Attracting Hummingbirds

I have been asked by friends and visitors to my Backyard Habitat, “How do you get Hummingbirds to visit?” First of all, when attracting any wildlife to your gardens, you must provide the basic needs for survival, food, water and shelter, but in the case of hummingbirds the most important ingredient is food.

They will quickly become regulars and provide you with hours of entertainment.  If you do put up a feeder be prepared for work. They are high- maintenance and require regular cleaning and constant filling. Some days during heavy migration, I have to fill my containers twice a day and in very hot weather cleaning every couple of days to prevent the syrup from spoiling.

When buying a nectar feeder, get one with lots of splashy red, for red is the best color for attracting these birds. Fill the container with plain sugar water avoiding the use of red food coloring. I use a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil. Boil for one minute, then let cool completely before filling the feeder. If this is your first feeder you might consider using a ratio of 3 to1 for a sweeter treat and to hold their attention. Once they are regulars then go to the 4 to1 ratio. 

Before bird feeders became popular, Hummingbirds depended on the nectar from flowers. Even with several feeders, they will still rely on flowers for food. When selecting flowers for your Hummingbird garden, you have to think like a Hummingbird.  Color is foremost in getting the attention of these birds. Select plants that are bright in color, such as red, orange red or bright pink.

Next pick flowers with deep tubular shapes and with the tubes arranged around the stem so they point outward or upward. When planting, allow plenty of wing room, so the birds can easily circle the plant and not have to work in crowed quarters. You will find that once the birds have “found” your garden, the color of the flower is not as important. Just make sure you plant clusters of flowers that include their red hot  favorites.

Here is a list of the more common favorites I have planted in my gardens. Most of the plants I have selected can be planted in most any zone: Wild columbines (Aquilegia Canadensis, A. Formosa Butterfly bush (Buddleia devidil) Delphiniums (Delphinium spp.) Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) Penstemons (Penstemon spp.) Salvias

• Phlox
• Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
• Lillies (Lilium spp.)
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
• Butterfly Weed ( Asclepias tuberosa)
• Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens)
• Spider flower cleome (Cleome hassleriana)
• Scarlet Runner Bean
• Fuchsia
• Weigela
• Foxglove (Digitalis)
• Heuchera
• Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
• Gay feather (Liatria)
• Hosta
• Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum)
• Morning glory vine (Ipomoea coccinea)
• Zinnia

I have only  touched on the subject of attracting Hummingbirds. Below is a list of some very good resources if you really want to research Nature's Little Jewels and their behaviors.   

To test your knowledge of Hummingbirds take this quiz - Hummingbird Quiz, How many facts do you know?

Hummingbirds.net - an excellent source for information on attracting or studying North American Hummingbirds.

R.W. Scott "Birds in Flight" - outstanding photos of hummingbirds in flight.

Birds - Everything About Hummingbirds - This site contains many links for addition information.

My favorite books:

Attracting Butterflies & Hummingbirds to Your Backyard by Sally Roth, 

the Backyard Bird Feeder's BIBLE by Sally Roth

Attracting BIRDS to Your Backyard 536 Ways to Turn Your Yard and Garden into a Haven for Your Favorite Birds by Sally Roth

Sunset Western Garden Book by the editors of Sunset Books and Sunset Magazine