Attracting Hummingbirds

Today there are approximately 340 known species of hummingbirds.  The one that we find most often in our backyards here in Oklahoma is the Ruby-throated hummingbird.  The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird that nests east of the Mississippi River.

Traveling a great distance to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America, many Ruby-throated hummingbirds fly across the Gulf of Mexico, returning to nest by the same route.  Migration northward begins as early as February.  The return flight extends from late July until late October.

The Ruby-throated hummingbirds commonly nest in open woodlands, parks and gardens where their favorite flowers are in good supply.  To start attracting hummingbirds to your garden add a few of the plants they like to your landscape.  There is a wide selection of annuals, perennials, woody vines, shrubs and trees that attract hummingbirds.  The hummingbird is very attracted to red flowers, but orange-red or orange-pink will also due.

A second way of attracting hummingbirds is by providing them with a sugar-water solution in specially designed feeders.  Placing the feeders near a window or on your porch will allow you to enjoy watching the hummingbirds.  But keep in mind that hummingbirds like to be where cover is provided, so place your feeders where there is a tree or shrub close by.

Once hummingbirds become accustomed to a yard, they come back year after year, usually bringing friends and family with them next time around.  A garden designed for hummingbirds is a special and rewarding place. In providing habitat for hummingbirds, gardeners increase their enjoyment and fulfill the needs of these gorgeous creatures who will quickly find themselves right at home in your garden. 

Don't let your feeders become dirty or allow the solution to remain over about 5-7 days. It will spoil and could actually harm the hummingbirds. Always wash your hummingbird feeder thoroughly when re-filling.

 A Few Plants Hummingbirds Like:

HUMMINGBIRD FACTS:

• The smallest bird in the world, the Cuban bee hummingbird, is 2 1/4 inches long - about the size of a bumble bee.
• Hummingbirds, like helicopters, can hover. They can also move ahead, sideways, or backward at will.
• A ruby-throated hummingbird, weighing about one tenth of an ounce, can travel 600 miles in migration.
• Hummingbirds not only sip nectar, but also eat tiny insects and spiders. They may drink up to eight times their body weight daily in water.
• Although their normal body temperature is about 103°F (40°C), it may drop to 70°F (21°C) at night. They have the ability to endure temporary cool weather or cool nights by becoming dormant.
• Flying consumes a great deal of a hummingbird's energy. Wing-beats have been measured at 20-200 beats per second.