Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard visitor for many homeowners. Watching their acrobatic flights and hover-feeding is an enjoyable way to connect with nature. To attract these tiny birds, many people put out feeders or plant flowers that hummingbirds favor. But which strategy works better: feeders or flowers?
Quick Summary
Both feeders and flowers have pros and cons for hummingbird care. Feeders provide a consistent, concentrated food source, especially early and late in the season when few flowers are blooming. However, they require more maintenance to keep clean. Flowers provide natural feeding opportunities that more closely mimic how hummingbirds forage in the wild. But bloom seasons are limited for many species. Using a combination of feeders and strategic plantings of hummingbird-friendly flowers will create an attractive habitat for these energetic pollinators.
Do Hummingbirds Prefer Flowers or Feeders?
Hummingbirds will visit both feeders and flowers, as they are opportunistic feeders driven by their high metabolism and energy needs. Their preference depends partly on what food sources are available. During spring migration and late summer/fall migration, flower availability is lower so feeders may see more traffic. At the height of summer when many species are blooming, hummers will spend more time foraging on flowers. Planting a diversity of hummingbird-pollinated flowers that bloom in succession from spring through fall will provide natural food sources all season long.
Flowers Pros
- Provide nutrients not found in sugar water like proteins, vitamins, minerals
- Give a more natural feeding experience
- Attract hummingbirds with colors, shapes, scents
- Bloom at different times, extending food availability
- Provide important pollen for protein
- Help support plant reproduction through pollination
Flowers Cons
- Bloom seasons are relatively short
- Planting, maintaining gardens takes more work
- Don’t provide food as reliably/consistently as feeders
- Aren’t as concentrated as nectar feeders
Feeders Pros
- Offer concentrated, consistent energy supply
- Allow close-up observation and photography
- Provide food when few flowers are blooming
- Are more reliable food source, especially during migration
- Require less space than gardens
- Offer control over sugar/water ratio
Feeders Cons
- Must be cleaned regularly to prevent mold, bacteria
- Only provide sugar water, not complete nutrition
- Can attract bees, wasps, ants
- May lead to feeder aggression between hummers
- Not as natural as flower foraging
Do Hummingbirds Have a Favorite Flower?
Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular flowers with lots of nectar, especially those that are red in color. Some of their favorite flowers include:
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Columbine
- Coral honeysuckle
- Foxglove
- Fuchsia
- Impatiens
- Penstemon
- Petunia
- Salvia
- Trumpet creeper
- Zinnia
Native plants tend to be best adapted to attract hummingbirds in your particular region. Consult with local nurseries or extension services to select the top species for your area.
How to Use Flowers and Feeders Together
Taking advantage of both feeders and flowers creates an optimal habitat for hummingbirds in your yard. Here are some tips for a combined approach:
- Hang feeders in open areas to provide supplemental feeding
- Plant flower beds, borders, and containers with a variety of hummingbird favorites
- Focus on flowers with different bloom seasons to provide nectar spring through fall
- Site flowers and feeders within view of windows/seating areas for easy viewing
- Avoid using pesticides to keep flower and feeder areas safe
- Place feeders and flowering plants relatively close together to create a hummingbird zone
Having nearby perching sites, such as small trees and shrubs, will also encourage hummingbirds to stay and feed in your yard.
Best Flowers for Each Season
Choosing a variety of flowers that bloom in successive seasons will provide natural food from spring arrival through fall migration. Here are some standout options:
Spring
- Columbine
- Coral honeysuckle
- Fuchsia
- Lilac
- Penstemon
- Salvia
Summer
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Crocosmia
- Impatiens
- Petunia
- Trumpet vine
- Zinnia
Fall
- Autumn sage
- Butterfly bush
- Canna lily
- Firebush
- Sages
Consult local resources to select the particular species and cultivars that will do best in your specific area.
Creating a Helpful Habitat
Beyond food sources, there are other elements that can make your yard more attractive and helpful for hummingbirds:
- Water – Provide a water feature like a birdbath or fountain for drinking and bathing. Mist shower attachments can also provide water for hummingbird use.
- Shelter – Trees, shrubs, and trellises give shelter from wind, rain, and predators as well as perching sites.
- Nesting Sites – Allowing dead trees and branches to remain provides nesting cavities and materials.
- Native Plants – Native species are best adapted to your climate and pollinators.
- Pesticide Avoidance – Eliminate pesticide use which can be toxic to hummingbirds and reduce insect populations.
Creating a diverse habitat with flowers, feeders, water, and shelter will help attract and support hummingbirds in your yard.
Common Problems and Solutions for Flowers and Feeders
While flowers and feeders add beauty and interest to a yard, they can present some challenges. Here are solutions to some frequent issues:
Problem | Flowers | Feeders |
---|---|---|
Inadequate nectar/food | Add more varieties of tubular, red flowers | Increase sugar ratio to 1:4 in warm months |
Declining blooms | Deadhead to encourage new blooms. Stagger plantings. | Clean and refill feeder regularly |
Not attracting hummers | Add more preferred flower species. Place feeders nearby. | Use red feeders. Move location closer to flowers/shelter |
Ants | Use ant moats or barriers on plant pots | Use ant moats/guards on feeder poles |
Bees and wasps | Plant bee-pollinated flowers away from hummingbird zones | Use bee guards on feeder ports |
Moldy nectar | N/A | Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather |
Damage from pests/disease | Use organic controls, resistant varieties | Disinfect/replace feeders if needed |
Conclusion
Both feeders and flower plantings can effectively attract hummingbirds to your yard. For best results, use a combination approach. Flowers provide natural appeal through colors, scents, and blooms. They support pollination and offer more complete nutrition. Feeders reliably supplement food sources when fewer flowers are in bloom and allow close viewing. Careful feeder and garden maintenance is needed for success. But the beauty and activity hummingbirds bring is worth the effort!