Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is easy!
Fresh nectar from flowers is your best bet.
Here's what to expect:
- Hummingbird Migration in Nevada
- 8 Flowers in Nevada Hummingbirds Love
- 5 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
When do hummingbirds arrive in Nevada?
Hummingbirds migrate from the south up through Nevada in late April.
Southbound hummingbird migration wraps up in September.
Make sure your flowers are ready for hummingbird migration
Plant your perennials so they bloom at slightly different times.
You want some flowers to bloom in early April & others to bloom in the summer when they start breeding.
This ensures hummingbirds have a steady supply of nectar!
8 Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds in Nevada
Make sure to follow our 5 Tips for Success Attracting Hummingbirds during migration.
1. Common Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Perennial
The small pink and white flowers are popular for hummingbirds.
Common Bearberry has small red berries that bears and birds eat.
This drought resistant plant is great for hummingbirds in Nevada.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Perennial
An herbaceous plant in the mint family and native to North America.
The vibrant red is preferred by Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and many butterflies.
It’s spreading behavior varies so keep an eye on it making sure it doesn’t take over your garden.
3. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache)
- Perennial
Hummingbird Mint has tubular, nectar rich flowers that are perfect for hummingbirds (hence its name).
It's drought resistant which is perfect for Nevada gardens.
The flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall— perfect for peak hummingbird activity.
4. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium)
- Perennial
A dominant, bright pink nectar source hummingbirds can easily spot.
It blooms during peak hummingbird season!
They're easy to see from a distance making it a great hummingbird flower in Nevada
5. Columbine (Aquilegia)
- Perennial
The red, yellow, and tube shape of Red Columbine is a hummingbird favorite.
It blooms late spring which is ideal for hummingbird migration to Nevada.
6. Beardtongue (Penstemon)
- Perennial
A drought tolerant nectar rich tubes ideal for attract hummingbirds.
Beardtongue comes in a number of pinks and purples sure to please your hummers!
- Related: 9 Ways to Attract Hummingbirds
7. Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)
- Perennial
Early blooms offer essential nectar in April and May for migrating hummingbirds.
This drought tolerant plant for Nevada hummingbirds also doubles as a great nesting site for other birds.
8. Great Red Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)
- Perennial
A vibrant red flowering plant with firework-like bracts that bloom from March to October.
Everything from the shape to the color makes it a hummer magnet!
It's a popular plant for pollinator gardens, too.
5 Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds During Migration
1. Use Red Flowers
Hummingbirds are red sensitive.
They visit many colors but warm reds, yellows, and oranges increase the odds of them picking your flowers.
2. Avoid Invasive Plants
They can displace native vegetation.
- Butterfly Bush crowds out the native plants that support Nevada's local butterfly population
- Foxglove displaces native flower
- Japanese Honeysuckle disrupts ecosystems and displaces wild flowers
Check with the Nevada Department of Agriculture before planting.
3. Group Plants Together
Grouping similar plants in clumps makes them easier for hummingbirds to spot.
Use companion planting to make sure your garden thrives!
4. Use Hummingbird Feeders
When in doubt put up nectar feeders.
Hummingbirds will come for easy food. They'll notice your flowers & keep coming back for more.
5. Avoid Pesticides
Insecticides protect plants from destructive insects.
Many store bought pesticides can kill the insects hummingbirds eat and rely on for protein.
Opt for these eco-friendly insecticide alternatives:
What flowers do your hummingbirds like?
Share them on the Sparkbird App! Where likeminded birders and nature enthusiasts go to share.
Available in the Apple App Store.
