Caring for cuphea hummingbirds requires providing the right habitat, food, and protection. Cuphea hummingbirds, also known as the Cuphea Hummingbird, Mexican Cuphea Hummingbird, or Chuparrosa Mexicana in Spanish, are tiny, active birds that feed on nectar from cuphea flowers and other blooms. With some basic knowledge of their needs, you can create an environment that will help these hummingbirds thrive.
What do cuphea hummingbirds eat?
The main food source for cuphea hummingbirds is nectar from flowers. Their long, slender beak and tongue allow them to extract nectar from blooms. Some of their favorite flowers include:
- Cuphea flowers – These tubular flowers give the bird its name. Cuphea comes in shades of red, orange, and purple.
- Salvia – The red blooms of scarlet sage are highly attractive.
- Fuchsia – The pendulous, tube-shaped flowers contain ample nectar.
- Honeysuckle – Hummingbirds relish the sweet nectar.
- Trumpet vine – The trumpet-shaped orange blooms provide a good food source.
In addition to nectar, cuphea hummingbirds get some nutrition from small insects like gnats, fruit flies, aphids, and spiders. They supplement their diet with these protein sources by catching insects in midair or picking them from leaves and branches.
Providing food
To make sure cuphea hummingbirds have enough to eat, provide both flowers and supplemental feeders:
Flowers
Fill your garden with a variety of bright, tubular flowers that provide nectar. Go for a mix of colors and choose both annuals and perennials so you’ll have continuous blooms. Plant in drifts or clusters for best visibility. Some top picks include:
- Cuphea
- Fuchsia
- Impatiens
- Petunias
- Verbena
- Salvia
- Zinnias
Feeders
Use hummingbird feeders to provide a supplemental food source. The nectar will attract and nourish cuphea hummingbirds. Here are some tips:
- Fill feeders with a 4:1 ratio of water to white refined sugar. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather to prevent spoilage.
- Clean feeders weekly with hot water and vinegar.
- Place feeders in sheltered spots to prevent nectar from fermenting quickly.
- Try different feeder styles like cascades, tubes, and saucers to see what birds prefer.
- Consider putting out feeders with mesh covers to keep out bees.
With the right balance of flowers and feeders, you can create a healthy, appealing habitat.
Providing habitat
In addition to food, cuphea hummingbirds need certain habitat elements to thrive. Here are some key factors to provide:
Water
Hummingbirds get most of their water from nectar, but providing a water feature can be helpful. Consider adding a birdbath, fountain, dripping hose, or mister. Move water features into dappled shade to prevent algae growth.
Shelter
Hummingbirds need places to perch and rest between feedings. Provide shelter in the form of:
- Trees and shrubs – Both evergreen and deciduous varieties work.
- Arbors, trellises, and vines – These offer cover and a place to perch.
- Boxes – Put up plain wooden nesting boxes with entry holes 1-1⁄8 inch across.
Aim for dense plantings with plenty of hiding spots from predators.
Nesting Sites
Cuphea hummingbirds typically nest on branches of trees and shrubs. They line tiny cups of moss, lichen, and spider webs with soft plant down. To encourage nesting, provide:
- Trees and shrubs with horizontal branches in protected spots.
- Dead trees and snags with cavities for nesting inside.
- Nesting material like pet hair, cotton, feathers, and dried grasses.
Avoid pruning trees and shrubs during nesting season.
Caring for baby hummingbirds
Here are some tips for caring for cuphea hummingbird chicks:
- Do not disturb nests. Mother hummingbirds are very protective.
- Avoid pruning or yard work near nests when babies are present.
- Keep feeders full so mother birds can easily feed chicks.
- Do not try to hand feed babies – they need special care.
- If a baby falls from the nest, you can try placing it back. Monitor to see if the mother still tends to it.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if a baby is clearly abandoned.
With minimal intervention, mother hummingbirds can successfully raise chicks on their own.
Hazards and predators
Here are some common hazards and predators that threaten cuphea hummingbirds:
Hazards
- Windows – Hummingbirds often collide with windows. Use decals, screens, or hanging items to break up reflections.
- Cats – Keep cats indoors or supervise time outside to prevent attacks.
- Insecticides – Avoid spraying blooms that hummingbirds feed on.
- Clutter – Trim back vegetation blocking flight paths and clear away fallen branches.
- Wind chimes and fans – Position carefully to avoid contact.
Predators
- Larger birds – Jays, crows, and ravens may eat eggs and chicks.
- Squirrels – They raid nests in trees and snags.
- Snakes – Garter snakes and others prey on nestlings.
- Praying mantises – These ambush predators grab hummingbirds at flowers.
Take steps to deter predators like trimming vegetation and using deterrents.
Special cold weather care
Cuphea hummingbirds are migratory and travel south for the winter. Those that remain require some special care when it gets cold:
- Keep feeders filled consistently as food is scarcer.
- Use a nectar concentrate with a higher sugar ratio for extra calories.
- Ensure shelter is available such as dense evergreens and nesting boxes.
- Run a mister on warmer days so birds can bathe.
- Consider leaving tropical plants like hibiscus unpruned for winter shelter.
With preparation, you can help overwintering hummingbirds survive until spring.
FAQs
What plants attract cuphea hummingbirds?
Good plants to attract cuphea hummingbirds include: cuphea, fuchsia, salvia, petunias, verbena, honeysuckle, lantana, coral honeysuckle, and trumpet vine.
What is the best hummingbird feeder for cuphea hummingbirds?
The best hummingbird feeders have a yellow or red base, multiple perches, an ant moat, and easy cleaning. Saucer and funnel-shaped feeders work well for cuphea hummingbirds.
Should you provide shelter for cuphea hummingbirds?
Yes, providing shelter is important. Hummingbirds need protected spots to perch, rest, and get out of the elements. Trees, shrubs, vines, arbors, and nesting boxes all help provide good shelter.
How long do cuphea hummingbird babies stay in the nest?
Cuphea hummingbird chicks fledge and leave the nest after 18-22 days. They are fed by the mother while in the nest and for a short time after fledging.
What is the wingspan of a cuphea hummingbird?
The cuphea hummingbird has a tiny wingspan of only 2.25-2.5 inches. This allows them to hover and fly backwards with great agility while feeding.
Conclusion
With some planning, you can successfully care for cuphea hummingbirds in your yard. Focus on providing a diverse habitat with plenty of food, shelter, and nesting areas. Minimize dangers from predators and hazards. With the right habitat, you’ll be rewarded with these energetic, colorful birds visiting your garden regularly.
