|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wild Bird Feeders,
Bird Houses,
Bird Baths and more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Hummingbird
Description: Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world with long thin bills and extendible "bifurcated" tongues. They are capable of verticle flight and have the ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings (15-80 times per second). They are also the only group of birds that can fly backwards.When you hear them, it becomes obvious that their name comes from the sound of their wings.The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, the only species to breed in eastern North America, can be found from central Alberta, Canada eastward to Nova Scotia, and south from eastern North Dakota to eastern Texas and Florida in summer. The Hummingbird winters in southern Mexico and Central America, south to Costa Rica.
Other Names: Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird, Glittering Bellied Emerald, Festive Coquette and Shining Sunbeam
Color: The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird has a metallic green back and ruby feathers on its throat. There is a small white spot behind the eye and its under parts are white. Females are similar to males but for their white under parts without red throats. Males are usually brightly colored.
Sound: Most Hummingbird songs sound like high-pitched squeaks or chirps to the human ear because they are vocalized so fast.
Preferred Environment: Hummingbirds breed in mixed woodlands and eastern deciduous forests, gardens and orchards, and winter in tropical deciduous forests, tropical dry forests, scrubland, citrus groves and second growth.
Nesting Habits: Only females construct the Hummingbird nest, which is attached to a branch or twig and made of bits of cottony wool from fern stalks. They bind it all together with spider webs and shingled with lichens. The nest resembles a moss-covered knot on a tree limb.
Food Preference: Hummingbirds require nectar as an energy source and a protein source (usually small insects). Thus, hey are attracted to many flowering plants, especially those with red flowers. They feed on the nectar of these plants and are important pollinators
|
|
|
How to Attract Hummingbirds
One of the best known birds, it's awesome to see a ruby throated hummingbird zipping around your window. They are prized for their brilliant color and amazing speed.
Hummingbirds are only seasonal visitors. During the winter time they migrate to southern United States and Mexico. The best way to attract any type of bird is to offer several sources of nutrition. Butterfly weed, Verbena and Foxglove are just a few flowers that are natural hummingbird attractants.
Offering a nectar feeder is another great way. Hummingbird nectar is generally a solution of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, to give your hummingbird that extra boost of energy. However, sugar solutions spoil rapidly, especially in the summer sun. Always replace your nectar every 4 days, and clean your feeder thoroughly with a brush. If there is mold and mildew on your feeder, the hummingbirds won't come back anytime soon. It takes patience to attract hummingbirds, but once they have found your feeders, they will be back summer after summer. Be sure to locate your hummingbird feeder in the same spot every year because returning hummers will come back to last year's exact location and expect to find the feeder there.
Hummers are very territorial and will fight at a feeder. When you see this happens be prepared to set up another feeder in another spot to stop the fighting. Try locating it about six feet from the first feeder.
Suggested Hummingbird Feeders
|
|
|
| |
| | |
|
| | |
|
| |
| | |
|
|
|