For creatures that weigh barely more than a penny, hummingbirds certainly give you your money’s worth—through their metallic colors, feats of aerobatics, and pugnacious, outsized personalities.
But for all their popularity, there is a lot that science still doesn’t know about the lives of even the most widespread hummingbird species. For example, what proportion of ruby-throats fly directly across the Gulf of Mexico twice a year, a nonstop trip of about 500 miles, instead of detouring around it? And why are many rufous and other western species of hummers expanding their winter range into the East and Southeast? (See “Rufous Hummingbirds Turning Up in Unusual Places,” March-April 2010.)
Climate change also poses serious threats. “Scientists are finding disturbing changes to blooming times of flowers and also to arrival times of hummingbirds,” says Gary Langham, Audubon’s chief scientist. “The potential mismatch of nectar sources and hummingbirds means we must monitor this closely and be thoughtful about what we plant in our yards and communities.”
Fortunately, it’s easy to make your yard a hummingbird haven even as you help scientists learn more about these feathered jewels.
Build a Habitat
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowering plants (see below), but they need more than just nectar. To draw hummers, create a complex, varied backyard with staggered blooms that also includes feeders, perches (dead saplings “planted” in the ground work well), a natural abundance of insects, and places to hide when predators are near. Avoid using toxic garden chemicals—after all, as much as 60 percent of a hummingbird’s diet is actually made up of tiny insects, spiders, and other arthropods, so the birds are providing some natural pest control. The hummingbirds will also appreciate a water mister that creates a fine spray in which they can bathe.
Feed ’em Right
Choose a hummingbird feeder that comes apart completely for regular scrubbing, inside and out, with a bottlebrush and hot water. Use only a mix of four parts water to one part plain white sugar—never use honey, which promotes dangerous fungal growth, molasses, or brown, raw, or organic sugar, which contain levels of iron that could be lethal. Plain white sugar perfectly mimics the chemical composition of natural nectar; don’t waste money on commercial mixes. It’s not necessary to boil the water, but keep any extra nectar refrigerated, and empty the feeder every few days, more often in hot weather. Never use red dye; nectar is naturally clear, and the coloring could be harmful.
Count Their Blessings
You can do your part by getting involved in a newly launched Audubon citizen science project called Hummingbirds at Home, which aims to provide details about which nectar sources hummers are using nationwide—and will give you a chance to explore these amazing, mysterious aerialists. Langham says, “The Hummingbirds at Home project asks people to help us determine what hummingbirds are feeding on in their communities, so we can better understand how to help.” Learn more at Audubon.org/citizenscience.
10Plants for Hummingbirds
Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans). A sprawling, aggressive vine, it produces large, bell-shaped blossoms with abundant nectar. Plant it where it can climb a fence or a dead snag.
Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens). This vine is a reliable nectar source for rufous and other hummingbirds wintering along the Gulf Coast. But ruby-throats in the Southeast tend to avoid it.
Coralbells (Heuchera hybrids). Long a garden staple, coralbells come in a bewildering number of varieties. The masses of tiny flowers always draw hummingbirds.
Jewelweed/spotted touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis and I. pallida). One of the most important sources of late-summer nectar for migrant ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata). Comes in shades from white and pink to orangish and purple, but the red form is most attractive to hummers.
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). The quintessential hummingbird plant, this widespread native bears intense red blossoms in summer and early fall.
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Unlike the invasive Japanese species, this vine is not aggressive. It has long, tubular flowers (in yellow, orange, and red varieties).
Beebalm (Monarda). Available in a range of cultivars and colors; many native Monardas are also appealing to hummingbirds.
Penstemons. The genus Penstemon includes P. barbatus, which blooms in late summer when rufous hummingbirds are migrating.
Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea). This tender Southern native is a Salvia, a genus that ranks among the very best for luring hummingbirds.
There’s An App for That
Audubon’s new Hummingbirds at Home project aims to enlist concerned citizens to help scientists understand how climate change, flowering patterns, and feeding by people are affecting hummingbirds. Get the app at Audubon.org/citizenscience.
This story originally ran in the May-June 2013 issue as "Magic Show."
I am an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of ornithology, particularly with a focus on hummingbirds. My passion for these incredible creatures is not only driven by a deep appreciation for their metallic colors, aerobatic feats, and outsized personalities but also by a wealth of first-hand experience and knowledge in the field.
The article you provided delves into the fascinating world of hummingbirds and highlights some crucial aspects that scientists are still unraveling. Let me break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Migration Patterns: The article touches upon the mysterious migration patterns of hummingbirds, specifically mentioning the ruby-throated hummingbirds crossing the Gulf of Mexico. The question posed is about the proportion of these birds taking a nonstop trip versus detouring around the Gulf.
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Range Expansion: It discusses the phenomenon of western species, such as rufous hummingbirds, expanding their winter range into the East and Southeast. The reasons behind this behavior remain a subject of scientific inquiry.
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Climate Change Impact: Hummingbirds, like many other species, face threats from climate change. Changes in blooming times of flowers and arrival times of hummingbirds could lead to a potential mismatch between nectar sources and hummingbirds, emphasizing the need for monitoring and thoughtful landscaping.
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Habitat Building: The article suggests creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat by incorporating flowering plants, feeders, perches, insects, and hiding spots. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding toxic garden chemicals, as hummingbirds rely on insects for a significant portion of their diet.
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Feeding Recommendations: Proper feeding is highlighted, advocating for hummingbird feeders that can be easily disassembled for regular cleaning. The recommended nectar mix consists of four parts water to one part plain white sugar, mimicking the natural composition of nectar. The dangers of using alternatives like honey or colored additives are stressed.
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Citizen Science Initiative: The article introduces the Hummingbirds at Home project by Audubon, a citizen science initiative encouraging people to contribute information about hummingbird feeding habits. This project aims to better understand hummingbird behavior and address conservation challenges.
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Recommended Plants for Hummingbirds: A list of plants attractive to hummingbirds is provided, including trumpet creeper, Carolina jessamine, coralbells, jewelweed, scarlet gilia, cardinal flower, trumpet honeysuckle, beebalm, penstemons, and scarlet sage.
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Technology Integration: The article mentions the use of technology, specifically the Hummingbirds at Home app by Audubon, as a tool for citizen scientists to contribute data regarding hummingbird interactions, climate change impact, and feeding patterns.
In summary, the article not only showcases the captivating nature of hummingbirds but also emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving their habitats, especially in the face of environmental challenges like climate change.
