Posted by Stacy Spensley on Jun.19, 2010

If you live in North America, (excluding Hawaii) your area has hummingbirds. These tiny nectarivores can hover, beat their wings between 20-90 times per second, and are the only type of bird able to fly backwards!

Hummingbirds are territorial and have an average lifespan of four years, so once you attract the birds to your yard they are very likely to return. There are two ways to attract and feed hummingbirds: feeders and gardens.

Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbirds’ diets consist of small insects and plant nectar. They consume 2/3 of their body weight in food each day and eat every 10 minutes. By providing hummingbirds with nectar, they have more fuel for insect-hunting. There are many varieties of hummingbird feeders commercially available at garden centers, and if you have a large yard you might consider buying multiple feeders to attract more birds. If you have problems with wasps or yellow jackets, avoid feeders with yellow “flowers” that might attract them. Wash feeders regularly without soap, since residue can make the birds sick.

To fill the feeder, you can use commercial hummingbird nectar mixes, but it’s easy to make your own. Simply mix 1 part granulated white sugar and 4 parts water (1/2 cup sugar to 2 cups water) until sugar is dissolved. This concentration approximates flower nectar. Important: DO NOT use brown sugar, honey, or other unrefined sweeteners, or add red food coloring to your nectar. The iron present in unrefined sugar products is toxic to hummingbirds even in small amounts and food coloring can make them sick.

Hummingbird Gardens

Hummingbirds are naturally curious and will investigate potential sources of food. Providing brightly-colored nectar-producing flowers will lure hummingbirds to your yard. Avoid using pesticides on these plants as the hummingbirds could ingest the poisons from the flowers. Wild varieties tend to have more nectar than hybrid versions. Check with your local garden center to ensure that you’re not planting invasive or non-native species of plants, too.

Perennial flowers: bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, delphinium, foxglove, hollyhock, hosta, lupine, yucca

Annual flowers: firespike, fuchsia, impatiens, petunia, salvia (various types), tropical sage Vines: honeysuckle, morning glory, scarlet runner bean, trumpet creeper

Trees and shrubs: azalea, butterfly bush, citrus trees, hibiscus, lantana, manzanita, mimosa, rhododendron

Vines: bougainvillea, honeysuckle, morning glory, scarlet runner bean, trumpet creeper

Other Hummingbird Amenities

Because hummingbirds spend so much energy flying to find food it’s important that they have a place to perch. Providing a spot to rest will encourage hummingbirds to stay and feed longer in the same area. Shrubs or trees with twigs, clotheslines, or even tomato cages will make a good perch for the tiny birds. Hummingbirds do not use traditional bird baths, but a fountain or misting bath is a better choice. A fresh source of water is important to all creatures.

A nice side effect is that butterflies like many of the same flowers as hummingbirds. The major difference is that butterflies are attracted by scent and hummingbirds cannot smell and rely on their sight to find food. Next time you are at the garden center look for flowers that will help make your yard a haven for hummingbirds!

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Posted under Organic Garden.