eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

  • Bookmark and Share

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are one of the world's smallest birds. Native to North and South America, most species are found in the tropics. These tiny creatures feed on insects and nectar with their distinct beaks. Learning how to attract hummingbirds is a great way to entice them into your garden.

    Hummingbirds Ashlee's Picks

    • How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder Cup

      Kids are delighted by hummingbirds as they zoom from feeder to feeder. They will be even more delighted when you show them how to make adorable cup feeders from recycled containers around the home. Not only are these easy enough for kids to make, they won't cost you a penny. This is a great rainy day activity that is fun for the whole... more »

    • Where Is the Best Place to Put a Hummingbird Feeder?

      Hummingbird feeders should be painted a bright color--red is the best--so hummingbirds can see them from a distance. Feeders should only be filled with a mixture of sugar and water, never honey. Honey can cause a fungus that is fatal to hummingbirds. Hummingbird feeders are important if you have planted a hummingbird garden. The... more »

    • When to Take Down Hummingbird Feeders

      Many people believe that they have to take down their hummingbird feeders when colder weather approaches to encourage the tiny birds to migrate south. That's not true. Hummingbirds instinctively know when to head for warmer climes, so you don't have to worry about delaying their travels by keeping your feeders up too long. more »

    • How to Make an Ant Guard for a Hummingbird Feeder

      Hummingbird feeders attract ants. Unless you create a barrier, ants will follow the hanger to he feeder. This can result in an unsightly mass of floating ants that deter hummingbirds from feeding. While you can purchase ant moats for feeders, save money by making your own ant guard with recycled caps. more »

    • How Does a Hummingbird Find Food?

      Hummingbirds are small birds with delicate wings that beat very fast. They can fly long distances without stopping in their search for food. They also use these wings to hover above a flower to eat. Hummingbirds are unlike other birds in that they like to eat sugary foods. They also eat small insects for proteins.

      Hummingbirds... more »

    Hummingbirds Quick Guides

    • Hummingbird Gardens

      Attract hummingbirds to your garden with a few well placed flowers and special hummingbird...

    • Garden Designs 101

      Planting a garden and watching it come to life in beautiful colors and textures is a very...

    • Creating Water Gardens

      Plants, Fish, Plants that grow best in and around water create a special kind of magic in your...

    Hummingbirds Articles

    Additional Web Resources
    Topic Manager
    Ashlee Simmons

    Hummingbirds have always been of great interest to me. As a child,...more

    Hummingbirds have always been of great interest to me. As a child, I marveled at how fast the tiny wings fluttered as the birds hovered over honeysuckle and wild flowers. My fascination with hummingbirds is a mixture of mystical, magical and practical. Because some species are endangered, it's important to spread the word about the hummingbird's unique features as well as their contributions to the ecosystems they live in. | hide

    Ashlee's Latest Updates

    • Hummers in Florida on 11/20/2009

      Of the three hundred thirty-eight known species of hummers, three types are known to the state... more

      Of the three hundred thirty-eight known species of hummers, three types are known to the state of Florida. The species include the well-known Ruby-throated, Black-chinned and Rufous hummingbirds. The two latter birds are typically spotted during the winter months, while the Ruby-throated hummer is far more common, and has been seen throughout the year.

      Hummers migrate to Central America during the winter, and arrive back in the state in early spring. They begin nesting in April, and the female lays two eggs which hatch after 20 days. Youngsters are ready to leave the nest in four weeks, and the cycle begins again.

      The University of Florida has a page dedicated to hummingbirds which can be found at edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW059.

      hide
    • Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Facts on 11/20/2009

      The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is one of the most popular, and well-known hummers alive. Other... more

      The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is one of the most popular, and well-known hummers alive. Other types of hummingbirds are often mistaken for the Ruby-Throated hummer due to the irridescence of the bird's feather. However, once you see a Ruby-Throated hummer, you will never forget its beauty.

      Did you know:

      *Defends to the end? These hummingbirds fight over territory and food supply. Fights can become deadly.

      *The birds migrate annually to Mexico, crossing the Gulf of Mexico.

      *Ruby-Throated hummers intentionally disguise their nests as parts of the trees they build the nest in.

      Hinterland's Who's Who has an amazing page about Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds -- the surface has barely been scratched her. For more information, browse to www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=71.

      hide
    • Hummer Check List on 11/20/2009

      If you've wondered what type of hummer is found in your state, whether mating, nesting or... more

      If you've wondered what type of hummer is found in your state, whether mating, nesting or migrating through, RubyThroat.org has a page chock full of information.

      Broken down by state, RubyThroat.org simplifies the process. Each type is listed, and many have photos for easy identification. Ruby-throated hummingbirds have special mention. If found in a particular state, the bird is shown in green if it breeds there, and red if it is rare or uncommon or simply migrates through.

      RubyThroat.org's main focus is Ruby-throated hummingbirds, but this breakdown of various hummers in the United States is helpful for research and identification of what types might be found in your locale. Visit www.rubythroat.org/ChecklistsUSStatesMain.html for more information.

      hide
    See All Ashlee's Updates »

    Related Ads

    Hummingbirds People & Community

    Connect with people who share your interest by joining one of our Groups:

    Topic Contributors
    Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

    Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

    Demand Media