Hi bizzarbazzar! The map I think you are referring to is tracking one specific type of hummingbird - the Ruby-Throated, which mostly breeds in Eastern North America, although on occassion, a few sneek west.

Where you are, there are several different types (they are described on hummingbird.net) and I'm not aware of any tracking maps of their movements as comprehensive as that one for the Ruby-throated (although there is a link on that site for a map of a Rufous migration about 5 or so years). In fact, some of the western hummers tend to hang around due to the different climate in the west and the various birds' ability to handle the mild winter temperatures.

And just as a clarification - when I say "mild winter temperatures" - I mean coastal west. I know the temps where you are can go through some major swings and a hummer would most likely migrate further south towards Arizona and Mexico.

I think you all might get Calliopes and Buff-bellied among others there.

THANK YOU THANK YOU Jenny, I must have read it wrong. I was so worried about not seeing my little ones out here. I am building a barren weed bin of a yard (we just bought this place) into a hummingbird garden in front, side yeard for butterflies and back yard for veggies for us. I am going to go back to the website and pay more attention now that I am not so discouraged. Thanks so much again! Take care

bizzarbazzar, There are lots of sites that give information about hummingbird breeding ranges, etc. Just try googling Montana, hummingbirds, range maps, etc etc.

From what I can see, the major species of breeding hummingbirds in Montana are the Calliope and Rufous. There are also Broad-tailed breeding in the west, and Black-chinned, plus occasional ruby-throats, as well, up in the north central part. Anna's and Costa's are listed as transients.

Take a look at this website, and you will find range maps for the various hummingbirds found in Montana. It's a government, fish and wildlife type site, so they ought to know. I'm not sure where you are in Montana, but I hope it's in the west. There just don't seem to be many hummingbirds at all in the southeast and central parts of the state. They're mostly found in the mountainous west.

Some advice about the website--I found that if you used the search feature, the site got flaky. It's best to just click on the species, and you should be able to get a range map. If you go to the bottom of the page and click on "Montana Bird List," then click on "General Search" on the left, you will get to a query page that will allow you to scroll down to whatever species of bird you want, then track down more specific sighting information. The results will display code letters for the type of sighting--Direct evidence of breeding, Indirect evidence of breeding, transient, overwintering, etc. If you're really intensely interested, you might consider wading through this query feature. Otherwise, just read the info, look at the range maps, and see what species might be seen in your area.

Here is a link that might be useful: Montana hummingbird ranges

bizzarbazzar
Below is the Link to Stacy Jon Peterson's Website for western hummers. The only two species that have their migration officiall mapped are the Rufous and Ruby-throat but I think you will find lots of good info on his website and there is a link to email him with questions or sitings as well.

Stacy posts here occasionally also so he may see your post and reply.

Penny

Here is a link that might be useful: Hummingbird Research & Records

Thank you thank you for the links. I have been spending so much time on those last 2 sites I havent been on GW too much! :)