Hummingbird: 101

By Hillary Henry-Shapiro

Hummingbirds are magical creatures. With their petite size and powerful wings, they zip through a garden like wildfire. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is native to Ohio, and is the most common species in the eastern half of the U.S. Hummingbirds are present through all parts of Ohio; they spend summers here and migrate southward in October to over-winter in an area ranging from southern Mexico to northern Panama. All breeding occurs during the summer months.

Hummingbirds are miniscule flying creatures that are as lovely as stained glass. The adult Hummingbird is approximately 3½” in length with a wingspan of nearly 4”, and weighs only 1 ½ ounces. Its tiny wings beat an average of 52 times per minute. Their ability to speedily fly away from danger means they are less frightened than other wild birds. They are also territorial, and it is not uncommon to observe male Hummingbirds fighting over ‘turf’ such as a feeder, making it a good idea to hang more than one hummingbird feeder on your property to disperse Hummingbirds to different locations.

Male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are nearly identical in appearance. The male has a red spot just beneath the beak and above the breast which can be difficult to see. The female Hummingbird does not have the red spot, but can be distinguished by its slightly duller feather color and the white tipping on its tail feathers. The female builds her nest, lays 2 eggs, each the size of a sweet pea, and incubates the eggs on her own. She raises the babies without help of the male and can lay up to 2 sets of eggs per summer.

It is easy to attract Hummingbirds to your garden. Hummingbirds are not necessarily drawn to fragrant flowers as insects are. Instead, Hummingbirds are attracted to nectar plants with brightly colored flowers. They prefer tubular flowers, though they will also visit composite (daisy-like) flowers. In early spring they are attracted to brightly colored Crabapple flowers. A suggested list of flowers includes:

Buckeye trees                                             Sage- especially Scarlet Sage                    

Using a Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbirds can be attracted to your garden by placing feeders in several different locations on your property. They are typically made of glass or substantial plastic, and are designed to hang from a tree or shepherd’s hook. Select a feeder that has is primarily red in color- any yellow on the feeder may attract bees. Examine the feeder carefully to see how easy it will be to clean. The feeder should have several openings so more than one bird can feed at a time, perches, bee guards, and a guard or mote to prevent insects from accessing the nectar. Feeders with a little roof are ideal to prevent rain from getting into the nectar solution.

You can make the nectar solution by buying a packet of nectar mix at a garden center or bird feeding store or you can simply boil 1 cup of sugar in 4 cups of water until the sugar is completely dissolved. It is not necessary to add red food coloring to the water- most feeders have red ‘flowers’ that the birds feed from that will attract them to the feeder. Store any remaining sugar water solution in the refrigerator to prevent it from molding.  Do not give Hummingbirds any honey; it is toxic to them.  

It is important to monitor a hummingbird feeder. The nectar solution can become moldy. It is best to hang the feeder from a tree or from a shepherd hook located in the shade of a tree. This will keep the nectar cool, keeping it fresh for a longer time. If the nectar becomes cloudy, it should be changed.

Be certain to place the feeder in an area that is free of yellow jackets nests and praying mantis egg cases; both these insects will prey upon the Hummingbirds. Also try to site the feeder away from where there may be a Hummingbird nest. Hang the feeder in a calm area- Hummingbirds do not like wind. Hummingbirds will eat insects, so if you can place some cut-up fruit near the feeder (perhaps on a platform bird feeder) to attract insects, you can provide the hummingbirds with an additional food source.  

 

Finally, pesticides of all forms are not beneficial to Hummingbirds. Try to avoid using them, if possible, especially in the areas where they are likely to nest or where you have placed your feeder.