. They stick around until late August, nesting and laying eggs quite close to the ground.

Montana

You can mainly find the rufous, calliope, and black-chinned species of hummingbirds in Montana. And while it may be home to fewer species, large numbers of these birds often nest and rear their young in different parts of Montana.

These species usually appear to nest and lay their eggs in late April and early May. They prefer to nest closer to the mountains, and it can be hard to spot one in your backyard without a bird feeder.

Nebraska

You can spot roughly five different species of hummingbirds throughout Nebraska, with the ruby-throated variety most likely to make its home here. Most hummingbirds start arriving in Nebraska in the middle of May to begin nesting.

These birds continue to breed from May until early October, when they start migrating for the winter. 

Nevada

Nevada is home to nine different species of hummingbirds, with three of them commonly seen nesting and breeding in this state. The three species include the Anna's, black-chinned, and calliope hummingbirds. 

Most hummingbirds arrive here in mid-March and stay until the beginning of winter, migrating towards the end of September. However, the Anna's and Costa's hummingbirds are known to stay throughout the year, nesting and laying eggs even through November and December.

New Mexico

New Mexico sees over 17 species of hummingbirds throughout the year. Of these, roughly seven regularly make this state their nesting ground. 

Most of the breeding varieties arrive in early March and continue to nest and lay eggs until late August. Some are known to care for three broods every year.

North Carolina

You should be able to spot roughly 11 different species of hummingbirds in North Carolina. However, only the ruby-throated and broad-tailed hummingbirds nest and breed here. These birds arrive in late May and August and can nest and lay eggs as late as December.

North Dakota

North Dakota is home to five different species of hummingbirds, with most of them nesting and laying eggs here. These birds begin arriving in mid-April and continue coming here until the end of June. The birds nest and breed until late October, when they leave for warmer regions.

Ohio

While Ohio isn't known for hummingbirds, this state regularly sees at least four different species of hummingbirds every year. Most of them arrive in early June and may continue nesting and even lay a second brood, staying in Ohio until early October. when do hummingbirds nest and lay eggs

Oregon

The state of Oregon is home to seven different species of hummingbird, with the rufous hummingbird most widely spotted here. Most hummingbirds begin arriving in early March, with some species arriving a bit later. For example, the black-chinned variety only turns up in May.

However, while they may arrive at different times, the nesting and the egg-laying season usually run their course by the end of September. Few (if any) birds continue to stay past September.

Pennsylvania

Three species of hummingbirds regularly make their homes in Pennsylvania, all arriving in early April at the start of the breeding season. These birds typically depart in late September and early October, when it's time to migrate to warmer climates. The most common species here is the ruby-throated hummingbird.

South Dakota

Of the eight species of hummingbirds found in South Dakota, three frequently occur, set up nests, and breed here often. It's important to note that hummingbirds only nest and breed in Eastern South Dakota and not in the west.

Birds usually nest and breed here between May and August.

Texas

If you're lucky, you can spot up to 19 species of hummingbirds throughout the state of Texas. The most common ones are the ruby-throats and black-chins, and if you see a bird in your backyard, it's probably one of them.

Most hummingbirds arrive in Texas between early March and early May. Depending on when they arrive, they may continue breeding until as late as early September. when do hummingbirds nest and lay eggs

Utah

At least five species visit Utah annually to breed, the most common ones being the broad-tailed and black-chinned hummingbirds. The hummingbirds arrive in Utah around April and continue nesting and laying eggs until late September and early October. After the breeding season, they continue migrating to their winter homes.

Washington

While Washington is home to four different species, the most common is Anna's hummingbird, which begins nesting and breeding only in December. They continue laying eggs until late May or early June before migrating. Still, that's almost six months to catch one of these beautiful varieties.

Wyoming

Wyoming is home to seven species of hummingbirds, of which four are known to nest and breed in this state regularly. These four include the rufous, black-chinned, calliope, and broad-tailed hummingbirds. Most of them arrive in Wyoming around the start of May and continue to nest and breed until the end of August.

When Do Hummingbirds Nest And Lay Eggs?
Final Thoughts...

No matter where you are in the United States, you're bound to see at least one species. Most of them come during the spring and summer seasons, though you'll find a few who stay outside of that period or even throughout the year. In any case, happy bird watching!

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Hi! I'm Richard Worden, the author and founder of We Know Birds.

Over 20 years ago I developed a keen interest in birds and birdwatching, and it has been my passion ever since. I am committed to spreading useful knowledge about birds to others so we might all enjoy them to the fullest.

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