Hummingbirds are drawn to the bright, tubular flowers of tropical hibiscus plants. The nectar inside these blossoms provides an important food source for hummingbirds. But do hummingbirds actually like tropical hibiscus, or are they just taking advantage of readily available nutrition?
In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to provide quick answers to key questions readers may have. So in summary:
Conclusion
Yes, hummingbirds do genuinely like tropical hibiscus flowers. These plants have evolved alongside hummingbirds and developed traits that specifically appeal to these small birds. The mutually beneficial relationship between hummers and hibiscus is an excellent example of co-evolution.
Now let’s explore this topic in more detail.
What attracts hummingbirds to tropical hibiscus?
There are a few key characteristics of tropical hibiscus flowers that appeal to hummingbirds:
Bright red blooms
Hummingbirds can see color wavelengths beyond what humans can detect. This allows them to zero in on flowers with a bright red or orange hue, which signals that a flower contains nutritious nectar. Tropical hibiscus flowers are generally red, orange, or pink in color.
Tubular shape
Hummingbirds have slender, pointed beaks that are perfect for slurping nectar out of long, tubular flowers. The blooms of tropical hibiscus have just this sort of shape, making it easy for hummers to access the nectar.
High nectar content
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy in the form of sugars from nectar. Tropical hibiscus flowers produce a large amount of sugary nectar, providing an excellent energy source for hummingbirds.
Position on the plant
Tropical hibiscus plants produce flowers at the tops of branches and stems. This makes it easy for hummingbirds to perch and feed. The location of the blooms is convenient for these small, agile birds.
Do hummingbirds actively prefer tropical hibiscus?
The characteristics described above show why tropical hibiscus appeals to hummingbirds. But do hummers actively seek out these plants and prefer them compared to other flower types?
Research suggests the answer is yes. Studies have monitored hummingbird behavior in areas with a variety of flower types. Time and again, hummingbirds specifically targeted plants with red, tubular flowers high in nectar – characteristics matched by tropical hibiscus.
When given choices between flower types, hummingbirds repeatedly preferred flowers with the traits of hibiscus over other flower forms. This indicates hummingbirds do consciously favor this flower type.
A co-evolutionary relationship
The preference hummingbirds show for hibiscus flowers reflects a long co-evolutionary history between these birds and plants.
As hummingbirds sought out the most nutritious flowers over tens of thousands of years, hibiscus plants evolved to better attract them. This led to the showy, nectar-rich red blooms hummingbirds favor today.
Meanwhile, by developing traits that appealed specifically to hummingbirds, hibiscus improved the chances their pollen would be spread by these efficient fliers. This enhanced their reproductive success.
Hummingbirds play a key role in hibiscus pollination
Due to the mutually beneficial evolutionary relationship between hummers and hibiscus, today hummingbirds act as the primary pollinators for many tropical hibiscus species.
As they move from flower to flower accessing nectar, bits of pollen stick to hummingbirds’ heads and beaks. This pollen is then deposited on the next flower, fertilizing it.
Some hibiscus rely so heavily on hummingbirds for pollination that they are unable to successfully reproduce without these birds. This demonstrates how tightly linked hummingbirds and tropical hibiscus have become.
What characteristics do hummingbirds look for in flowers?
Based on what attracts hummingbirds to tropical hibiscus, we can outline the key traits these birds seek out in flowers:
Color
Bright red and orange blooms attract hummingbirds from a distance. These colors advertise that a flower is ripe with nectar.
Shape
Long, tubular petals allow a hummingbird to easily insert its specialized beak and drink nectar. Open cup-shaped flowers are more challenging.
Nectar
Abundant, sucrose-rich nectar provides essential nutrition in the form of sugars. Too little nectar, and flowers are ignored.
Position
Flowers located high on a plant or branch are easiest for hummingbirds to approach and hover near. Low flowers require more effort.
Here is a table summarizing the key characteristics hummingbirds target in flowers:
Flower Trait | Preferences |
---|---|
Color | Bright red, orange |
Shape | Long, tubular |
Nectar | Abundant, sucrose-rich |
Position | High on plant/branch |
As this table illustrates, tropical hibiscus matches the ideal flower profile sought by hummingbirds.
How can I attract more hummingbirds to hibiscus in my yard?
If you want to invite more hummingbird visitors to hibiscus plants in your own yard, consider these tips:
Plant red-blooming hibiscus varieties
Red colored blooms are powerfully attractive to hummingbirds. Choose hibiscus varieties that produce bold red flowers. Orange and bright pink blooms will also draw in hummers.
Provide multiple hibiscus plants
Hummingbirds are territorial and may guard a single plant. Having several hibiscus plants spreads the feeding opportunities and allows more birds to drink.
Use fertilizer to maximize blooms
Fertilizing hibiscus with a blossom-boosting formulation encourages more flowers. More blooms mean more nectar for hummingbirds.
Strategically place feeders
Supplement hibiscus flowers by setting up hummingbird feeders. Place them near the plants so hummers patrol the area.
Include native plants
Incorporating the native plants hummingbirds have evolved with provides essential habitat. Milkweed, bee balm, and columbine are great options.
Avoid pesticides
Pesticides reduce insect populations hummingbirds rely on for food. Maintaining an organic garden attracts more hummingbirds.
Provide insect-attracting plants
Hummingbirds eat small insects as well as nectar. Planting cardinal flower, zinnias, and other insect-friendly flowers gives them meal options.
Set up a water feature
Dripping fountains or waterfalls provide drinking and bathing opportunities. Moving water attracts hummingbirds.
Be patient
It can take time for hummingbirds to discover new food sources. Allow a few weeks for increased traffic at new hibiscus plantings.
By leveraging these tactics, you can successfully invite more hummingbirds to partake of the tropical hibiscus in your yard. The joy of watching these energetic birds hover and feed on beloved hibiscus flowers is reward itself!
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds do genuinely enjoy visiting tropical hibiscus flowers. These plants provide an abundant nectar source these energetic birds rely on. And hibiscus flowers have evolved to perfectly match the characteristics hummingbirds seek, including color, shape, and nectar production. By planting more hibiscus in your yard, leveraging fertilizer and strategic feeders, and avoiding pesticides, you can attract more hummingbirds to enjoy these iconic flowers. Watching hummingbirds delicately feed on hibiscus blooms in your own garden is a special experience!