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Hummingbirds can be attracted to gardens by planting flowers preferred by
hummingbirds or by hanging nectar filled hummingbird feeders. They live in
all climates and altitudes of the western hemisphere, some migrating south
to escape the winters in North America. In addition to tropical jungles,
temperate forests, and deserts, you will find them in parks, backyards and
gardens through out eastern North America.
Smallest of birds, they are truly amazing. Their small thumb size bodies
are covered with dazzling iridescent colored feathers. Males are more
brilliantly colored with brilliant iridescent throats. A reverse from most
bird species, females are larger than males. Bills are straight or curved,
and always slender, making them ideal for probing flowers for nectar.
Hummingbirds are excellent pollinators. Extraordinary in their swift,
darting flight, they have an unusual ability to hover. Ariel antics also
include flying backwards, shifting up, down, and sideways, and starts and
stops in midair. Capable of very long migratory flights, those spending
summers in eastern North America fly all the way to Mexico to winter there.
Hummingbirds feed almost continuously all day. Their metabolism is higher
than most warm-blooded vertebrae animals. Besides flower nectar, they eat
small insects and spiders from flowers. Males are quick to establish feeding
territories and aggressively chase away other hummingbirds, both other males
and females. They may also be seen defending their territory against
bumblebees and hawk moths.
They are a joy to have around and are both interesting and entertaining
to watch. They become quite tame, and you may find yourself dodging them to
prevent a collision. Hummingbirds are protected by law and may not be kept
in captivity without a permit. Please do help a sick or injured bird.
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Nectar feeders are a
great way to observe hummingbirds up close. There are a few simple rules
to remember if you put up a feeder. Keep the feeders sparkling clean.
The nectar will mold after a few days, and it is deadly to hummers.
Refill at least every three days. Scrub the feeders with a solution of
vinegar and hot water. Do not use soap of any kind. It is a good idea to
use a stiff bristled brush. |
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Nectar
Recipe |
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Mix 1 part sugar to 4 parts
water. Bring to a boil and boil for two or three minutes. Let it
cool well before you fill your feeders. Food coloring is not
necessary and may in fact be harmful to hummingbirds. Feeders have
a large amount of red on them and that is enough to attract the
birds. |
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Leaving a sugar water
feeder up in autumn will not keep Ruby-throated Humming Birds from
migrating.
Operation Ruby Throat suggests
"maintaining a one-half full feeder changing the nectar weekly through
the winter as long as you wish." Bring the feeder in at night if
temperatures drop below freezing, and put it out the next morning. |
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Visit
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
for information on Hummingbirds and
Hummingbird Gardens |
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