How to Attract Hummingbirds

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

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. 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.

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

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

4. Hang hummingbird feeders in several locations around your property.

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

6. 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.

[grace330]

on 9/5/2009 my friend secured his feeder with fish line to keep it from twirling - we have not seen a hummingbird...could this be the reason

[collargreen]

on 7/29/2009 I live in Vernon, Florida and my neighbor use water and sugar (sugar water) next to his window. Works like a charm.

[jull14]

on 6/15/2009 Wonderful article. I love to read article that can help me grow as a person. This article is very easy to follow and very informative, thanks

[oimdiane]

on 6/15/2009 You've got me wondering... somewhere along the line I thought I read that sugar (white) added to water weakens the hummingbird's beaks. Could be wrong, but after this I'm heading to a search engine to make sure - yeah or nay on the sugar part... I love hummingbirds!

[patandfritz]

on 6/8/2009 I have two feeders. Both are kept clean and filled. Had two hummers two weeks ago and then they stopped coming by. The feeders hang on the front porch along with hanging baskets with red and pink petunias. All the same as last year when we had two who visited every evening. Why did they stop coming and what can I do to get them back? Will other birds like Blue Jays and swallows discourage them?