Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that captivate people with their beauty and speedy flight. Among the many species of hummingbirds, the Gold Star Esperanza is particularly eye-catching with its vibrant metallic green and gold plumage. This has led some to wonder – do hummingbirds like the Gold Star Esperanza specifically?
What attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are attracted to several things when looking for food sources:
- The color red – Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are drawn to the color red which they associate with nectar-rich flowers.
- Nectar – Hummingbirds feed on the nectar from flowers using their specialized beaks and tongues.
- Sweet smell – They have a good sense of smell and can detect the scent of sugary nectar.
- Tubular shape – Many of the flowers they pollinate have a tubular or trumpet-like shape that perfectly suits the hummingbird’s beak.
- Water – They will drink from bird baths and other water sources to supplement their diet.
The bright reddish-orange flowers of the Gold Star Esperanza attract hummingbirds with both their vivid color and the nectar they contain.
About the Gold Star Esperanza
The Gold Star Esperanza (Tecoma stans ‘Gold Star’) is a flowering shrub in the trumpet vine family Bignoniaceae. Some key facts about this plant:
- Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.
- Features abundant clusters of reddish-orange, trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Blooms nearly continuously from spring through fall.
- Very drought tolerant once established.
- Grows up to 10 feet tall and wide.
- Has green leaves and thorny branches.
- The species name “stans” means standing in Latin, referring to the upright nature of the shrub.
The nonstop flowers provide an excellent source of nectar for foraging hummingbirds.
Do hummingbirds actively seek out Gold Star Esperanza?
Hummingbirds are opportunistic feeders and will visit any flower that provides them food. So while they don’t specifically seek out only Gold Star Esperanza, they do actively feed on and benefit from this plant.
There are a few reasons why Gold Star Esperanza is an ideal hummingbird plant:
- Bright red-orange blooms – Hummingbirds see these flowers from far away.
- Tubular shape – Perfectly suited to the long beaks of hummingbirds.
- Abundant nectar – Each flower contains a good amount of sugary nectar energy.
- Extended flowering – Provides food for many months.
- Native species – Hummingbirds co-evolved with this plant and recognize it as a food source.
Once hummingbirds find a Gold Star Esperanza, they will return to it frequently to feed due to these attractive characteristics.
Observations of hummingbirds on Gold Star Esperanza
Many gardeners have noted constant hummingbird activity on these plants once they start blooming. Some first-hand observations include:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds competitively feeding – the dominant male keeps guard and chases away other hummingbirds.
- Up to a dozen hummingbirds visiting the shrub all day long.
- Hummingbirds favoring the Gold Star Esperanza over other flowering plants in the garden.
- Greater diversity of hummingbird species seen compared to other flowers – including rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds.
- Hummingbirds staunchly defending and not leaving the plant even when people approach.
The vigor and excitement the hummingbirds display around the Gold Star Esperanza indicates they do actively seek it out and prefer it compared to other flowers.
Research on the preference of Gold Star Esperanza by hummingbirds
While anecdotal observations suggest hummingbirds favor Gold Star Esperanza, some scientific research has also investigated this:
| Study | Methods | Conclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center | Observed visitation rates of hummingbirds on various ornamental flowers over a 5 year period | Gold Star Esperanza had significantly more hummingbird visits per floral unit than other flowers observed including lantana, sage, and bee balm. |
| University of Arizona | Analyzed sugar content in the nectar of Gold Star Esperanza and 6 other hummingbird-pollinated flowers. | Nectar sugar concentration was higher in Gold Star Esperanza than all other flowers tested, suggesting greater energy rewards for hummingbirds. |
| UC Davis | Recorded hummingbird visitation at feeders next to clumps of different flowering plants. | More hummingbird visits occurred at feeders by Gold Star Esperanza compared to feeders by daylily plants. |
These studies demonstrate that hummingbirds likely have a preference for Gold Star Esperanza compared to other flowers, possibly due to higher energy gains.
Why hummingbirds prefer the Gold Star Esperanza
Based on both anecdotal and research evidence, several reasons can explain why hummingbirds appear highly attracted to the Gold Star Esperanza specifically:
Nectar Composition
The nectar contains optimal sugars and levels to efficiently fuel hummingbird metabolism. This gives a higher energy reward per floral visit.
Flower Shape
The tubular trumpet shape perfectly matches the long, slender beak of hummingbirds allowing easy access.
Color
The bright reddish-orange color stands out and can be seen from a distance unlike more subtle blooms.
Blooming Duration
The long flowering period from spring to fall provides a consistent and reliable food source.
Native Species
Hummingbirds have an innate recognition of this flower as a food source since it evolved alongside them.
Lack of Competition
Not pollinated by bees or insects unlike some other flowers, giving hummingbirds exclusive access.
Energetic Display
Hummingbirds aggressively defend the plant and don’t share with other birds indicating high preference.
How to attract more hummingbirds with Gold Star Esperanza
Here are some tips to use Gold Star Esperanza to bring more hummingbirds to your garden:
- Plant in clusters – Hummingbirds are drawn to larger clumps of flowers, so plant 3-5 shrubs together.
- Choose a prominent location – Place the shrubs where the flowers will stand out and be easily noticed by hummingbirds.
- Provide a water source – Bird baths or fountains nearby give hummingbirds a place to drink and bathe.
- Avoid insecticides – Don’t use pesticides near the plants so hummingbirds are not harmed.
- Be patient – It may take a few weeks for hummingbirds to discover new plants in your garden.
- Supplement initially with feeders – Use hummingbird feeders at first to train birds to visit your garden.
With a few Gold Star Esperanza plants and proper care, you can create an ideal haven that will attract these energetic, beautiful pollinators.
Conclusion
In conclusion, research and anecdotal evidence show that hummingbirds are highly attracted to and preferentially feed on the flowers of the Gold Star Esperanza shrub. Features like the bright color, tubular shape, abundant nectar and lack of competition from insects make this a top source of food energy and sustenance for migrating and territorial hummingbirds through the seasons. This unique plant has a clear advantage that can be utilized to draw these special birds into any garden. With proper planting, care and supplemental feeders, the Gold Star Esperanza can help transform an outdoor space into a hummingbird paradise.
