Hummingbirds in Nebraska 2025

Hummingbirds are some of the most wonderful creatures you can meet in your garden. There are four common types of hummingbirds in Nebraska: calliope hummingbirds, broad-tailed hummingbirds, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and rufous hummingbirds.

When do hummingbirds arrive in Nebraska?

Most hummingbirds arrive early to mid-May, while some come during autumn. These tiny creatures return to their winter territories in mid-September to early October. The males usually arrive and return earlier than females, typically following the first ones about two weeks later.

How long do hummingbirds stay in Nebraska?

Hummers usually stay in this state for the summer months. So, the best time to see hummingbirds in Nebraska is from May to September. The best feeding plants for them are anise sage, hummingbird mints, flowering maple, trumpet honeysuckle, texas sage, and red hot poker. You can find hummingbirds in such big cities as Norfolk, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Scottsbluff.

Fun facts about hummingbirds in Nebraska

The calliope hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in the United States, and ​​the male weighs less than a penny. A female broad-tailed hummingbird is the oldest known wild hummingbird in the USA. And the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only one that breeds east of the Mississippi River.