Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe. With their iridescent plumage, lightning-fast movements, and ability to hover and fly backwards, it’s no wonder why people love seeing these tiny birds in their yards. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas and there are over 300 different species. While they are small, with most species 3 to 5 inches long, they have supercharged metabolisms and some can flap their wings up to 80 times per second! Their wings even make a humming noise as they fly, which is how they got their name.
In Long Island, the most common hummingbird species is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They migrate through the island in the spring and summer on their way up to breeding grounds further north. With some strategic planning and the right supplies, you can attract these energetic little birds to visit your yard and reward you with a fantastic show. This article will provide tips on the best techniques for attracting hummingbirds in Long Island, from feeders to flowers to other strategies. We’ll also cover how to identify the Ruby-throated Hummingbird specifically. Get ready to bring some high speed excitement to your yard!
When do hummingbirds appear in Long Island?
Hummingbirds are migratory birds that travel amazing distances every year between their wintering and breeding grounds. During this migration, they stop at different spots to rest and refuel, which provides opportunities for people to see them pass through.
In Long Island, the main time to see hummingbirds is from April through September as they migrate through in the spring and summer. Here is a more detailed timeline:
- Early April – The first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds start arriving in Long Island. They are usually males coming up from southern wintering grounds like Mexico and Panama.
- Mid April to May – More waves of Ruby-throats continue passing through the island as they head further north to breeding areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and Canada.
- June to August – This is peak hummingbird season in Long Island. The population is a mix of northbound migrants still coming through and southbound adults and juveniles heading back from breeding grounds.
- September – Migration starts winding down as most hummingbirds have passed through Long Island on their way south for the winter.
So late spring through summer are the key times to have your yard prepped and ready to attract these small visitors. Hummingbird activity and sightings drop off significantly outside of these core migration months.
What plants attract hummingbirds in Long Island?
One of the most effective ways to attract hummingbirds to your Long Island yard is to landscape with nectar-rich flowers that they love. Here are some top plant picks to lure in hummingbirds:
Native flower varieties
Native plants that have evolved alongside hummingbirds are often their preferred food sources. Excellent native flowers for Long Island include:
- Bee balm – Also known as monarda, bee balm produces showy scarlet flower clusters. Hummingbirds will also eat the plants small insects.
- Cardinal flower – A towering red spike flower that blooms in late summer.
- Columbine – Many columbine varieties have drooping, nectar-filled blooms attractive to hummingbirds.
- Trumpet honeysuckle – A hardy vine that produces clusters of tubular orange and red flowers.
- Jewelweed – A woodland plant with striking orange and yellow blooms.
Non-native favorites
While native plants are ideal, some non-native plants are also excellent for attracting hummingbirds. Top options include:
- Fuchsia – All types of this showy shade plant are irresistible to hummingbirds.
- Petunias – An easy-care flowering annual that blooms spring to fall.
- Sages – Varieties like pineapple sage and scarlet sage have abundant red flowers.
- Nasturtiums – An annual with vibrant orange and red blooms.
- Weigela – A flowering shrub that produces waves of red and pink blooms.
Other important features
Beyond the flowers themselves, here are some other key plant features that will attract hummingbirds:
- Tubular flowers – Hummingbirds have specialized long, slender bills perfect for drinking from tubular flowers.
- Red flowers – Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red. Orange and pink flowers are also favorites.
- Continuous bloomers – Providing flowers from spring through fall will provide a constant nectar source.
- Plant in masses – Thick clusters and drifts of the same plant create bold color that will catch a hummingbird’s eye.
What are the best hummingbird feeders?
While flower nectar is their main diet, hummingbirds will also eagerly visit feeders filled with liquid nectar (sugar water). This is an extremely easy way to reliably attract them into your yard. Here are tips for the best hummingbird feeder setup:
Feeder styles
- Tube/bottle feeders – Suspended glass or plastic tubes/bottles with feeding ports are classic and work well. Look for built-in perches.
- Saucer feeders – Wider dish style feeders allow more birds to drink at once.
- Specialty feeders – Options like fountains, multi-tier feeders, and Tiny Tim eyebite feeders add interesting variety.
Key features
- Bright red color – Hummingbirds are exceptionally drawn to red.
- Easy cleaning – Look for flip top, twist apart or other designs that allow thorough cleaning.
- bee guards – Tiny built-in grills keep bees from robbing the nectar.
- Sturdy base – A solid, leak-proof base keeps the feeder stable.
Set up tips
- Location – Place feeders in open areas near flowering plants and trees.
- Use multiple – Set up a few feeders around your yard to minimize crowding.
- Shelter – Position feeders with some shade coverage to keep nectar cool.
- Height – Hang feeders 5-10 feet off the ground for easy use.
- Visibility – Avoid obscuring feeders behind plants or structures.
Follow these recommendations and your feeders will be irresistible hummingbird magnets!
What is the best nectar for hummingbird feeders?
Filling your feeders with homemade nectar that meets hummingbirds nutritional needs is key. Here are tips for making proper feeder nectar:
1. Use plain white sugar only
White granulated sugar dissolved in water most closely mimics natural flower nectar. Never use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners which can harm hummingbirds.
2. Mix at a 4:1 ratio
Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water. This creates about a 20% sugar solution, providing optimal nutrition and energy.
3. Boil the mixture
Boiling the water first allows the sugar to dissolve fully so it won’t crystallize in the feeder. Let the nectar cool before filling feeders.
4. Never add red food dye
Food dyes can be toxic. The red feeders themselves will be enough to attract the birds.
5. Store extra nectar in the fridge
Unused nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Reheating before use will help dissolve any sugar crystals.
6. Change nectar every few days
Replace feeder nectar at least every 5 days in warm weather (sooner if it looks cloudy). Fresh nectar keeps hummingbirds healthy.
Follow this recipe and tips for making top-quality, safe hummingbird nectar your visitors will love.
What are some other strategies to attract hummingbirds?
Beyond feeders and flowering plants, there are a few other tactics that can help draw hummingbirds in by meeting their key needs:
Provide small perches
Hummingbirds like to periodically perch and rest between feeder visits. Place small bare branches or specialty hooked perches near feeders.
Offer a water source
Hummingbirds enjoy bathing and drinking fresh water. Mist from a spray bottle or set out a shallow bird bath or dripper.
Let insects thrive
Leave parts of your yard less manicured to allow small insects and spiders that hummingbirds eat to flourish.
Avoid pesticides
Pesticide use can eliminate hummingbird food sources. Minimize chemical use for a healthier habitat.
Supplement feeders with flowers
While feeders help, also plant plenty of natural nectar flowers so hummingbirds have access to live, organic nutrition.
Be patient
It can take a bit of time for hummingbirds to discover new feeders and flowers. Maintain your setup and they will eventually find it!
How can you identify a Ruby-throated Hummingbird?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding species found on Long Island, making up nearly all local observations. Here are tips for identifying them:
- Size – At 3 to 4 inches long, they are New York’s smallest breeding bird.
- Colors – Metallic green upper body, grayish white underside, tiny ruby red throat (male only).
- Bill – Very long, slender and slightly downcurved bill.
- Flight – Rapid wing beats while hovering and flying in any direction.
- Sound – Males make a short, high-pitched chipping call.
- Behavior – Aggressively defends flower and feeder territories from intruders.
Females lack the male’s ruby throat patch and juveniles appear very similar to adult females. Rare vagrant species like the Rufous Hummingbird are possible, but Rubies make up 99% of Long Island sightings.
Conclusion
Attracting hummingbirds in Long Island centers around providing the key elements they rely on – a continuous nectar supply from flowers and feeders, small insects to eat, water, and perching spots, all while minimizing pesticide use.
The optimal strategy is landscape with native nectar plants that bloom from spring through fall, supplementing them with clean, freshly-filled feeders. Over time, you can create an ideal environment that welcomes Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrating through the island each summer. With their awe-inspiring flying abilities and beauty, watching them buzz around your yard will give you hours of entertainment and joy!
