Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe in your own backyard. With their iridescent feathers and acrobatic flight patterns, it’s no wonder why so many Florida residents want to attract these petite powerhouses to their outdoor spaces. The good news is that by providing a few simple habitat elements, you can convert your Florida yard into an enticing oasis for hummingbirds.
What types of hummingbirds can I expect to see in Florida?
There are several species of hummingbirds that regularly visit and breed in Florida. The most common species you can expect to encounter are:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – The sole breeding hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River, ruby-throats are found statewide in Florida.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – A western species that is increasingly expanding its range into Florida, especially in winter.
- Rufous Hummingbird – The most common wintering hummingbird species seen in Florida, though their numbers vary each year.
- Allen’s Hummingbird – Occasionally found along Florida’s Gulf Coast, particularly the panhandle, during winter months.
- Calliope Hummingbird – An uncommon species in winter in the Florida panhandle region.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Rare in Florida but occasionally found in winter in the panhandle.
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species that breeds in eastern North America, so it is the one species you can reliably expect to attract during Florida’s spring and summer months. In winter, rufous hummingbirds are often the most plentiful winter hummingbird species, though the distribution and abundance of wintering hummingbirds can vary from year to year.
When will I see hummingbirds in my Florida yard?
Here is a general overview of when various hummingbird species occur in Florida:
- Year-round – Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be present year-round, though they are most abundant during spring and summer.
- Spring – Peak migration and breeding period for ruby-throats is March through May.
- Summer – Ruby-throats nest and raise young from April/May through August. Numbers decline as they leave for wintering grounds.
- Fall – Southbound ruby-throated hummingbirds pass through September through November. Rufous hummingbirds arrive in wintering grounds from September through November.
- Winter – Season of arriving and departing winter hummingbirds such as rufous, black-chinned, Allen’s, etc. Most abundant from December through February.
By understanding this seasonal occurrence pattern, you can anticipate when to expect peak hummingbird activity in your yard. Make sure your feeders are up and your garden is ready to welcome them!
What flowers should I plant to attract hummingbirds?
One of the best ways to make your yard appealing to hummingbirds is by landscaping with nectar-rich flowering plants. Here are some top flowering plants for hummingbirds that grow well in Florida:
| Flowering Plant | Flower Color | Season of Bloom |
|---|---|---|
| Coral Honeysuckle | Red | Spring through Fall |
| Cardinal Flower | Red | Summer to Fall |
| Firebush | Red | Spring to Fall |
| Crossvine | Red/Orange | Spring |
| Scarlet Sage | Red | Spring through Fall |
| Butterfly Ginger Lily | Red/Yellow | Summer to Fall |
| Pentas | Shades of Red/Pink | Spring through Fall |
| Firecracker Plant | Red | Summer to Fall |
| Firespike | Red | Summer to Fall |
| Mexican Sunflower | Orange/Yellow | Spring through Fall |
As you can see, flowering plants in the red color spectrum are very attractive to hummingbirds. Focus on planting clump-forming flowers and tubular blossoms that provide lots of nectar access for hummers. Plant in mass groupings for best effect.
When and how should I put up hummingbird feeders?
Put up your hummingbird feeders about 1-2 weeks before hummingbirds typically arrive in your area. This gives them a ready food source as they return from migration. Follow these tips for successful hummingbird feeders:
- Use a specialized hummingbird nectar formula rather than just plain sugar water.
- DIY nectar recipe: Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts hot water. Let cool before filling feeders.
- Avoid adding red dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners which can harm hummingbirds.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather when nectar spoils faster.
- Thoroughly clean feeders every 1-2 weeks with hot water and vinegar.
- Use feeders with ant moats or bee guards to keep away insects.
- Place feeders in lightly shaded spots to prevent nectar from overheating in summer.
- Use feeders with red bases or red bee guards since hummingbirds are attracted to red.
- Consider hanging multiple feeders to accommodate territorial behaviors.
With fresh nectar and clean feeding stations, your yard will be ready to receive hummingbirds returning from their epic spring migrations.
What other habitat features are appealing to hummingbirds?
While feeding stations provide an important source of food, you’ll attract more hummingbirds by turning your whole yard into enticing habitat. Here are some additional features hummingbirds appreciate:
- Water Features – Dripping fountains or waterfalls give hummingbirds a place to bathe and drink.
- Shelter – Trees, trellises, and arbors provide convenient perch sites for sheltering, resting and nesting.
- Nesting Sites – Leave up dead branches and twigs for ruby-throats to build tiny cup nests.
- Native Plants – Diverse native plants support the insects that hummingbirds eat for protein.
- Ornamental Grasses – Tall grass clumps make attractive perching and nesting sites.
By incorporating diverse nectar flowers, water features, shelter, and places to nest, your landscape will provide everything hummingbirds need to thrive.
Do hummingbird feeders need to be in direct sunlight?
Hummingbird feeders do not necessarily need to be placed in full sun. Here are some tips on feeder placement:
- Morning sun is ideal, as the early sunlight helps warm the nectar while preventing afternoon overheating.
- A few hours of early sunlight helps keep mold growth in check.
- Too much direct sun causes nectar to ferment faster, so avoid all day sun.
- Light afternoon shade provides a comfortable feeding environment.
- Place feeders near flowers, trees, or other vegetation that provides some shade coverage.
- North or east facing locations often work better than southern exposures.
Experiment with both sunny and shaded areas to find the best results for your yard. Providing a mix of lighting conditions and multiple feeders creates more feeding opportunities.
What precautions should I take with hummingbird feeders?
Improperly maintained hummingbird feeders can do more harm than good. Here are some precautions to take:
- Keep feeders clean to prevent mold, bacteria, and fungal growth.
- Change sugar nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather when spoilage is rapid.
- Soak feeders in a 10% white vinegar solution weekly.
- Rinse well with hot water after cleaning to remove residue.
- Don’t use soap, bleach or chemical cleaners as residue can harm hummers.
- Discard old nectar rather than topping off to prevent contamination.
- Clear mold, insects, or debris from flower ports.
- Remove feeders if they cannot be cleaned thoroughly.
With proper maintenance and fresh nectar, your feeders will provide healthy nutrition for hummingbirds through the seasons.
Can I attract hummingbirds all year in Florida?
With the right habitat, it is possible to attract hummingbirds nearly year-round in Florida. Here are some tips:
- Plant a variety of nectar flowers that bloom in all seasons – Salvia, Pentas, Porterweed, Firebush, and Honeysuckle are some good examples.
- Provide multiple feeders and keep them maintained throughout winter when flowers are scarce.
- Supplement feeders with fruit and mealworm offerings for essential nutrients.
- Ensure adequate shelter and nesting sites are available for resident birds.
- Avoid trimming plants and cleaning nests from September to December so birds are not disturbed on wintering grounds.
- Install a mister or other water source that hummingbirds can use year-round for bathing.
- Choose select native plants to support larvae and insects that hummingbirds eat.
While typically only ruby-throated hummingbirds will summer over, catering to hummingbird needs consistently throughout the year will maximize sightings of these energetic pollinators.
What plants complement a hummingbird garden?
The ideal hummingbird garden contains a diverse mix of plants to provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat. Here are some great companion plants:
| Plant Category | Great Plant Choices | Benefits Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Flowers | Salvia, Honeysuckle, Crocosmia, Firespike, Bottlebrush | High-nectar flowers provide food. |
| Fruiting Plants | Holly, yaupon holly, beautyberry, loquat | Berries provide food and nutrients. |
| Shelter Shrubs | Oaks, maples, wax myrtle, abelia | Leaves and branches create cover. |
| Ornamental Grasses | Muhly grass, fountain grass, pampas grass | Provide nesting and perching sites. |
| Vines | Coral honeysuckle, trumpet vine, passionflower | Climbing vines with flowers. |
Blend these companion plants throughout your landscape to create an interconnected habitat hummingbirds will enjoy.
What are the best feeders and nectar for hummingbirds?
Choosing effective feeders and fresh nectar is key to satisfying hummingbird appetites. Here are some tips:
- Feeder Styles – Select feeders with small perches and multiple feeding ports, as well as bee guards to keep away insects.
- Feeder Colors – Red is very attractive to hummingbirds, so choose red bases, bee guards, or flowers.
- Nectar – Use a premade nectar or a DIY blend of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid food coloring and sweeteners.
- Nectar Tips – Change nectar every 2-3 days. Store unused portions in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Feeder Cleaning – Every 1-2 weeks use hot water and vinegar to thoroughly clean feeders.
- Ant Guards – Built-in ant moats or guards prevent crawling insects from reaching the nectar.
Fresh nectar in clean, specialized feeders will keep your hummingbirds satisfied, healthy, and eagerly returning to your garden.
How many hummingbird feeders should I have?
The number of feeders needed depends on how many hummingbirds you want to attract. Here are some general guidelines:
- Start with 2-3 feeders in the spring to accommodate returning migrants.
- Increase to 5-6+ feeders during breeding season when territorial behaviors peak.
- Space feeders 15-20 feet apart to reduce squabbles over feeders.
- Place additional feeders out of sight from others to allow adequate feeding spots.
- Reduce feeders in fall when hummingbird numbers decline.
- Have at least 1-2 feeders during winter for any wintering hummers.
Aim for about one feeder per hummingbird, knowing territorial males may try to guard more than one feeder. Increase feeders as needed to minimize aggressive behavior.
Conclusion
With a welcoming habitat featuring flowers, feeders, water sources, and shelter, you can enjoy the dazzling antics of hummingbirds in your Florida yard year-round. Pay close attention to feeder maintenance, garden planting choices, and seasonal needs to create an enticing oasis. Once you experience hummingbirds gracing your outdoor living spaces with their energetic presence, you may find yourself becoming quickly addicted to these flying jewels!
