Quick Answer
Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to and enjoy feeding from Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers. The bright orange and red tubular flowers provide an excellent source of nectar for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds like the Heliconia psittacorum variety in particular.
What Attracts Hummingbirds to Mexican Bird of Paradise Flowers?
There are a few key reasons why hummingbirds are drawn to Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers:
Bright Colors
Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are attracted to vibrantly colored flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The bright red and orange bracts (modified leaves) of the Mexican Bird of Paradise flower act as a visual signal, attracting hummingbirds from a distance.
Tubular Shape
Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers have a specialized tubular shape perfectly suited for hummingbird pollination. The long, curved flowers allow the hummingbird to insert its long beak and access the nectar at the base of the flower. Other pollinators like bees cannot reach the nectar.
High Nectar Content
Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers produce abundant, sucrose-rich nectar – an ideal energy source for hummingbirds. The Heliconia psittacorum variety contains up to 35% sugar content in its nectar, providing quick energy.
Continuous Blooming
Mexican Bird of Paradise is an evergreen perennial plant in tropical regions. It blooms continuously throughout the year, providing a reliable nectar source for hummingbirds. The flowers bloom in clusters, resulting in a high density of nectar-rich blooms.
Which Hummingbird Species Are Attracted to Mexican Bird of Paradise?
Many hummingbird species across North, Central, and South America visit Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers to feed on their nectar, including:
North America
– Ruby-throated Hummingbird
– Rufous Hummingbird
– Allen’s Hummingbird
– Anna’s Hummingbird
– Costa’s Hummingbird
– Calliope Hummingbird
Central America
– White-necked Jacobin
– Long-billed Hermit
– Stripe-throated Hermit
– Green-breasted Mango
– Violet Sabrewing
– Green-crowned Brilliant
South America
– Glittering-throated Emerald
– White-vented Plumeleteer
– Andean Emerald
– Fork-tailed Woodnymph
– Purple-crowned Fairy
Do Hummingbirds Have a Favorite Variety of Mexican Bird of Paradise?
Yes, the Heliconia psittacorum variety, also known as the Parrot Heliconia, appears to be a favorite among hummingbirds.
A few reasons why hummingbirds may prefer this variety:
Orange and Yellow Colored Bracts
The H. psittacorum has bright orange and yellow colored bracts that are extremely attractive to hummingbirds. Other varieties have darker red bracts.
Curved Flower Shape
The H. psittacorum has strongly curved tubular flowers that are perfectly adapted to a hummingbird’s beak. Other varieties have straighter flowers.
High Nectar Sugar Concentration
The nectar of H. psittacorum has been measured at up to 35% sugar content – higher than many other varieties which range from 25-30%.
Long Blooming Period
H. psittacorum tends to bloom heavily over many months, providing a consistent nectar source, whereas some varieties have shorter bloom times.
| Hummingbird Species | Region |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | North America |
| Rufous Hummingbird | North America |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | North America |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | North America |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | North America |
| Calliope Hummingbird | North America |
| White-necked Jacobin | Central America |
What Types of Habitats Contain Mexican Bird of Paradise Plants?
In their native tropical regions, Mexican Bird of Paradise plants grow in various habitat types including:
Rainforests
Mexican Bird of Paradise thrives in the warm, humid environment of tropical lowland rainforests across Central America and south Mexico. Abundant rainfalls and filtered sunlight help the plants grow large leaves and colorful blooms.
Forest Edges
Mexican Bird of Paradise often occurs along the edges of forests and roads where sunlight penetrates into the understory. The open canopy allows more light for flowering.
Swamps and Marshes
These plants adapt well to swampy, periodically flooded areas in tropical wetlands. Their roots grow in saturated soils and muddy marsh environments.
Cultivated Gardens
Mexican Bird of Paradise is a popular ornamental plant for gardens in tropical to subtropical climates. It does well in moist, rich soil and partial sun when cultivated.
| Habitat | Description |
|---|---|
| Rainforests | Warm, humid tropical lowland rainforests |
| Forest Edges | Along edges of forests and roads |
| Swamps and Marshes | Tropical wetlands with saturated soils |
| Cultivated Gardens | Ornamental plantings in tropical climates |
What is the Best Way to Plant Mexican Bird of Paradise to Attract Hummingbirds?
Here are some tips for planting Mexican Bird of Paradise to maximize visitation by hummingbirds:
Site Location
Select a location that receives partial sun to light shade. Morning sun is ideal. Avoid hot, dry locations.
Flower Colors
Choose varieties with bright orange or yellow bracts like H. psittacorum or H. collinsiana. Dark red bract varieties are less attractive to hummingbirds.
Flower Density
Plant in groups of 3-5 plants to increase the number of flowers and nectar availability. Dense clusters attract more hummingbirds.
Year-Round Bloom
Select evergreen varieties that bloom heavily in multiple seasons to provide constant nectar through the year.
Water and Fertilize
Water regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season for vigorous growth and maximum blooms.
Shelter
Incorporate natural buffers like trees or shrubs to provide shelter and perches for hummingbirds.
What Other Flowers Do Hummingbirds Like in Addition to Mexican Bird of Paradise?
Hummingbirds enjoy feeding from many brightly colored tubular flowers adapted to their pollination. Some other popular hummingbird flowers include:
Native Species
– Cardinal flower
– Columbine
– Trumpet honeysuckle
– Bee balm
– Fuchsia
– Firecracker plant
Exotic Species
– Calla lily
– Bird of paradise
– Coral honeysuckle
– Fuchsia
– Impatiens
– Petunias
Ornamental Shrubs
– Weigela
– Abelia
– Bottlebrush
– Butterfly bush
– Rose of Sharon
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mexican Bird of Paradise flowers are an excellent source of nectar for hummingbirds across the Americas. Features like the bright colors, specialized tubular shape, and high sugar content of the nectar attract many hummingbird species. Planting these flowers in gardens provides a reliable food source that hummingbirds will visit frequently. The Heliconia psittacorum variety with its orange and yellow bracts seems to be a favorite, but hummingbirds will enjoy other habitat-native Mexican Bird of Paradise varieties as well. Pairing Mexican Bird of Paradise with other hummingbird-pollinated flowers will help provide diverse food sources and make your garden or yard more enticing for hummingbirds.
