Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

One of the most-beloved birds, hummingbirds are fascinating to watch. Hummingbirds such as the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird inspire bird lovers with their iridescent green body and throat which appears ruby red in sunlight.

Hummingbird Facts

There are approximately 340 species of hummingbirds living in the western hemisphere with 16 species residing in the US and Canada. Their small size, incredible beauty and the fact they are relatively easy to attract makes them one of the most interesting birds to watch.

The wings of a hummingbird can flap 70 to 80 times per second and this beloved tiny bird can fly up to 60 miles per hour. They are the smallest bird and can eat nearly twice their weight in nectar and insects every day. Fascinating to watch, hummingbirds can hover, fly up, backwards and sideways. They have small feet suitable for perching, although they are much more comfortable flying.

The long beak of hummingbirds is designed for feeding from flowers. This makes hummingbirds more efficient at spreading pollen than many insects are. Hummingbirds accumulate pollen on their bill and throat and allows for easy transferring from flower to flower. And since hummingbirds need to keep their energy up, hummingbirds will visit feeders and flowers even on cold, rainy days when many insects are not as active.

Flowers that Attract Humming Birds to Your Garden

Hummingbirds are attracted to tubular red flowers such as those found on Honeysuckle. Other vines which attract hummingbirds include trumpet vines and rosary vine. Flowering bushes such as Azaleas, Lilacs and Butterfly Bushes are favorite visiting spots for hummingbirds as well.

Long-blooming garden favorites such as Bee Balm and Hollyhocks add beauty to your garden as well as attract hummingbirds. Other perennials that attract hummingbirds include Columbine, Cosmos and Dahlias.

Feeders Help Attract Hummingbirds

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, consider adding a hummingbird feeder. Look for hummingbird feeders designed to keep wasps, ants and bees out. Nectar can be purchased at most bird and outdoor stores or you can make your own hummingbird nectar by using ordinary white cane sugar and mixing one part sugar with four parts of water. There is no need to add food coloring as the hummingbirds will be able to find and eat the nectar. Any leftover nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

When using a hummingbird feeder to attract hummingbirds, be sure to keep the feeder clean and nectar fresh. Wild Birds Unlimited recommends cleaning the hummingbird feeder with hot water and a soft brush every three to four days.

Hang your hummingbird feeder in a location that is easy to see, yet remains safe for the hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, so try using a feeder that is red in color.

Hummingbirds prefer a shower over a bird bath. Consider setting up a showering system to attract and cool these tiny birds. Hang a soda bottle filled with water from a tree and use a pin to poke a small hole in the bottom. The dripping water may encourage hummingbirds to fly through for a brief shower before or after getting a bite to eat. There are also showering systems available for purchase at many bird retailers.

Sources:

Tekiela, Stan. Birds of Iowa Field Guide. MN: Adventure Publications, 2000.

Baily, Kim "Attracting and Studying Hummingbirds." Teaching Green, New Society Publishers, 2004.

Wild Birds Unlimited