Hummingbirds in Canada — All 5 Species & How to Attract Them

Canada is home to five hummingbird species that visit backyard feeders — the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in eastern Canada and the Rufous, Calliope, Anna's, and Black-chinned in western Canada. All species are migratory except Anna's Hummingbird, which can overwinter in coastal British Columbia.

Using the right hummingbird feeder is the key to attracting hummingbirds in Canada. These birds are fast, precise, and highly consistent once they trust a food source. Once hummingbirds find a clean feeder with reliable hummingbird food, they often return to the same location daily.

How to Attract Hummingbirds in Canada

Use a clean hummingbird feeder, fill it with fresh nectar, place it in a visible location, and maintain it consistently. The most important factor is having your feeder ready before they arrive — hummingbirds scout feeding locations on arrival and return to the same spots season after season.

Recommended Hummingbird Feeder

A clean hummingbird feeder is the foundation of a successful setup. The most important factor is ease of cleaning and reliable nectar access.

Glass Hummingbird Feeder — Bee Proof & Ant Moat

This glass hummingbird feeder is designed to reduce bees and ants while keeping nectar clean and accessible for hummingbirds across Canada.

Hummingbird Food Recipe

Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. No dye, no additives, no honey. This is the only nectar recipe hummingbirds need.

• 1 cup white sugar
• 4 cups water
• Boil for one minute, stir until fully dissolved
• Let cool completely before filling feeder
• Change every 2 to 3 days in warm weather to prevent bacteria

See our complete hummingbird nectar recipe guide for Canada.

Hummingbird Species in Canada

Ruby-throated Hummingbird — Eastern Canada

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common hummingbird in Canada and the dominant species across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. It is the species most Canadian backyard birders will attract with a standard nectar feeder.

The male is instantly recognizable by its iridescent ruby-red throat patch, called a gorget, which shifts from black to brilliant red depending on the light. The female is green on top with a white throat and rounded tail feathers.

Arrival and Departure — Eastern Canada

• Ontario and Quebec — arrive early to mid-May, depart late August to mid-September
• New Brunswick and Nova Scotia — arrive mid-May, depart September
• Manitoba — arrive late May, depart late August

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are creatures of habit. They return to the same feeding locations year after year, which means setting your feeder out before they arrive is the single most effective thing you can do to attract them consistently.

Feeding Behaviour

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed 5 to 8 times per hour and consume roughly half their body weight in nectar daily. They are highly territorial and will defend a feeder aggressively against other hummingbirds. Placing two feeders out of sightline from each other is one of the most effective ways to attract multiple birds to your yard at the same time.

Rufous Hummingbird — Western Canada

The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is the primary breeding hummingbird in British Columbia and is also seen in Alberta during migration. The male has a distinctive orange-red body with an iridescent red-orange throat. The female is green with rusty-orange sides and tail markings.

The Rufous is one of the most aggressive hummingbirds in North America and will defend feeding territory fiercely despite its small size.

Arrival and Departure — Western Canada

• British Columbia — arrive late March to April, depart July to August
• Alberta — seen during spring and fall migration, May and August

Rufous Hummingbirds have one of the longest migration routes of any bird relative to body size, traveling from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest and back each year.

Feeding Behaviour

Like the Ruby-throated, the Rufous feeds on nectar and small insects. A standard red glass nectar feeder with bee-proof ports works equally well for Rufous Hummingbirds. The same 1 part sugar to 4 parts water nectar ratio applies — no dye, no additives.

Calliope Hummingbird — British Columbia & Alberta

The Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is the smallest bird in Canada, weighing just 2.5 grams. Despite its tiny size it migrates thousands of kilometres each year. Found primarily in the mountain regions of British Columbia and Alberta, the male has a distinctive streaked magenta throat that sets it apart from other Canadian species.

Arrival and Departure

• British Columbia and Alberta — arrive May, depart July to August

The Calliope responds well to standard nectar feeders and the same 1 part sugar to 4 parts water recipe applies.

Anna's Hummingbird — British Columbia

The Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is unique among Canadian hummingbirds — it is the only species that does not fully migrate south for winter. Some individuals remain in coastal British Columbia year round, making it the only hummingbird Canadians can potentially see in January. The male has a striking rose-pink head and throat that glitters in sunlight.

Arrival and Departure

• British Columbia (coastal) — year-round resident in mild areas, most active spring through fall

If you live in the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island, keeping a feeder up through winter can attract Anna's Hummingbirds even in cold months.

Black-chinned Hummingbird — Southern British Columbia

The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is found in the southern interior of British Columbia, particularly in the Okanagan Valley. The male has a distinctive black chin with a violet-purple band below. It is less common than the Rufous or Anna's but a regular visitor to backyard feeders in its range.

Arrival and Departure

• Southern BC interior — arrive May, depart August to September

The same standard nectar feeder and 1 part sugar to 4 parts water recipe works equally well for Black-chinned Hummingbirds.

Quick Comparison — Hummingbird Species in Canada

Whether you are in eastern or western Canada, the setup is the same — a clean red glass feeder, fresh nectar changed every two to three days, and a reliable location the birds can find and return to season after season.

Shop our Glass Hummingbird Feeder — Bee Proof & Ant Moat