Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Hummingbirds are small, fast-flying birds that have the ability to hover in mid-air and fly backwards. They get their name from the audible humming noise created by their rapidly beating wings. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas and many species migrate annually to spend the winter in warmer climates like South Florida.
Common hummingbird species in Ft. Lauderdale
Some of the most common hummingbird species spotted in Ft. Lauderdale include:
| Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Green upperparts and white underparts with metallic red throat (male). Duller green and white females with white tips on tail feathers. |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Bright orange-red throat patch (male) with some iridescent orange on the back. Female is green above and white below with rust colored spots on flanks. |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Dark purplish throat with white below. Metallic green above and white tips on outer tail feathers. |
| Buff-bellied Hummingbird | Golden green upperparts with metallic violet-red throat and bright white underparts. |
The Ruby-throated is the most widespread and commonly observed hummingbird in eastern North America. However, south Florida and the Ft. Lauderdale area attracts several western hummingbird species during winter migration, like the Rufous and Black-chinned. The Buff-bellied is an uncommon but regular visitor along Florida’s southeast coast.
When to see hummingbirds in Ft. Lauderdale
In Ft. Lauderdale, the peak time to observe hummingbirds is between November and March. This coincides with the winter migration period when many western species arrive from their breeding grounds. However, it’s possible to spot hummingbirds at other times of the year as some may take up temporary residence or linger into the spring. Generally speaking, hummingbird activity is highest in the winter due to the influx of migratory birds.
Common hummingbird flowers in Ft. Lauderdale
Hummingbirds are attracted to blooms with ample nectar that’s easy to access. Here are some popular flowering plants that attract hummingbirds in Ft. Lauderdale gardens:
| Plant | Description |
|---|---|
| Coral Honeysuckle | A climbing vine with trumpet-shaped orange and red flowers rich in nectar. |
| Firebush | A tropical shrub with bright red tubular flowers that bloom spring through fall. |
| Angel’s Trumpet | Hanging flowers shaped like trumpets in shades of white, yellow, pink and orange. |
| Cigar Plant | Unique tubular red flowers that look like cigars, blooms year-round. |
| Salvia | Spiked flowers in reds, pinks, purples, and whites rich in nectar. |
These plants provide a continuous nectar source for hummingbirds visiting south Florida gardens. Other popular hummingbird flowers include lantana, fuchsia, aloe vera, trumpet vine, and ornamental gingers. Producing bright, tubular flowers with easy access to nectar will help attract these small pollinators.
Best flowering plants by season
Some of the top Ft. Lauderdale hummingbird plants by bloom season:
Winter – Coral honeysuckle, firebush, fuchsia, cigar plant, aloe vera
Spring – Firebush, angel’s trumpet, salvia, red buckeye, columbine
Summer – Salvia, coral honeysuckle, trumpet vine, lantana
Fall – Angel’s trumpet, firebush, fuchsia, cigar plant, Turk’s cap
Choosing a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times ensures nectar is available year-round. Mix annuals and perennials to provide food from early spring through late fall.
Attracting hummingbirds with feeders
In addition to planting nectar-rich flowers, Ft. Lauderdale residents can also attract hummingbirds to their yard using feeders. Here are some tips:
Use the right feeder style
Select a hummingbird feeder with a shallow basin and multiple small perches. This allows easy access for these tiny birds. Avoid feeders with yellow colored plastic as it’s attractive to bees. Red colored feeders are preferred by hummingbirds.
Use proper nectar mix
Fill feeders with a 1:4 ratio of white sugar to water. Avoid honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or brown sugar. Change the nectar every 2-3 days, especially in hot weather when it can spoil. Clean feeders thoroughly before refilling.
Hang at the right height
Position feeders at eye level or slightly above. Hanging low encourages ants while too high makes it difficult for hummingbirds to access. Ideal height is about 5 feet off the ground.
Avoid bees
Use bee guards on feeder ports or place feeders in shady spots away from sunlight to discourage bees. Ant moats can help deter ants from climbing up the hanger.
Provide shelter
Hummingbirds appreciate small trees, shrubs, and woody vines near feeders so they can perch and seek shelter. Nearby water from a mister, fountain, or small pond also helps attract them.
Unique traits of hummingbirds
Here are some interesting facts about the unique traits and abilities of hummingbirds:
Fastest bird
The hummingbird is the fastest bird, reaching flight speeds of 30 mph with wings beating up to 70 times per second. This allows them to stop mid-air and fly rapidly in all directions.
Backward flight
Hummingbirds are the only bird that can fly backwards by rotating their wings in a figure 8 pattern and using their tail to stabilize. They use this ability to get nectar while hovering at flowers.
Long distance migration
Despite being only inches long, some hummingbird species migrate incredible distances. Ruby-throated hummingbirds fly nonstop 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico twice a year.
Low body temperature
Hummingbirds have an exceptionally low body temperature for birds, averaging only 93 F compared to 105 F for most birds. This helps conserve energy when food is scarce.
High metabolism
The hummingbird has the highest metabolism of any animal relative to its size. At rest, its heart rate can be up to 1,260 beats per minute. To conserve energy overnight, they go into a hibernation-like state called torpor.
Ant siphon tongue
Hummingbirds have a tongue adapted for nectar feeding that extends past the tip of the bill. The grooves trap nectar via capillary action, essentially lapping it up like a cat. When retracted, the tongue wraps around the skull to fit inside the bill.
Behavior and habits
In addition to physical traits, hummingbirds exhibit some interesting behaviors and habits:
Aggressive defenders
Hummingbirds aggressively defend nectar feeders and flowers in their territory from other hummingbirds or pollinators. Males perform dramatic display dives to intimidate intruders.
Sun basking
Hummingbirds will perch in sunny spots early in the day, orienting their body to maximize sun exposure. This helps raise their body temperature and metabolism before visiting flowers.
Rain grooving
Tiny grooves on some hummingbird feathers capture raindrops, which then roll off the tapered tips. This rain-resistant design allows the birds to forage even in light rain.
Bathing
Hummingbirds keep their feathers clean and waterproof by taking frequent baths. They perform aerial baths by skimming back and forth across water surfaces, scattering droplets throughout their plumage.
Pugnacious pollinators
Despite their small size, hummingbirds are scrappy, territorial pollinators. They play an important role in plant pollination, especially for tubular and red-colored flowers their shape and vision co-evolved with.
Attracting and spotting hummingbirds in urban areas
Even Ft. Lauderdale residents without sprawling backyards can attract hummingbirds by understanding their needs:
Plant potted flowers
Corner balconies and door stoops offer space for a few potted hummingbird favorites like lantana, petunias, or fuchsia. Use hanging baskets to expand options.
Set up feeders
Small covered porches or balconies can accommodate compact hummingbird feeders to supplement urban blooms. Use hangers to display them in optimal viewing spots.
Offer water
Hummingbirds bathe and drink frequently. Provide water in a mister bottle or fountain attached near feeders and flowers on porches or patios.
Use red accents
Paint doors, outdoor furniture, fences, or structures red to catch the eye of passing hummingbirds and attract them onto properties with urban plantings.
Visit public gardens
Parks, university campuses, and botanical gardens often cultivate hummingbird gardens more likely to attract these visitors even in the middle of a city.
Conclusion
In summary, Ft. Lauderdale residents can expect regular visits from hummingbirds, especially in the winter months when migratory species arrive. Attracting them is possible even in urban areas by providing nectar flowers, feeders, and water sources. Hummingbirds are fascinating, energetic pollinators exhibiting unique behaviors and physical abilities that birdwatchers delight in observing. With the right habitat and feeding conditions, these tiny dynamos will become delightful visitors to gardens across the city. Their buzzing wings and glittering colors provide joy while they energetically carry out their key role as pollinators in the region’s ecosystems.
