How to Attract Hummingbirds

Rate: (17 Ratings)

The greatest variety of hummingbirds occurs in the American Southwest. In winter, hummingbirds are almost exclusively limited to California, Arizona and Texas.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bottlebrush Plants
Flowering Eucalyptus
Fuchsias
Honeysuckle Bushes
Hummingbird Feeders
Impatiens
Larkspur
Granulated Sugar
Granulated Sugar
Measuring Cups
Measuring cups

Step1

Look at a birding field guide or consult your local chapter of the Audubon Society to determine if hummingbirds are normally found in your area and, if so, in what season.

Step2

Visit your local nursery for advice about local plants that attract hummingbirds.

Step3

Plan your garden so it contains several varieties of nectar-bearing flowering plants or trees that are attractive to hummingbirds.

Step4

Hang hummingbird feeders in several locations around your property.

Step5

Fill each feeder with a mixture of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.

Step6

Clean feeders often and thoroughly (see "How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder").

Tips & Warnings

Honeysuckle, fuchsia, columbine, bottlebrush, sage, larkspur, impatiens, trumpet vine, tree tobacco, silk tree, and flowering eucalyptus attract hummingbirds.
It may take several years before newly planted trees or shrubs begin to flower.
Never use honey or red food coloring in hummingbird feeders, and avoid commercial mixes that contain red dyes.

Comments

lbl1108 said

Flag This Comment

on 11/14/2008 Once of while I have humming birds comming by. I use the feeder to feed them. But there has a problem is the ants and bee alway go to the feeder before the humming bird come! Please tell me how to keep the ants and bee away from the feeder? Thank you

wytetygres said

Flag This Comment

on 9/30/2008 Good article. I wrote about hummingbirds on ehow, too. The most common hummingbird around here is the ruby throated. There's one other, but we haven't been able to identify him. 5*

wytetygres said

Flag This Comment

on 9/30/2008 Good article. I wrote about hummingbirds on ehow, too. 5*

wytetygres said

Flag This Comment

on 9/30/2008 Good article. I wrote about hummingbirds on ehow, too. 5*

wytetyger059 said

Flag This Comment

on 9/30/2008 I've read that scientists think the red dyes might be causing problems for the hummers. I mix my own sugar water, 1 to 4. Our hummers divebomb us if they have empty feeders. lol