Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds on the planet. Their ability to hover mid-air and drink nectar while beating their wings up to 80 times per second is truly remarkable. But beyond their unique adaptations, hummingbirds lead complex and dynamic lives. They migrate long distances, defend territory, court mates, and care diligently for their young. Understanding hummingbird behavior and preferences can help us support these special creatures by planting the right flowers and trees in our gardens. So do hummingbirds like evergreen trees? Let’s take a closer look.
What are hummingbirds attracted to?
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with ample nectar supplies. They have specially adapted long, straw-like tongues that allow them to drink nectar while hovering near blossoms. Hummingbirds also have excellent color vision and are drawn to red, orange, and pink tubular flowers. Some favorite flowering plants include:
- Trumpet vine
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Fuchsia
- Coral bells
- Salvia
- Petunias
- Morning glories
In addition to flowers, hummingbirds rely on trees and shrubs as perches and nesting sites. They tend to prefer open woodlands and forest edges that allow them to move freely between flowers, perches, and nests.
Do hummingbirds use evergreen trees?
Evergreen trees and shrubs definitely get used by hummingbirds. Evergreens provide valuable shelter and nesting sites for hummingbirds. Here are some of the main ways hummingbirds utilize evergreens:
Perching
Hummingbirds frequently perch on evergreen branches in between visits to flowers. The steady, sturdy branches give hummingbirds a place to rest. Species like Douglas fir and pine provide many exposed perching spots.
Nesting
Female hummingbirds build tiny, cup-shaped nests out of soft plant down, spider webs, lichen, and moss. They often situate these nests on evergreen branches. The densely needled branches help conceal nests from predators. Favored nesting evergreens include junipers, spruces, firs, and pines.
Shelter
Hummingbirds take shelter among evergreen boughs to stay dry in wet weather and escape extreme heat. The cover provided by evergreens is especially important for torpor, a short-term hibernation state hummingbirds enter to conserve energy overnight or when food is scarce.
Food
While they don’t drink nectar from evergreens, hummingbirds do forage for small insects on evergreen trees. They pluck tiny insects and spiders from leaves and bark. This supplies essential protein to supplement their nectar diets.
What types of evergreens do hummingbirds prefer?
Not all evergreens are equally attractive to hummingbirds. Here are some preferred evergreen species:
Douglas Fir
With dense, pliable branches well-suited for perching and nesting, Douglas firs are a prime evergreen for hummingbirds along the West Coast.
Western Redcedar
Western redcedars offer both cover and insects. Hummingbirds snatch spiders from under the shaggy bark and build nests in protected foliage.
Junipers
Hummingbirds nest in both low spreading junipers and upright juniper trees. The prickly foliage deters larger animals.
Firs
Balsam, grand, and other firs provide cover from rain and snow. Hummingbirds nest in cozy micro-habitats among the needles.
Pines
Ponderosa, lodgepole, limber and other pines all serve as perches, nest sites, and shelter. Hummingbirds favor open, wispy branches.
Spruces
Blue spruce is a beautifully shaped evergreen that welcomes hummingbirds. Nests get built in the dense inner branches.
Do hummingbirds drink nectar from evergreen trees?
While they readily use evergreens for other purposes, hummingbirds do not drink nectar from evergreen trees. None of the cone-bearing evergreen species produce flowers with enough nectar to attract hummingbirds.
The exceptions are a few broadleaf evergreen trees and shrubs that bloom in late winter or early spring when few other nectar sources are available. These include madrone, manzanita, silk tassel bush, and Christmas berry. Their flowers provide some early season nutrition for migrating hummingbirds.
But in general, evergreens are more utilized for perching, nesting, shelter, and insect foraging rather than nectar. To supplement evergreens, it helps to plant some additional flowering plants and shrubs to provide nectar. Good choices are native wildflowers, currants, honeysuckles, and sages. With evergreens and flowers together, you can create an ideal habitat to attract these special birds.
Do hummingbirds prefer evergreen trees or deciduous trees?
Hummingbirds use both evergreen and deciduous trees. Here is a comparison:
| Evergreen Trees | Deciduous Trees |
|---|---|
| Provide shelter year-round | Provide food when flowering |
| Offer more stable nest sites | Give insects that hummingbirds eat |
| Branches work as perches | Have more flexible branches |
The combination of evergreen and deciduous trees, along with flowering plants, creates an ideal habitat. Evergreens offer better nesting and winter shelter. But deciduous trees also get used, especially when blooming or covered with insects. The most attractive yards have a diversity of trees and flowers.
What other landscaping attracts hummingbirds?
Beyond evergreens and deciduous trees, certain other landscaping features attract hummingbirds by providing food, shelter, nesting materials, and perches:
Flowers
Planting nectar-rich flowers will ensure hummingbirds have plenty to eat. Go for tubular blossoms in red, orange, pink, or purple. Place flower beds throughout the yard so food is never too far away.
Water Features
Dripping fountains or misters give hummingbirds a drinking and bathing source. Make sure to change water daily to keep it clean.
Brush Piles
Leaving brush in untidy piles provides nesting material as well as perching and roosting sites.
Feeders
Well-maintained feeders reliably supply nectar. Use a nectar mix of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Don’t add red dye, and clean feeders every few days.
Native Plants
Planting species native to your region will create a familiar habitat for local hummingbirds. Research native evergreens, flowers, trees, and shrubs that hummingbirds favor.
Key Takeaways
– Hummingbirds utilize evergreen trees for perching, nesting, shelter, and finding insects to eat.
– They are attracted to evergreens like firs, pines, junipers, spruces, and redcedars.
– Hummingbirds don’t drink much nectar from evergreens, so flowering plants are also vital.
– A mix of evergreens, flowering plants, feeders, and water sources creates an ideal habitat.
– By landscaping with hummingbirds in mind, you can support these special pollinators in your own yard.
Conclusion
Evergreen trees play an important role in the lives of hummingbirds by providing shelter, nesting sites, perches, and insect food sources. While they don’t offer as much nectar as flowering plants, evergreens are still an attractive feature for hummingbirds in any landscape. To make your yard as hummingbird-friendly as possible, plant a variety of flowering species along with conifers and broadleaf evergreen trees. Add in a few other hummingbird-supporting elements like a fountain or feeder, and you’ll create an enticing habitat that helps sustain hummingbirds. With a flourishing and diverse landscape, you can enjoy watching these energetic little birds zipping around your yard for years to come.
