Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in Port Saint Lucie, Florida throughout the year. The most common hummingbird species spotted in Port Saint Lucie are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Black-chinned Hummingbird.
When can you see hummingbirds in Port Saint Lucie?
Hummingbirds can be seen in Port Saint Lucie year-round. Here is an overview of when different hummingbird species pass through or reside in Port Saint Lucie:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – Present year-round, most abundant in spring and summer
- Rufous Hummingbirds – Present mostly during fall and winter migration
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds – Present mostly during fall and winter migration
- Calliope Hummingbirds – Rare sightings during spring and fall migration
- Anna’s Hummingbirds – Rare year-round residents
The most active hummingbird season in Port Saint Lucie is between March and June when Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are most plentiful. However, hummingbird enthusiasts can spot different species in Port Saint Lucie during every season with the right habitat and nectar feeders.
Spring migration (March – May)
In spring, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America to breed in eastern North America. Males typically arrive first in March and April, followed by females in April and May. Port Saint Lucie is abundant with blooming flowers and nesting sites during spring, making it an ideal stopover habitat for migrating Ruby-throats.
Summer (June – August)
During summer, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds nest and breed in Port Saint Lucie. Males establish breeding territories in May and perform courtship displays to attract females. Females build nests and raise one or two broods of chicks that fledge in June and July. Providing nectar feeders and flowering plants will help support local breeding Ruby-throats through the energy-intensive nesting season.
Fall migration (September – November)
In early fall, most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin migrating back to their winter grounds. At the same time, Rufous Hummingbirds arrive in Port Saint Lucie as they pass through the Southeast during their migration south from their breeding grounds. Black-chinned Hummingbirds also start showing up in Port Saint Lucie in late fall. Providing late-blooming nectar plants and clean feeders will help sustain migrating hummingbirds stopping through.
Winter (December – February)
During winter, Port Saint Lucie becomes home to many migrant and wintering hummingbird species that breed farther north. Regular winter hummingbirds include Rufous, Black-chinned, and in some years, Calliope Hummingbirds. A few Ruby-throats may overwinter in especially warm parts of Port Saint Lucie as well. Keeping feeders up through winter is crucial to help sustain hummingbird populations migrating through or overwintering in the area.
What kinds of hummingbirds live in Port Saint Lucie?
Here are details on the most common hummingbird species reported in Port Saint Lucie throughout the year:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Most abundant and widespread hummingbird in eastern North America
- Iridescent green backs and white undersides on males, plain green plumage on females
- Breed in eastern North America, winter in Mexico and Central America
- Favor nectar from tubular red flowers and sugar-water feeders
Rufous Hummingbird
- Common winter visitor and passage migrant
- Males have vivid orange plumage on throats, flanks, and tails
- Breed in northwestern North America, winter in Gulf Coast and Florida
- Attracted to red tubular flowers and feeders
Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Regular winter visitor and passage migrant
- Males have dark purplish throats with a thin white collar below
- Breed in western North America, winter in southeastern desert regions
- Prefer nectar from trumpet vine and pineapple sage flowers
Where to see hummingbirds in Port Saint Lucie
Some of the best places to observe hummingbirds in Port Saint Lucie include:
- Oxbow Eco-Center – Nature center with wildlife gardens and trails along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River
- Savannas Preserve State Park – Protected wetlands habitat with pine flatwoods and marsh ecosystems
- Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park – Coastal habitats like mangroves and dunes frequented by migrating hummingbirds
- Mariner’s Cove – Waterfront community with abundant gardens and natural areas
- Residential gardens and backyards with nectar feeders and flowers
Hummingbirds often frequent gardens and backyards with mature trees and plenty of nectar sources from flowers and feeders. Putting out nectar feeders and planting shrubs, vines, and flowers that attract hummingbirds can help draw them into your own yard.
Best flowers for hummingbirds in Port Saint Lucie
Here are some of the best nectar-rich flowers that will attract hummingbirds to gardens in Port Saint Lucie:
| Flowers | Bloom Time |
|---|---|
| Trumpet Creeper | Summer |
| Coral Honeysuckle | Spring – Summer |
| Cardinal Flower | Summer |
| Firebush | Fall – Winter |
| Porterweed | Summer – Fall |
| Scarlet Sage | Fall – Winter |
Choosing a variety of tubular flowers in colors like red, orange, and pink that bloom in spring, summer, and fall will provide nectar for hummingbirds through the seasons.
Best hummingbird feeders and nectar for Port Saint Lucie
Here are some tips for the best hummingbird feeders and nectar to use in Port Saint Lucie:
- Choose feeders with red bases and red flower ports to attract hummingbirds
- Use a 20% sugar solution – Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water
- Avoid artificial colors and preservatures in nectar – plain white sugar is best
- Clean feeders every 3-5 days to prevent mold growth
- Place feeders in shaded spots to slow nectar spoilage
- Use gardens and feeders together to provide food sources
Having multiple feeders around your yard will prevent aggressive behavior and allow more hummers to feed. Strategically place feeders near flowers, trees, and shrubs to provide protected perching spots.
Hummingbird feeding behavior and habits
Understanding hummingbird behavior can help encourage more hummingbirds to visit your yard. Here are some key facts about hummingbird feeding:
- Hummingbirds feed every 10-15 minutes from dawn to dusk
- They consume up to 2-3 times their weight in nectar daily
- Their long, specialized beaks and tongues allow them to access nectar
- They lick nectar with their forked tongues at a rate of 13-17 licks per second
- Hummingbirds feed on small insects for protein as well
- They are extremely territorial around feeders and flowers
Providing a consistent and plentiful nectar supply in your garden and feeders will encourage hummingbirds to become regular visitors.
How to attract more hummingbirds to your yard
Here are some key tips for attracting hummingbirds to your yard in Port Saint Lucie:
- Plant a variety of nectar-rich, tubular flowers in red, orange, and pink colors
- Set up multiple feeders in shady areas around your yard
- Use a fresh 20% sugar-water nectar solution
- Choose feeders with a bright red base and flower ports
- Place feeders near trees, shrubs, and other perches
- Provide a small water feature or mister for birds to bathe and drink
- Deadhead flowers to promote more blooms
- Avoid using pesticides which can poison hummingbirds
Making your yard an attractive habitat full of food sources, water, shelter, and nesting areas will bring in more hummingbirds during all seasons.
Key facts about hummingbirds and nectar feeders
Here are some additional key facts and considerations when putting up hummingbird feeders:
- Female and juvenile hummingbirds are drab brown and can be hard to identify
- Red dye is not needed in nectar – the red feeder base is what attracts hummers
- Orioles, woodpeckers, and bees may also be attracted to feeders
- Clean feeders thoroughly before refilling to prevent mold
- Store unused nectar solution in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks
- Hummingbirds can remember reliable food sources from year to year
- Migrating hummers rely on nectar for energy reserves
Understanding proper feeder care and hummingbird feeding habits will help you successfully attract them.
Unique hummingbird behaviors to watch for
Here are some fascinating hummingbird behaviors you may observe in Port Saint Lucie:
- Courting displays – Males fly in loops and dive bombs to impress females.
- Chirping and chattering – Hummingbirds make squeaky vocalizations.
- Water bathing – Hummers splash in water features to bathe.
- Sunning – Perching in sunlight with feathers fluffed to stay warm.
- Dive bombing – Aggressive dives and chases to defend territory.
- Memory – Returns to reliable food sources yearly.
- Tongue flicking – Extends tongue in and out rapidly when feeding.
Observing interesting hummingbird antics can add an exciting new dimension to your birdwatching hobby.
How to identify hummingbirds in Port Saint Lucie
Here are some tips for identifying the most common hummingbird species seen in Port Saint Lucie:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- 4 inches long with a wingspan of 3-4 inches
- Males have an iridescent ruby red throat
- Females and juveniles are pale green above, white below
- Straight red bill, forked black tail with white tips
- Fast and direct flight pattern
Rufous Hummingbird
- 3.5 inches long with a 3.5 inch wingspan
- Males are bright orange with some green on back
- Females are green above, cream and rust colored below
- Dark, straight bill; notched rusty tail
- Aggressive posture around feeders
Black-chinned Hummingbird
- 3.5 inches long with 3.5 inch wingspan
- Males have dark purple throat with thin white collar below
- Females and juveniles pale green above, whitish below
- Dark straight bill, square tail with white tips
- Distinctive whistle-like song
Using a field guide and focusing on details like plumage color, bill shape, tail shape, and flight patterns can help positively identify species.
Threats and conservation issues facing hummingbirds
Some key threats and issues facing hummingbirds in Port Saint Lucie and beyond include:
- Habitat loss – Development, logging, agriculture destroy forests and meadows hummingbirds rely on.
- Climate change – Alters blooming cycles and migration patterns hummingbirds depend on.
- Pesticides – Chemical use can poison hummingbirds and insect prey.
- Outdoor cats – Predation of fledglings and nesting females by cats is problematic.
- Collision hazards – Windows, buildings, towers, and vehicles are collision risks.
- Disease – Protozoan diseases introduced at feeders can infect and kill hummers.
Supporting conservation groups, keeping cats indoors, using natural pest control, putting up window decals, and properly cleaning feeders can all help protect hummingbirds.
Fun facts about hummingbirds
Here are some fascinating and fun facts about hummingbirds:
- Their wings beat up to 200 times per second – allowing them to hover and fly backwards
- They have incredibly fast heart rates of over 500 beats per minute while active
- Hummingbirds have specialized forked tongues for drinking nectar
- They build tiny cup-shaped nests out of spiderwebs, moss, and lichen
- Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas – from Alaska to Chile
- They have amazing memory and can remember every flower they visit
- Their name comes from the humming sound caused by their rapid wingbeats
- They have poor sense of smell but excellent eyesight to see nectar flowers
- To conserve energy overnight, they go into a hibernation-like state called torpor
Hummingbirds are amazing, exotic-looking birds that capture the fascination of birdwatchers. Watching their antics around flowers and feeders in your own backyard provides hours of entertainment.
Conclusion
Port Saint Lucie is home to diverse hummingbird species throughout the year that birdwatchers delight in spotting. Providing nectar flowers, shrubs, and feeders can attract hummingbirds to your own property. Observing these energetic, glittering birds exhibit fascinating behaviors and adaptions provides an exciting way to connect with nature close-up. Doing your part by making your yard a hummingbird-friendly habitat helps support populations of these special birds.
