Hummingbird Info

With proper plantings, the right feeders and nectar, it is possible to attract "hummers". In this area of the country we can attract the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Despite its tiny size (3 1/4" & 1/10 oz.) it has been known to attract and drive off birds as large as Crows and Hawks. Males have brilliant metallic red throats that can appear black in the shade or at certain angles, females have a white throat. Both have iridescent backs and wings. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates from southern Canada to as far south as Panama, along a route that may cross the Gulf of Mexico, a flight of 500 miles.

Hummingbirds can fly in every direction; up, down, sideways and even upside-down to escape a predator. In forward flight they can reach speeds of 60 MPH. Although Hummers favor red flowers they will take nectar from flowers of all colors. They are not born with this preference but learn through trial and error that red means food. Hummers have the highest metabolism rate in the avian world and therefore must eat tremendous quantities of food to fuel themselves. Nectar is an easily digested source of quick energy for these birds. They have two major food sources; flower nectar and tiny spiders, bugs and insects.

Tubular flowers of bright red, oranges and pink attract Hummers. The most important thing you can do to attract these birds to your garden is to plant flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs and vines so that something is always in bloom during the spring and summer. Hummers are drawn to special feeders stocked with sugar water. The advantage of feeders is that they put the birds where you can see them. HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR IS SIMPLE - ONE PART WHITE GRANULATED SUGAR TO FOUR PARTS WATER. BOIL THE WATER, ADD THE SUGAR, STIR TO DISSOLVE THOROUGHLY AND LET THE SOLUTION COOL. Store unused solution in the refrigerator. Every 4 or 5 days take the feeders down and clean thoroughly with hot water and a little vinegar added to prevent mold for being established. Scrub feeders with a baby bottlebrush or one made specifically for these feeders, and rinse well before filling again. Do not use honey because it is a medium for the growth of a fungus that can infect the tongues of Hummingbirds. Also red food coloring is not necessary nor is it desirable. Ants, flies, bees and wasps also enjoy the sweet, sticky solution. To keep ants from climbing down the wire holding the feeder you can install an ant moat. Hummers are extremely competitive over food supplies, feeders and flowers. They will dive at one another and may make a variety of buzzing and clicking sounds. Several feeders and many tubular flowers will help.

Other birds besides Hummers will be attracted to these feeders, especially if the feeder has a perch. Non-hummer visitors can include Sparrows, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Orioles, and Downy & Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

Not only do flowers provide the Hummers with nectar; they attract tiny insects that are an important part of the Hummers diet. Plant flowers in clusters rather than scattering then around the yard. By providing Hummingbird feeders and the following plantings you are likely to attract our fascinating, tiny friends.

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