Maintaining and Improving 

Habitat for Hummingbirds 

in Oregon and Washington

— A Land Manager’s Guide —I
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Introduction

Hummingbirds play an important role in the food web, pollinating a variety 

of flowering plants, some of which are specifically adapted to pollination by 

hummingbirds. Hummingbird numbers are declining, like those of other pollinators, due to habitat loss, changes in the distribution and abundance of nectar plants (which are affected by climate change), the spread of invasive plants, 

and pesticide use. This guide is intended to help you provide and improve 

habitat for hummingbirds, as well as other 

pollinators, in Oregon and Washington. 

While hummingbirds, like all birds, have the 

basic habitat needs of food, water, shelter, 

and space, this guide is focused on providing food—the plants that provide nectar for 

hummingbirds. Because climate, geology, 

and vegetation vary widely in different areas, 

specific recommendations are presented for 

each ecoregion in Washington and Oregon. 

(See the Ecoregions in Oregon and Washington section, below.)

This guide also provides brief descriptions of the species that visit the Pacific 

Northwest, as well as some basic information about hummingbird habitat 

needs. 

Whether you’re involved in managing public or private lands, large acreages or 

small areas, you can make them attractive to our native hummingbirds. Even 

long, narrow pieces of habitat, like utility corridors, field edges, and roadsides, 

can provide important connections among larger habitat areas. 

Hummingbird Basics

In general, the hummingbird species of 

Oregon and Washington are migratory, 

generally wintering in the southwestern 

US and Mexico. Anna’s hummingbirds 

regularly winter in western Oregon and 

Washington, where winters are temperate 

and several plant species bloom during the 

colder months. For hummingbird species to 

thrive, they need to find suitable habitat all 

along their migration routes, as well as in their breeding, nesting, and wintering 

areas. Even small habitat patches along their migratory path can be critical to 

the birds by providing places for rest and food to fuel their journey.

Food

Hummingbirds feed by day on nectar from 

flowers, including annuals, perennials, trees, 

shrubs, and vines. Native nectar plants are 

listed in the table near the end of this guide. 

They feed while hovering or, if possible, while 

perched. They also eat insects, such as mosquitoes and gnats, and will consume tree sap, 

when it is available. They obtain tree sap from 

sap wells drilled in trees by sapsuckers and other hole-drilling birds.

Water

Hummingbirds get adequate water from the 

nectar and insects they consume. However, 

they are attracted to running water, such as 

a fountain, sprinkler, birdbath with a mister, 

or waterfall. In addition, insect populations 

are typically higher near ponds, streams, and 

wetland areas, so those areas are important 

food sources for hummingbirds.

 Hummingbird Species in Oregon and Washington

Following are brief descriptions of the hummingbird 

species most commonly found in Oregon and 

Washington, as well as a list of other species that 

are uncommon or rare visitors.

I

Columbia River Gorge

Courtesy of Erik Ackerson

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Portland, Oregon

Courtesy of Erik Ackerson 

I

western columbine - Aquilegia formosa

Courtesy of Gary A. Monroe

Rufous Hummingbird nest

Courtesy of Martin Hutten

Open area under utility corridor

Courtesy of Erik Ackerson

Courtesy of Jim Cruce
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Black-chinned - male

Courtesy of Scott Carpenter

Black-chinned - female

Courtesy of Scott Carpenter

Anna’s Hummingbird - male

Courtesy of Jim Cruce

Anna’s Hummingbird - female

Courtesy of Scott Carpenter

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)I I

RANGE—Black-chinned Hummingbirds occur in all three Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in Oregon and Washington, which are BCR’s 5, 9, and 

10. (See the Bird Conservation Regions section, 

below.) They are typically found east of the 

Cascade Mountains. They occur in areas 

from below sea level to elevations above 

7,800 feet and inhabit a wide variety of 

habitats, including canyons and gulches, 

riparian corridors, open woodlands, oak 

and scrub areas, and urban settings. 

NESTING—Habitat includes canyons or 

floodplain riparian communities. In urban 

areas, they prefer settings with tall trees and 

many flowering shrubs and vines. After 

breeding, they may move to more elevated mountain habitats to feed on 

nectar-producing flowers. Many will move or stay in urban areas, where 

flowering plants and feeders are attractive. Typically arriving in April, they 

migrate south in August.

APPEARANCE—Unlike other North American hummingbirds, the wingtips 

of the Black-chinned Hummingbird look relatively broad and curved when 

the bird is at rest. While hovering, they pump their tail almost constantly. The 

adult male (above) is dull green to emerald green above, pale gray to whitish 

below, becoming dull green on the sides. It has a velvety black gorget with an 

iridescent purple band below; the purple band can look black in poor light. 

White on the breast extends around the sides of the neck, contrasting strongly 

with the all-dark head. The central two tail feathers are green; the others are 

black, often with a purplish sheen.

The adult female (right) is dull green to 

golden green above and pale gray below. 

The sides are gray-green and often have a 

tawny or cinnamon-colored patch on the 

lower flank. The throat of the female can 

be unmarked or have dusky streaking or 

spotting in the center of the gorget. The 

tail is greenish or blackish, with the three 

outer pairs of tail feathers broadly tipped with white. Immature birds look 

similar to adult females; refer to a field guide for more information.

Anna’s Hummingbird 

(Calypte anna)

RANGE—The Anna’s Hummingbird is the 

largest hummingbird common to Oregon 

and Washington. It is a year-round resident 

of the Pacific coast, from southern British 

Columbia to northern Baja California. Since 

the mid-1930s, its range has expanded greatly, 

likely due to its effective use of non-native 

plants and feeders in urban and suburban 

areas. The Anna’s Hummingbird is the only 

hummingbird regularly found in Oregon and Washington in winter. Anna’s 

Hummingbirds occur in BCRs 5 and 9 in Oregon and Washington. They 

occur primarily west of the Cascades. They are locally uncommon in spring 

and summer along the eastern flank of the Cascades and into central Oregon 

and eastern Washington. 

NESTING—Habitat includes urban areas and parks, from sea level to 5,700 

feet. In summer, they inhabit shrubland communities such as chaparral-oak 

areas and brushy riparian areas, as well as urban and suburban areas. After 

breeding, they may move to higher elevations (up to 11,000 feet) in search of 

nectar plants. Migration is not well understood. They do not migrate in the 

traditional sense. Instead, they migrate more altitudinally. Winter habitat is 

almost always near people’s homes with hummingbird feeders and dense cover 

for nighttime roosting.

APPEARANCE—Males (above) are more vocal than any other North American hummingbird. The male has a dry, scratchy, buzzy “song” that it sings 

throughout the year. Adult males (and some young males) have an iridescent 

rose/red crown and gorget with elongated feathers projecting to the sides. 

Males turn their head from side to side 

as they sing, flashing their iridescent head 

as a signal to other hummingbirds. They 

have a green back and are grayish below. 

Outer tail feathers are gray, darker at the 

edges. The tail extends well beyond the 

wingtips.

Adult females (left) also have a green 

back and grayish underparts. Gorget 

markings vary from bronzy gray mottling 

to a central splotch of rose/red feath-
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Calliope Hummingbird - male

Courtesy of Scott Carpenter

Calliope Hummingbird - female

Courtesy of Scott Carpenter

I

I

Rufous Hummingbird - male

Courtesy of Jim Cruce

ers. Very rarely, rose feathers may occur on the crown. The tail extends to or 

beyond the wingtips. Tail feathers are broad, rounded, banded in dull graygreen, blackish, and white. Immature birds look somewhat similar to the adult 

females, although immature males have heavier mottling in the gorget. The 

Anna’s Hummingbird typically holds its tail still while hovering.

Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope)

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in North America 

and is the smallest long-distance avian migrant in the world. Calliope Hummingbirds occur in all three BCRs in Oregon and Washington. 

RANGE—They are common summer 

residents in mountain habitats east of the 

Cascades crest. They migrate through both 

montane and lowland habitats. Spring migration is mainly through higher elevations along 

the Pacific Flyway. They arrive in Oregon and 

Washington in early to mid-April. Fall migration is through both the Pacific and Rocky 

Mountain Flyways, at a wider range of 

elevations, from mountains to desert riparian 

corridors. West of the Cascades crest, the 

species is generally rare or uncommon.

NESTING—Preferred nesting habitat is montane conifer forests, primarily in 

shrub-sapling seral stage into second-growth following fires or logging. They 

breed mostly in mountain areas from British Columbia to California, Nevada, 

and Utah, and winters in Mexico. They breed mainly at middle elevations 

(4,000 to 7,000 feet), but sometimes as high as timberline (above 9,000 feet) 

and down to lower forest margins (500 feet). 

APPEARANCE—The male Calliope Hummingbird (above) weighs about 

the same as a penny—about half as much as a male Anna’s Hummingbird. 

The adult male is bright green above and creamy white below with a green 

wash on the sides and flanks. The adult male’s gorget is iridescent, wine-red 

to magenta-red, and, unlike other North American hummingbirds, separated 

into distinct rays that fan across its throat. The male can elevate the rays into a 

starburst display against the white background of its throat. Wingtips extend 

to or slightly beyond the short tail. Tail feathers are dull gray, variably edged 

with cinnamon at the base.

The adult female (next page) is bright green to golden green above and creamy 

white below, with a rusty wash on the sides, flanks, and across the lower 

breast. The gorget is evenly spotted 

with dusky to brownish bronze. The 

tail usually falls short of the wingtips. 

The adult female looks much like 

female Rufous or Allen’s Hummingbirds, but it is smaller with a shorter 

bill, shorter tail, and less rust at the 

base of the tail. Immature birds look 

similar to adult females. Calliope 

Hummingbirds often cock their tails 

upward, perpendicular to the body, 

while hovering.

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

RANGE—The Rufous Hummingbird travels farther north than any other 

hummingbird, wintering in Mexico and migrating to breeding sites as distant 

as Alaska. Although a relatively 

small hummingbird, it has an 

aggressive nature and frequently 

chases larger hummingbirds from 

nectar sources. It is an important 

pollinator in the cool, cloudy Pacific 

Northwest, where cold-blooded 

insect pollinators are at a disadvantage. They usually begin arriving in 

western Oregon in mid-February 

and in western Washington in 

March. East of the Cascades, they 

arrive a month or more later, depending on the weather. Fall migration begins 

in June and is split between the Pacific and Rocky Mountain Flyways. As 

with other hummingbirds, Rufous Hummingbirds typically move to higher 

elevations for the fall migration, following nectar flowers.

The Rufous Hummingbird is the most common and widespread hummingbird species Oregon and Washington, and it occurs in all three BCRs in those 

states. Rufous Hummingbirds are found in a wide variety of habitats. 

NESTING—For breeding, they prefer second-growth forest communities 

and openings, but they will also use mature forests, parks, and residential 

areas—from sea level to 6,000 feet. Spring migration is mostly along the 

Pacific Flyway. 
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

OthersI

A few other hummingbird species are sometimes, though rarely, seen in 

Oregon and/or Washington. They include: 

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris)

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) 

(Records indicate that the Costa’s Hummingbird’s breeding range is expanding 

northward.)You may refer to a field guide for information about these species.

Rufous Hummingbird - female

Courtesy of Jim Cruce

IBlack-chinned Hummingbird IAnna’s Hummingbird

ICalliope Hummingbird IRufous Hummingbird

IAllen’s Hummingbird

Sea level

5,000 feet

10,000 feet

Major Hummingbirds—Altitude Ranges 

During Residence in Oregon/Washington

I

January

Major Hummingbirds—Residence Period 

in Oregon and/or Washington March May July September

November

APPEARANCE—The back of the adult male Rufous Hummingbird (previous page) is cinnamon-colored (rufous), sometimes spangled with green and 

rarely more than half green. The underparts are creamy white with a rufous 

“vest.” The crown is bright green, and the gorget is iridescent scarlet to 

orange, appearing golden or yellow-green from some angles. The tail extends 

past the wingtips. The rufous tail feathers 

are black-tipped and pointed.

The adult female (right) is bright green 

above and white below, strongly washed 

with rufous on the sides, flanks, and undertail coverts. The face and sides of the 

gorget are also washed rufous. The gorget 

is off-white, spangled with green to bronze 

(concentrated on the sides). The throat is 

marked with red-orange, from just a few 

spangles to a large patch. The rounded tail 

extends past the wingtips; it is rufous at the base and banded with black. The 

outer three pairs of tail feathers have white tips. Immature birds look similar 

to the adult female, although the immature males typically show more rufous 

on the rump and lower back as well as heavier markings on the throat. 

Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

The Allen’s Hummingbird is closely related to the Rufous Hummingbird, and 

the two species look very similar, making identification a challenge where the 

species’ ranges overlap. It breeds in coastal areas from California into southern 

Oregon and winters mostly in central Mexico and also along the Gulf Coast 

to Alabama. 

RANGE—Allen’s Hummingbirds occur in only one BCR in Oregon: the 

Northern Pacific Rainforest. They are fairly common residents in spring and 

summer along the southern Oregon coast, and are regularly seen at feeders 

in Curry County. However, they rarely occur elsewhere in Oregon, and there 

is only one recorded sighting in Washington—in 1894. In spring, Allen’s 

Hummingbirds migrate along the coast in coastal scrub, chaparral, riparian 

woodland, and eucalyptus groves. They begin arriving in Oregon in late 

February. Fall migration begins early and peaks in July; most birds have left 

by early August. Fall migration is along the coast, in previously described 

habitat, as well as inland at higher elevations in mixed woodland, open 

coniferous forest, and montane chaparral habitats. 

NESTING—They breed only in the narrow, moist, coastal zone affected by 

summer fogs, from sea level to 1,000 feet. Males typically select territories 

in open areas of coastal scrub or riparian shrubs, preferring willows as well 

as blackberry, dogwood, and poison oak. Females select nest sites in more 

densely vegetated areas with at least some cover. 

APPEARANCE—It is very difficult to distinguish Allen’s Hummingbirds 

from Rufous Hummingbirds. Both species even sound alike. The adult male 

Allen’s Hummingbird is brilliant green above with a green crown, and a rufous 

rump and undertail coverts. Unlike nearly all adult male Rufous Hummingbirds, the back is more than half green. The tails of the two species differ 

slightly in appearance, but the bird must be held in the hand to make the 

distinction.

The adult female and immature Allen’s Hummingbirds appear almost identical 

to those of the Rufous Hummingbird. Distinguishing the two species requires 

having the bird in hand.
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

The Pollinator Partnership website 

(www.pollinator.org) will show you 

which ecoregion you are in just 

by entering your postal zip code 

(under “Planting Guides” on the 

website). If you wish to supplement the information presented in 

this guide, for example, to attract 

other pollinators or to learn about 

other ecoregions, the Pollinator 

Partnership offers planting guides 

for ecoregions throughout the 

United States. The website provides 

additional tools and connections to useful resources for pollinator and plant 

information.

Yellow Toadflax

Courtesy of Colorado State 

University Extension–Adams County

Bird Conservation Regions in Oregon 

and Washington

The United States North American Bird Conservation Initiative Committee is 

a coalition of government agencies, private organizations, and bird initiatives 

in the United States. The committee is working to ensure the long-term health of North 

America’s native bird populations. Bird conservation initiatives have produced national and 

international conservation plans for birds as well 

as regional plans for numerous BCRs, which are 

ecologically distinct regions in North America 

with similar bird communities, habitats, and 

resource management issues. The regional plans 

provide more detailed information on population 

objectives and habitat needs for birds in specific 

landscapes. 

The three BCRs in Oregon and Washington, 

the Northern Pacific Rainforest (BCR 5), the Great Basin (BCR 9), and the 

Northern Rockies (BCR 10), are shown on the map (above left).

Ecoregions in Oregon and Washington

Land within Oregon and Washington lies within seven ecoregions (see 

below—codes in parentheses) which are shown on the map: Ecoregions in 

Oregon and Washington. The ecoregion boundaries differ from those of the 

BCRs and their relationship is as below. 

Pacific Lowland Mixed Forest (PL) – lies within BCR 5

Cascade Mixed Forest (CMF) – lies within BCR 5 and BCR 10

Sierran Steppe Mixed Northern (SSM) – lies within BCR 5 and BCR 9 

Great Plains/Palouse (GPP) – lies within BCR 9 

Middle Rocky Mountains Steppe (MRMS) – lies within BCR 10

Northern Rocky Mountains Forest-Steppe (NRM) – lies within BCR 10

Intermountain Semi-Desert (ISD) – lies within BCR 9 and BCR 10

Note: Ecoregion map adapted from http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/ecoregions/

images/maps/ecoregions-united-states-sample.jpg

Hummingbird Nectar Plants for Ecoregions 

in Oregon and Washington

The following table (Hummingbird Nectar Plants for Ecoregions in Oregon and 

Washington) lists some plants that are nectar sources for hummingbirds. 

These plants are native to Oregon, Washington, or both, and are adapted to 

conditions in the ecoregions indicated in the table. The table also provides 

basic information on habitat and light, soil, and water needs. Finally, the tables 

provide seed sources for each plant valid as of June 2009. Please check with 

the seed suppliers for current availability. A directory of the seed sources 

follows the tables. Use locally-adapted genetically appropriate plants in all 

your restoration and pollinator enhancement work. Seed zones—areas with 

genetically similar plants—help determine the right plant materials to use; 

poorly chosen plants usually fail to thrive. See 

http://fs.bioe.orst.edu/web_maps/S_Zones_1Oct2013.html

for provisional seed zones of the Pacific 

Northwest, and select plant materials from 

your zone. Planting non-natives to attract 

hummingbirds is against policy and destructive: these plants become invasive and disrupt 

ecosystems. For example, yellow toadflax 

(Linaria vulgaris, also called “butter and eggs”) 

is attractive to hummingbirds but is a noxious 

weed.

PL

CMF

SSM NRM

ISD

MRMS

GPP

Ecoregions in Oregon and Washington
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Botanical

Name

Common

Name

Ecoregion1

PL CMF MRMS SSM NRM GPP ISD

Trees and Shrubs

Arbutus menziesii Pacific madrone X

Arctostaphylos spp. manzanita X X X X

Ceanothus spp. ceanothus X X X X

Berberis spp. Oregon grape X X X X X X X

Menziesia ferruginea rusty menziesia X X

Ribes spp. currants and 

gooseberries

X X

Ribes roezlii Sierra 

gooseberry

X

*Ribes sanguineum redflower 

currant 

X X X

Rubus spectabilis salmonberry X X X

Salvia dorrii purple sage X X X X

Symphoricarpos 

occidentalis

western 

snowberry

X

Vaccinium ovatum evergreen 

huckleberry

X X X

Vines

Clematis ligusticifolia western virgin’s 

bower

X

Bloom

Season

Sunlight Soils,

Water

General habitat/

elevation

Seed 

Sources2

> Trees and Shrubs

Apr–May Sun to part 

sun

Dry to moist, 

well-drained

Exposed or wooded slopes and 

canyons below 5,000 ft.

IP, JNS

Dec–May Sun Dry Rocky areas and steep slopes IP, JNS

Apr–Aug Sun, 

part shade, 

shade

Dry, rocky, 

well-drained 

soils

Dry, open flats and slopes, often at 

higher elevation (3,000 to 9,500 ft.)

IP, JNS, 

SMN

Mar–May Part shade to 

shade

Moist, welldrained, acid 

loams

Relatively dry to moist rocky sites 

in open coniferous forests, and forested slopes from 400 to 2,100 m.

IP, AWS, 

JNS, 

SMN

May–Jul Sun, 

part shade, 

shade

Moist soils Coniferous woods JNS

Mar–Jun Sun to shade Moist to dry, 

well drained

Varies AWS, 

JNS, 

SMN

May–Jun Sun to 

part sun

Dry to moist Dry open slopes, mostly 3,500 to 

8,500 ft., yellow pine and red fir 

forests

Mar–Apr Sun, 

part shade, 

shade

Moist to drier, 

well-drained 

soils

Open or partly shady places below 

2,000 ft.

AWS, 

JNS, 

SMN

Mar–Jun Sun, 

part shade, 

shade

Moist to drier 

soils.

Low, moist woods; stream banks; 

mountain slopes

AWS, 

JNS, IP, 

SMN

May–Jun Sun Dry, perfectly 

drained soils

Dry, open scabland and sagebrush 

areas

SMN

Jun–Aug Part shade Moist, welldrainedDry, rocky hillsides; sand plains; 

prairies; open woods

Mar–May Sun, 

part shade, 

shade

Poor, acid, 

well-drained 

soil

Dry, shaded slopes; moister, 

woodland edges

JNS

> Vines

May–Aug Sun to part 

sun

Moist Woods along streams; moist, 

brushy coulees

S&S, 

AWS, 

SMN

Hummingbird Nectar Plants for Ecoregions in Oregon 

and Washington

*Hummingbird adapted or preferred nectar sources
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Botanical

Name

Common

Name

Ecoregion1

PL CMF MRMS SSM NRM GPP ISD

Vines—continued

*Lonicera ciliosa orange 

honeysuckle

X X X X

Lonicera hispidula pink honeysuckleX X X

*Lonicera involucrata nettleleaf giant 

hyssop

X X X

Perennial Herbs

Aconitum 

columbianum

monkshood X X X X X

*Agastache urticifolia nettleleaf giant 

hyssop

X X X X X

*Aquilegia formosa western 

columbine

X X X X

*Castilleja spp. paintbrush X X X X X X X

Castilleja affinis ssp. 

litoralis

coast Indian 

paintbrush

X X

Castilleja angustifolia northwestern 

Indian 

paintbrush

X X X X X

Castilleja applegatei wavyleaf Indian 

paintbrush

X

Castilleja 

arachnoidea

cobwebby Indian 

paintbrush

X X

Castilleja elmeri Wenatchee 

Indian 

paintbrush

X X X X

Castilleja fraterna

(Federal Species of 

Concern)

fraternal Indian 

paintbrush

X

Bloom

Season

Sunlight Soils,

Water

General habitat/

elevation

Seed 

Sources2

> Vines—continued

May–Jul Sun to part 

shade

Moist to dry 

soils

Open woods and thicket JNS, 

SMN

Apr–Jul Part sun to 

part shade

Dry to moist Dry sites in open mixed woods, 

sometimes lying on ground in 

clearings, at low to mid elevations

JNS, IP

Mar–Aug Sun to shade Generally 

moist soils

Moist or wet, open woods from 0 to 

10,000 ft.

AWS, 

SMN

> Perennial Herbs

Jun–Aug Part shade Moist, rich 

soils

Moist woods and meadows; moderate to subalpine elevations

Jun–Aug Full sun to 

part shade

Varies, usually 

drier

Dry open slopes and draws, 

meadows; 700-8500 ft.

Apr–Aug Full sun to 

part shade

Moist, rich 

soils

Moist, open woods, banks and 

seeps; 0 to 8,000 ft.

IP, OWS, 

HSI, JNS, 

OWS, 

SMN, 

SSS, ST 

Varies Varies Varies Varies IP, SMN, 

ST

Mar–Jun Full sun to 

part shade

Well-drained 

soils

Dry places along bluffs, chaparral 

near coast

Apr–Aug Shade Dry soils Dry open soil, often with sagebrush SSC

Apr–Jun Sun to 

part shade

Rocky, dry, 

well-drained

Sagebrush, open conifer woods

Jun Dry, rocky 

soils

Open dry rocks or summits of 

mountains at mid and high 

elevations

Jun–Aug Sun to 

part shade

Moist Mesic meadows in mountains of 

central Washington

Jul–Aug Limestone or 

limey soils

Alpine meadows, slopes, and 

exposed talus and rock above 

2,400 m.

Hummingbird Nectar Plants for Ecoregions in Oregon 

and Washington—continued

*Hummingbird adapted or preferred nectar sources
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Botanical

Name

Common

Name

Ecoregion1

PL CMF MRMS SSM NRM GPP ISD

Perennial Herbs—continued

Castilleja brevilobata short-lobe Indian 

paintbrush

X

Castilleja hispida harsh Indian 

paintbrush

X X X X X X

Castilleja linariifolia Wyoming Indian 

paintbrush

X X

Castilleja miniata scarlet 

paintbrush

X

Castilleja parviflora mountain Indian 

paintbrush

X X

Castilleja pruinosa frosted Indian 

paintbrush

X X X

Castilleja rhexiifolia rosy paintbrush X X X

Castilleja rupicola cliff Indian 

paintbrush

X X

Castilleja suksdorfii Suksdorf’s 

Indian paintbrush

X X

Chamerion 

angustifolium

fireweed X X X X X

Cirsium occidentale cobwebby thistle X

Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain 

bee plant

X X X X

Delphinium spp. larkspur X X X X X X X

Bloom

Season

Sunlight Soils,

Water

General habitat/

elevation

Seed 

Sources2

Perennial Herbs—continued

Apr–May Full sun to 

part shade

Well-drained 

soils

Mesic to dry serpentine areas in 

open Jeffrey pine savannas

Apr–Aug Full sun to 

part shade

Well-drained 

soils

Dry openings in forests, meadows, 

from coast to high elevations.

IP, JNS

May–Oct Part shade Moist, welldrained, rocky 

soils

Moist to dry, open woods and brush 

areas from 2,500 to 12,000 ft.

ST

May-Sep Sun Moist Wet mountain meadows and 

stream banks below 11,000 ft.

IP, SSS, 

ST

Jun–Sep Sun Well-drained 

soils

Subalpine meadows

Jun–Jul Serpentine, 

rocky soils

Dry, open, rocky serpentine areas 

or edges of forest at mid to high 

elevations

Jun–Aug Part shade Well-drained 

soils

Subalpine meadows, bogs, alpine 

talus slopes

Jun–Aug Sun Gravelly or 

stony soils

Rock ledges and crevices in perpendicular cliffs and on other rocky 

slopes. Generally 1,030 to 2,190 m 

in elevation but as low as 180 m in 

Columbia River Gorge of Oregon

Jun–Sep Moist to wet Meadows and thickets, subalpine 

meadows and along streams 

Jun–Sep Full sun to 

part sun

Varies Scattered to common in forest 

habitats, especially in upland pine 

and spruce stands; often abundant 

in cleared or burned areas

IP, SMN

Jun–Aug Sun Dry Rocky serpentine, but not 

exclusively, below 6,000 ft.

Jul–Sep Sun, 

part shade

Well-drained, 

sandy soils

Prairies, open woods, wash areas, 

disturbed sites

RSI, SMN

Mar–Aug Sun, part 

shade, 

shade

Varies Varies IP, JNS, 

SMN

Hummingbird Nectar Plants for Ecoregions in Oregon 

and Washington—continued
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Botanical

Name

Common

Name

Ecoregion1

PL CMF MRMS SSM NRM GPP ISD

Perennial Herbs—continued

*Delphinium 

nudicaule

canyon larkspur X

Dicentra formosa western bleeding 

heart

X

Dichelostemma 

ida-maia

firecracker flower X X X

*Epilobium canum 

ssp. latifolium

hummingbird 

trumpet

X

Erythronium 

grandiflorum

yellow 

avalanche-lily

X X X X

*Fritillaria recurva scarlet fritillary X

*Ipomopsis aggregata scarlet gilia X X X X

*Lilium bolanderi Bolander’s lily X

Lilium columbianum Columbia lily X X X

Lilium pardalinum leopard lily X

Lilium 

washingtonianum

Washington 

Lily

X X

*Mimulus aurantiacus bush 

monkeyflower

X

*Mimulus cardinalis scarlet 

monkeyflower

X X X

*Pedicularis 

densiflora

Indian warrior X

Bloom

Season

Sunlight Soils,

Water

General habitat/

elevation

Seed 

Sources2

> Perennial Herbs—continued

Mar–Aug Part shade Moist Rocky, talus slopes and outcrops 

within coniferous forests

SSS

Mar–Jul Part sun 

to shade

Dry to moist Gravelly hillsides to loam soils, 

open woods, occasionally along 

stream banks. 600 to 1,200 m., 

serpentine substrates

SSS, 

IP,JNS, 

SMN

May–Jul Full to part 

sun

Clay to sandy Grassy slopes in woodland openings at low or moderate elevations.ONP

Jul–Oct Sun Dry Dry slopes and ridges from sea 

level to high in the mountains

S&S

May–Jul Part shade Moist soils Open woods; meadow edges; 

various altitudes

JNS, IP, 

SMN

Mar–Jul Part shade Dry, rocky 

soils

Rocky, brush-covered slopes SSS

Jun Full to part 

sun

Average 

moisture

Hillsides, slopes AWS, 

JNS, 

SMN, 

SSS

Jun–Aug Sun to 

part shade

Well-drained 

soils; dry in 

summer

Dry hillsides on serpentine soils in 

mixed conifer forests

Jun–Sep Sun to part 

sun

Well-drained 

soils; dry in 

summer

Ferny or brushy, redwood forest 

slopes; prairies; thickets

JNS, IP, 

AWS, 

SMN

Jun–Aug Sun to part 

sun

Moist to wet Conifer stream banks and springy 

places, up to 6,000 ft.

SSS, JNS

Jul–Aug Well-drained 

soils; dry in 

summer

Moist Dry hillsides and chaparral in mixed 

conifer forests

May–Jul Sun to 

part sun

Dry to moist Dry hills and canyon slopes, below 

1,500 ft.

SSC, 

SSS

Apr–Oct Sun to 

part sun

Moist to wet Stream banks and seeps below 

8,000 ft.

S&S, 

SSC, 

SMN

Apr–May Sun to 

part shade

Dry, welldrained soilDry chaparral, oak/pine or yellow 

pine forests below 2,100 m.

SSS

Hummingbird Nectar Plants for Ecoregions in Oregon 

and Washington—continued

*Hummingbird adapted or preferred nectar sources
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Botanical

Name

Common

Name

Ecoregion1

PL CMF MRMS SSM NRM GPP ISD

Perennial Herbs—continued

*Penstemon spp. beardtongue X X X X X X X

Penstemon fruticosus shrubby 

penstemon

X

Penstemon 

newberryi

mountain pride X

Penstemon 

payettensis

Payette 

beardtongue

X X

Penstemon procerus small-flowered 

penstemon

X

Penstemon rupicola cliff beardtongue X X X X

Penstemon rydbergii Rydberg’s 

penstemon

X

Phlox speciosa showy phlox X

Sidalcea oregana Oregon 

checkerbloom

X

*Silene californica Indian-pink X

Stachys chamissonis

var. cooleyae

coastal 

hedgenettle

X X X

*Hummingbird adapted or preferred nectar sources

Bloom

Season

Sunlight Soils,

Water

General habitat/

elevation

Seed 

Sources2

> Perennial Herbs—continued

Jun–Aug Sun Dry, well 

drained

Varies IP, AWS, 

JNS, 

SMN, 

SSS, ST

May–Aug Full sun to 

part shade

Well-drained 

soil

Open, rocky or wooded foothill and 

higher elevation sites

JNS, 

SMN, ST

Jun–Aug Sun to 

part shade

Well-drained, 

rocky soil

Rocky places from moderate to 

high elevations

SSS

Jun–Aug Sun Talus and 

rocky soils

Talus slopes and rocky meadows at 

low to moderately high elevations

Jun–Jul Sun Dry to moist Rocky slopes, subalpine, alpine, 

and mid to high elevations

ST, SMN

May–Aug Sun Rocky soils Cliffs, ledges and rocky slopes, 

usually at higher elevations

May–Jul Sun Dry, welldrainedOpen mountain slopes RSI, SSS, 

ST

Apr–Jun Sun to 

part sun

Dry to moist Open rocky soils, shrub-steppe, 

grasslands, lightly wooded areas; 

low to mid elevations

SMN

Jun–Oct Sun Moist to wet 

soils

Freshwater marshes at about 150 

m. elevation

Apr–Jul Sun to 

part sun

Dry to moist Open, brushy areas or woods 

below 5,000 ft.

SSS

Jun–Aug Sun to 

part shade

Moist soils, 

wetlands

Swamps and moist low ground from 

sea level to moderate elevations

AWS

Hummingbird Nectar Plants for Ecoregions in Oregon 

and Washington—continued

1

 Ecoregions:

CMF = Cascade Mixed Forest NRM = Northern Rocky Mountains

GPP = Great Plains/Palouse PL = Pacific Lowland

ISD = Intermountain Semi-Desert SSM = Sierran Steppe Mixed

MRMS = Middle Rocky Mountain Steppe

2

 Seed Sources:

AWS = Alpine WildSeed RSI = Rainier Seeds, Inc.

HSI = Heritage Seedlings Inc. S&S = S&S Seeds

IP = Inside Passage SMN = Sun Mountain Natives

JNS = Jonny Native Seeds SSC = Stover Seed Company

ONP = Oregon Native Plant Nursery SSS = Sierra Seed Supply

OWS = Oregon Wholesale Seed Co ST = Seeds Trust
Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington Maintaining and Improving Habitat for Hummingbirds in Oregon and Washington

Dunn, Jon L. and Jonathan Alderfer, Eds. 2006. National Geographic Field 

Guide to the Birds of North America. National Geographic Society, 

Washington, DC.

Marshall, D.B., M.G. Hunter, and A.L. Contreras, Eds. 2003. Birds of Oregon: 

A General Reference. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR. 

Seattle Audubon Society. 2013. “BirdWeb: Allen’s Hummingbird.” Accessed 

June 5, 2013. http://birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/allens_hummingbird

US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research 

Station. 2013. “Ecoregions of the United States.” Accessed June 5, 2013. 

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/ecoregions/images/maps/ecoregions-unitedstates-sample.jpg

Williamson, Sheri L. 2001. Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America. 

Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, NY.

Courtesy of Scott Carpenter

Directory of Seed and Plant Sources

Alpine WildSeed

1308 N. Alder, #1

Ellensburg, WA 98926

(509) 933-3063

Heritage Seedlings, Inc.

4194 71st Ave. SE

Salem, OR 97317

(503) 585-9835

Inside Passage

P.O. Box 639

Port Townsend, WA 98368

(800) 361-9657

(360) 385-6114

Jonny Native Seeds

29632 Harvest Dr. SW

Albany, OR 97321

(541) 754-7938

(541) 990-0480

Oregon Native Plant Nursery

P.O. Box 886

Woodburn, OR 97071

(503) 981-2353

Oregon Wholesale Seed Co.

5648 Evans Valley Loop Rd NE

Silverton, OR 97381

(503) 874-8221

In addition, the Native Seed Network (www.nativeseednetwork.org) is an 

online resource that provides search tools and information on all aspects of 

native seed. You can search the network to find additional sources for native 

seeds.

Rainier Seeds, Inc.

1404 4th Street 

(509) 725-1235

Davenport, WA 99122

S&S Seeds

6155 Carpinteria Avenue

Carpinteria, CA 93013

(805) 684-0436

Sun Mountain Natives

1406 East F Street

Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 883-7611

Stover Seed Company

P.O. Box 86175

Los Angeles, CA 90086

(213) 626-9668

(800) 621-0315

Sierra Seed Supply

358 Williams Valley Rd.

Greenville, CA 95947

(530) 284-7926

Seeds Trust

5870 S. Long Ln.

Littleton, CO 80121

(720) 335-3436

Additional Resources

The Western Hummingbird Partnership (WHP) is a developing network of 

partners collaborating to build an effective and sustainable hummingbird 

conservation program: www.westernhummingbird.org

Native Seed Network: 

www.nativeseednetwork.org

North American Bird Conservation 

Initiative: www.nabci-us.org

e-bird is a real-time, online checklist 

program and a way for the birding 

community to report and access 

information about birds:

www.ebird.org

Partners in Flight is a coalition of partners working to combine, coordinate, 

and increase resources of public and private entities in order to conserve bird 

populations: www.partnersinflight.org

Pollinator Partnership: www.pollinator.org

References
Image Contributors*

Tom Kogut - photographer - http://tkogut.zenfolio.com

Erik Ackerson - graphic designer - EarthDesign@weavingroom.com

Martin Hutten - ecologist - National Park Service

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database - http://plants.usda.gov

Jim Cruce - wildlife photographer - 503-669-3469

Scott Carpenter - photographer - www.scottcarpenterphotography.com 

Colorado State University Extension—Adams County - www.colostate.edu

* In order of image appearance from top of front cover onward

All images are copyright of the provider

Erik Ackerson

Jim Cruce

Front cover images

Tom Kogut

Erik Ackerson