On its summer breeding grounds, this species is a relatively common in coniferous forest near open meadows. Here it feeds on flower nectar, tree sap, small insects and spiders. Its nest is a tiny cup-like structure on a drooping limb low to high in the forest. It is made of plant down and covered with lichens and spider webbing. This hummingbird, for its size, is one of the most pugnacious species, and it readily chases almost all other hummingbirds as well as orioles and larger birds from its nectar sources. It is readily attracted to artificial nectar feeders, especially in migration.
The four-digit banding code is RUHU.
