What hummingbirds are native to my area?
The first step in attracting hummingbirds is determining which species live in or migrate through your region. In the United States, some of the most common backyard hummingbirds include:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Found in eastern North America from Maine to Florida, and west to Michigan, Illinois and Texas.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Common in the western United States from Montana to southern California.
- Anna’s Hummingbird – Year-round resident along the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia to Baja California.
- Rufous Hummingbird – Breeds in the northwest U.S. and western Canada. Migrates through the western half of the country.
- Allen’s Hummingbird – Occurs along the California coast and some inland areas.
- Calliope Hummingbird – Breeds in the mountainous west from southern British Columbia south to southern California.
Knowing your local species will help you choose the best feeders and nectar to attract them. The differences between eastern and western hummingbirds’ preferences and habits mean you may need to tailor your approach. Contacting a local birding group, nature center, or park service can provide information on species in your specific area.
When will hummingbirds arrive in my region?
Hummingbirds’ migration timing varies by species and local climate conditions each year. Here are some general timeframes:
- Western species like Anna’s, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Allen’s hummingbirds may overwinter in their breeding range or leave in early spring.
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Gulf Coast states between late February and early March. They reach the northern limits of their range by May.
- Rufous hummingbirds migrate northward between February and May, following flowering plants.
- Most hummingbirds migrate south between August and November.
Track first sightings each year in your area using resources like eBird, Journey North, or local nature organizations. This will help you determine when to put up feeders and have them ready for returning migrants. Leave feeders up year-round if non-migrating Anna’s or Allen’s hummingbirds are present.
What type of feeder is best?
Red tubular feeders are the most common, but hummingbirds will visit any nectar source. Consider using:
- Tube/bottle feeders – Easy to fill and clean, well-liked by hummingbirds.
- Saucer or bowl feeders – Allow multiple birds to feed at once.
- Single-port feeders – Limit aggressive dominant birds.
- Hanging feeders – Protect nectar from insects and other wildlife.
Choose feeders with a red base since this color attracts hummingbirds. Make sure ports are an appropriate size so hummingbird tongues can reach the nectar. Select durable, easy-to-clean feeders. Change nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. Clean with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) about once a week.
Where should I place the feeder?
Key considerations for feeder placement:
- Hang feeders in a shady location to keep nectar cool and fresh.
- Position near gardens, flower beds, or other natural sources of nectar.
- Close to trees, shrubs, or other perches so hummingbirds can rest between visits.
- Near a window or seating area offers convenient viewing.
- Avoid direct sun which can cause nectar to spoil.
- Hang sturdy feeders at least 5 feet off the ground to deter other wildlife.
Placing multiple feeders around your yard provides more feeding spaces. Separate aggressive males and allow curious juveniles to safely feed. Consider adding nectar plants for natural food sources to complement feeders.
What recipe should I use for nectar?
The basic hummingbird nectar recipe is:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
Do not use brown sugar, raw sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners which can harm hummingbirds. Boil the water first, then stir in sugar until dissolved. Let cool before filling feeders. Store extra nectar in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Avoid adding red food coloring, which is unnecessary and can be problematic if it gets moldy.
| Parts sugar | Parts water |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 |
This basic 1:4 ratio provides the approximate 20% sugar concentration of natural flower nectar. You can adjust ratios based on your climate:
- Use a weaker 1:5 ratio in hot climates to slow fermentation.
- Increase to 1:3 in cooler temperatures when birds need more energy.
Monitoring feeders will help determine if adjustments are needed based on consumption. Sticking to white cane sugar and water is healthiest for hummingbirds.
Should I add anything else to the nectar?
Avoid adding any other ingredients besides plain white sugar and water to homemade nectar. Here’s why:
- Food coloring – Unnecessary and can promote mold if it spoils.
- Honey – Difficult for birds to digest and may grow bacteria.
- Artificial sweeteners – Not healthy for hummingbird metabolism.
- Brown sugar – May contain impurities harmful to hummingbirds.
- Fruit juice – Can spoil quickly and cause fungal growth.
The best and safest approach is simply using white refined sugar. This most closely mimics the natural nectars hummingbirds evolved to eat. Keep feeders clean, change nectar regularly, and stick to basic sugar water for your hummingbirds’ health.
How often should I change the nectar?
To keep your nectar fresh and prevent disease, follow these nectar changing guidelines:
- In cool weather, change every 5-7 days.
- In hot weather above 90°F, change every 2-3 days.
- When emptying a feeder, rinse with hot water before refilling.
- Discard old nectar instead of topping off to avoid contamination.
- Deep clean feeders with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) weekly.
- Replace cloudy, spoiled nectar immediately.
NEVER leave nectar sitting for longer than a week even when refrigerated. The key is preventing fermentation and bacteria growth. Monitor nectar levels and hummingbird activity to determine the optimal replacement rate for your climate and feeder style.
Should I use any insect guards?
Yes, adding insect guards helps keep ants, wasps, and bees out of feeders. Options include:
- Built-in moats around hanging feeder ports.
- Narrow entry holes only hummingbirds can access.
- Pest oil/grease applied on hanging wires.
- An inverted dish or bowl under the feeder.
- Vaseline or cooking spray on feeder hangers.
Check that any guards still provide easy hummingbird access to nectar ports. Keeping the area under feeders clean and free of drips helps minimize pests too. Never use insecticides or chemicals near hummingbird feeders. Refilling feeders promptly when empty also reduces insect issues.
How can I offer additional water sources?
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need plain water for bathing and drinking. Some options to provide water:
- Misters – Hummingbirds will fly through fine mist to bathe.
- Dripping fountains – The sound of dripping helps attract them.
- Shallow ponds – Include partially submerged rocks for perching.
- Fountains – Gentle splashing mimics natural water features.
- Sprinklers – Turn on sprinklers so they can fly through the spray.
- Bird baths – Keep water very shallow (less than 1 inch).
Place water sources near feeders, trees, or other perches. Change water daily to prevent mosquito breeding. Misters help supplement water needs in dry climates. Avoid letting water stagnate which creates ideal conditions for disease transmission.
What are some good flower choices to attract hummingbirds?
Incorporate native plants with tubular red, orange, or pink flowers in your landscaping to provide supplemental food sources. Recommended options include:
| Plant | Features |
|---|---|
| Cardinal flower | Red spikes; early-late summer blooms |
| Trumpet creeper | Red tubular flowers; summer-fall blooms |
| Bee balm | Red flowers; summer-fall blooms |
| Salvia | Red or pink flowers; summer-fall blooms |
| Penstemon | Tubular pink/red flowers; spring-summer blooms |
| Petunias | Red/pink flowers; spring-fall blooms |
| Columbine | Red blooms with tubular shape |
| Fuchsia | Red/pink tubular flowers |
| Lobelia | Red flowers; summer-fall blooms |
Choose a variety of flowering seasons, tubular flower shapes, and colors to provide nectar spring through fall. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage re-flowering. Let some flowers go to seed to attract hummingbirds seeking insects too.
Are there any other tips to attract more hummingbirds?
Some other strategies to bring in more hummingbirds include:
- Plant shrubs and trees that provide insects, shelter, and perches like oak, willow, and mulberry.
- Avoid pesticides so flowers support healthy insect populations.
- Set up a sprinkler, mister, or drips for bathing.
- Provide a water-filled dust bath for feather cleaning.
- Offer multiple feeders to reduce competition.
- Site feeders near trees or shrubs for sheltered feeding.
- Provide feeders at different heights for access.
- Supply feeders in both sun and shade to meet preferences.
- Consider small feeders to allow young birds to feed.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent harmful bacteria and mold.
Habitat with diverse food, water sources, shelter, and nest sites will create an attractive home for hummingbirds in your yard. Pay attention to the specific needs of your local species and what feeder styles and flowers they prefer. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy more hummingbird visits each year!
Conclusion
Attracting more hummingbirds to your feeders involves understanding your local species, providing fresh nectar in clean feeders regularly, adding flowering plants, and incorporating water sources. Tailoring your approach to your climate, being consistent with upkeep, and offering a variety of feeding and habitat options will help invite these special birds to visit and thrive. With some small changes to your yard and a little patience, those familiar buzzing wings will be at your feeders more often. Enjoy watching the aerial dances, flitting feeding, and aggressive displays that make hummingbirds so fascinating to have around!
