Hummingbirds are a beloved bird species known for their incredibly fast wing beats and ability to hover in midair as they drink nectar from flowers. Cherry blossom trees are known for their beautiful pink and white flowers that bloom in the spring. So do hummingbirds like visiting cherry blossom trees?
The short answer is yes, hummingbirds do enjoy visiting cherry blossom trees when they are in bloom. The nectar from the cherry blossom flowers provides an excellent food source for hummingbirds. And the blooms attract insects that hummingbirds also eat. Let’s take a deeper look at the connection between hummingbirds and cherry blossoms.
Why Are Hummingbirds Drawn to Cherry Blossoms?
Hummingbirds are drawn to cherry blossoms for two main reasons:
Nectar
The nectar produced by cherry blossom flowers provides hummingbirds with a high energy food source. Hummingbirds have very fast metabolisms and must eat frequently throughout the day to maintain their energy. They prefer flowers with adequate supplies of high-sugar nectar, like that produced by cherry blossoms. The protein in the nectar is also beneficial.
Insects
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds eat small insects for essential amino acids and fat. The blooming cherry blossoms attract many pollinating insects, like bees, flies, and beetles. Hummingbirds will hawk flying insects around the trees or glean insects from the blossoms. So the flowers serve as both food sources and insect magnets.
When Do Hummingbirds Visit Cherry Blossoms?
Hummingbirds will visit cherry blossom trees during the relatively short window when they are in peak bloom. This window typically spans about two weeks.
The exact timing of cherry blossom blooms depends on the climate and varies by location. But in general, they bloom in early to mid spring. Here are some typical cherry blossom bloom times in popular destinations:
| Location | Bloom Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Washington DC | Mid March – Early April |
| Philadelphia | Early to Mid April |
| Portland, Oregon | Mid March – Mid April |
| Vancouver, BC | Early to Mid April |
| Seattle | Mid March – Early April |
Hummingbirds that live year round or migrate through these areas will time their visits to cherry trees to coincide with peak blooms. The wave of blossoms provides a temporary bounty of food before the flowers fade.
How Do Hummingbirds Feed From Cherry Blossoms?
Hummingbirds have specialized beaks and tongues that allow them to retrieve nectar from flowers. Their long, slender beaks fit perfectly into the trumpet-shaped blossoms of cherry trees.
When feeding, hummingbirds will hover near the blossoms and extend their tongue deep into each flower. Their tongues have forked tips that soak up nectar. Hummingbirds also have grooves on their tongues that channel liquid nectar by capillary action.
This efficient nectar retrieval system allows hummingbirds to feed from up to 1,000 cherry blossom flowers per day! They move quickly from flower to flower, feeding on the wing.
Hummingbirds also use their perches among the branches to scout for insects around the trees. They capture insects in midair or pick them directly from flowers using their beaks.
Signs Hummingbirds Are Visiting Cherry Trees
How can you tell if hummingbirds are feeding at your cherry blossom tree? Here are some signs to look for:
Sightings
Of course, the best indication is actually seeing hummingbirds. Look for their swift flight and hovering wings. You may spot one perched briefly on a branch between flowers. But they move very quickly, so prolonged sightings are rare.
High-Pitched Chattering
Listen closely and you may hear the high-pitched chattering sounds male hummingbirds make to attract females or defend territories. This vocalization is a good clue hummingbirds are in the area.
Empty Flowers
Check the cherry blossoms for signs of nectar feeding. Flowers with drops of leftover nectar or empty blossoms picked clean are evidence of hummingbird visitors.
Missing Insects
Pay attention to any insects around the tree, especially small gnats, aphids, or spiders. Missing bugs indicate hummingbirds may be hunting them for food.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Cherry Trees
Here are some tips to make your cherry blossom tree even more attractive to hummingbirds during bloom season:
Plant Nectar-Producing Flowers Nearby
Provide other nectar sources like lantana, bee balm, and trumpet vine near the cherry tree. This gives hummingbirds alternate food options before and after the short blossom period.
Provide a Water Source
A mister, dripler, or small fountain placed close to the tree provides a water source for hummingbirds to drink and bathe. This encourages them to stick around longer.
Avoid Pesticides
Pesticide use will reduce the insect population that draws in hummingbirds. Avoid chemical treatments on or near cherry trees when hummingbirds are present.
Add a Feeder
Supplement blossoms by hanging a hummingbird feeder filled with nectar mix in the tree. Use a red colored feeder that is easy for them to find.
Provide Perches
Hummingbirds like to perch between flower visits. Place sticks, poles or hanging branches near blossoms to provide extra perches.
Conclusion
The takeaway is that hummingbirds are strongly attracted to cherry blossom trees when they are blooming. The nectar rich flowers and influx of insects create excellent feeding opportunities.
To sum up the key points:
– Hummingbirds feed on cherry blossom nectar and insects attracted to the flowers.
– Peak visitation coincides with peak bloom in early to mid spring.
– Watch for sightings, sounds, blossom clues and missing insects as signs of hummingbirds.
– You can make trees more attractive by adding flowers, water, perches and avoiding chemicals.
So next time cherry trees bloom in your area, be sure to look for visiting hummingbirds enjoying the blossoms! These speedy birds add extra magic to the springtime blooms.
