Here in Central Pennsylvania, bird-watchers await anxiously the return of the Ruby-Throat Hummingbirds each year. These little jewels are the smallest of birds, and are fascinating to watch as they busily feed from flowers or a feeder provided for that purpose. Hummingbirds also eat tiny insects and small spiders.
Contrary to popular myth, hummingbirds enjoy perching on a small bare branch or sturdy weed that is high enough for the bird to survey his territory. Hummingbirds have little fear of man or anything else; their speed makes them inaccessible to cats and other would be predators. Hummingbirds have a feisty disposition, and are known to drive off much larger birds. The males often fight for territory and stage ‘dogfights’ displaying their tremendous agility and acrobatic prowess.
Hummingbirds breed in our area, with each female typically laying two eggs no bigger than a pea. Their nests are about the size of a half dollar. They like to nest above a creek or stream, on a
down-sloping branch anywhere from five to twenty feet above the water. They locate their nests on the saddle of a horizontal twig or branch. The nests are built of plant down, spider webbing, lichen, and young oak leaves typically.
Hummingbirds migrate from Costa Rica and Mexico in the winter to our area as spring flowers start to open. They are particularly fond of columbine in the early spring. The males precede the females. Females will return to their nesting spots each year.
Hummers are fond of red flowers, as well as a host of wildflowers. Some plants, like Cardinal-Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) depend on hummingbirds for pollination since their flowers have such an elongated tube that other pollinators cannot reach their nectar. Here are a list of other flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Impatiens Nicotiana
Trumpet-Vine Salpiglossis
Salvia (Scarlet Sage) Hollyhocks
Red Honeysuckle Gladiolus
Bee Balm (Monarda) Balcon Geraniums
Jewelweed Fuchsia
Phlox Wild Honeysuckle
Petunias Penstemon
Lilies Mimosa Trees
Nasturtiums Yucca
In addition, hummingbirds will also feed on fresh sap from a hole made by a wood-boring bird.
HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
There are a variety of hummingbird feeders available to supplement flower feeding. Most are constructed of plastic and have red tops or plates to help the hummingbirds zero in on the nectar. You may buy hummingbird nectar, or make your own. To make your own, use a ration of one part white sugar to four parts water. Boil the water, add the sugar and let it cool. Store unused portion in the refrigerator. It is important to clean your feeder at least once a week to keep mold from forming. Clean them with hot water and a little vinegar. Rinse thoroughly before refilling. Do NOT use honey to feed hummingbirds - it grows a fungus that can infect the tongues of hummingbirds.
Other insects are also attracted to hummingbird feeders, and hummers have been known to fight bumblebees for food. To keep competition at a minimum, spray your feeder daily with water. It discourages insects, and hummingbirds love to dive in and out of water drops. In fact, spritzing water fascinates these little birds, and they enjoy taking baths regularly. If you are fortunate enough to have a fountain, it can make a nice centerpiece for a hummingbird garden.
Even those that live in town can enjoy hummingbirds by planting containers and window boxes full of their favorite flowers. A bird bath can provide water and a large tree can be used for cover. On suburban lots, a grassy expanse ringed by medium-sized trees that is under-planted with shrubs provides the type of cover hummingbirds seem to enjoy.
Hummingbirds make a chatter that sounds like a squeak, followed by a ‘tsk’ sound. Most often, their approach is hear as the flutter of rapidly beating wings. They are very curious, and will often hover around a person with a bright red shirt or red hair ribbon.
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