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.
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This species is characteristic of mountain meadows, and the distinctive trilling whistle of the male can be heard easily as it hovers near low flowers or flies full speed high over head. This loud trill is made by air moving quickly through gaps in the wing tip feathers. The nest is tended only by the female and is a tiny cup made of spider webbing, lichens and plant down. It is placed on a horizontal branch, often in a shrub near a mountain stream. Food is flower nectar, insects and spiders caught on leaves, and occasionally tree sap.