There are 5 species of hummingbird in Canada, 16 in the USA, and many more in Mexico and South America. All hummingbirds live in the Western hemisphere, and may be found as far north as Alaska and the Yukon Territory. These beautiful and fascinating birds can be encouraged to visit your garden or deck by providing plenty of appealing food.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden or Deck
The best way to attract hummingbirds to your yard or deck is to provide lots of large, colorful flowers, preferably wild native species. Hummingbirds have no sense of smell and find food by sight, so both flowers and feeders should be very visible. Offering one or more hummingbird feeders can increase the likelihood that the birds will visit.
Hummingbirds’ favorite color is red, so providing red flowers (preferably tubular or climbing flowers) and having a red feeder or a feeder decorated with artificial red flowers will increase the likelihood of enticing hummingbirds to visit.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
To make homemade hummingbird nectar, add ¼ cup of organic cane sugar to 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until dissolved, remove from heat, cool thoroughly and add the mixture to the hummingbird feeder. This recipe can also be used to make nectar for butterflies, though butterflies require a different sort of feeder.
You can make up a large batch of hummingbird nectar, as long as the formula is always 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Excess nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders can be purchased in many garden supply stores. The best feeders are at least partially bright red. You can maximize the likelihood that hummingbirds will visit by having lots of large, brightly colored flowers near your feeder, as hummingbirds find food by sight rather than smell.
Never use food coloring, honey or artificial sweeteners in a hummingbird feeder. Consuming honey can cause a tongue fungus in hummingbirds, and artificial sweeteners lack nutritional value. Avoid instant nectars, which usually contain food coloring or other unhealthy ingredients.
How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder
To make your own hummingbird feeder, decorate a glass jar with bright red silk or plastic flowers. Flowers can be attached with waterproof red electrical tape, which is available at most hardware stores. Next, punch several holes in the lid by placing the lid on a piece of wood and hammering a large nail through it in several spots. Fill the jar with nectar, screw the lid on tightly and hang the jar upright in an open area using twine or wire.
Feeder Maintenance
Clean the feeder with hot water and a mild detergent, and rinse very thoroughly with hot water before refilling. The feeder should be cleaned and the nectar replaced at least once a week, and preferably every three days to prevent bacteria build-up.
Further Reading
For more information on butterflies and hummingbirds, please see Butterfly Gardening,Hummingbird Gardening and How to Make a Butterfly Feeder.
References:
- Canadian Wildlife Federation. (2007). “Hummingbirds.” Wildaboutgardening.org.
- Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History & Operation Ruby Throat: The Hummingbird Project. (n.d.). “Other Hummingbird Species.” Rubythroat.org.
- National Gardening Association. (2008). “Make a Hummingbird Feeder.” Kidsgardening.com
