How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard

With iridescent wings that catch the light as they flit between flowers, hummingbirds have earned their nickname of “flying jewels.” There are more than 300 species of these migratory winged wonders, 12 of which summer in North America and winter in tropical areas. Yet even if they don’t necessarily proliferate in your area, you can tempt them into your yard!

And you should! Did you know that their wings beat in a figure-eight pattern 80 times per second? And they are considered pollinators because they pollinate flowers as they feed, just like bees. So how do you attract hummingbirds to your yard…

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Choose Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds feed on tree sap, insects, pollen, and—their favorite dish—the nectar of flowers. So the best way to invite them is to transform your garden into a colorful oasis. While it’s true that they’re partial to the color red and appreciate tubular shapes that discourage insects yet seem tailor-made for the hummers’ long, tapered bills, they’ll dip into any nectar-producing bloom, including geranium, begonia, hollyhocks, petunias, azaleas, butterfly bush, honeysuckle, weigela, morning glory, and tulip poplar. Plant some of these species that are suited to your USDA hardiness zone.

female hummingbird drinking nectar from a flower

Fill Hanging Feeders with Nectar

Want to add more nectar? Feeders come in a range of styles and price points, they generally become available in hardware and discount stores in the spring. All feature a reservoir for nectar and ports for hummingbirds to drink from.

Check Out- Everything Hummingbird Feeders

Hang the feeder in a quiet spot close to the plants and flowers these amazing birds already enjoy, but make sure you can still see the feeders for your viewing pleasure. You’ll also want easy access to the feeder for cleaning and refilling.

To make your own hummingbird nectar, bring one part white sugar to four parts water to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow the solution to cool to room temperature before pouring into the feeder. Store any leftover nectar in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to take the feeder down at least once a week to clean it with mild detergent and water. An unattended feeder is bound to grow bacteria that could potentially harm birds.

Want to know more about making your own hummingbird food? Visit – How to Make Hummingbird Food

Provide Water and Respite for Hummingbirds

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need plain water to drink and to bathe in. Birdbaths are not recommended, because the water is stagnant and deep. But a gently moving waterfall feature or a mister makes for a heavenly hummingbird spa. You might even catch them whizzing through your sprinklers for a quick shower on the fly. Once wet, hummers may actually perch on a nearby branch to preen and rest (it’s tiring to keep wings beating so fast for so long!). If you have no trees or shrubs that offer perfect perching, simply stick a dead branch into the ground about 50 feet from your hummingbird feeder or planting area.

Consider add the GOLDFLOWER Solar Fountain to your bird bath.

hummingbird drinking nectar from a flower

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Make your Yard and Garden Hospitable for Hummingbirds to Nest

Hummers won’t occupy a birdhouse or nesting box. Instead, they build their own nests in trees and shrubs with twigs, leaves, plant fibers, and other natural materials, all bound together ingeniously with spider silk. So don’t be so quick to chase spiders from your property; their webs provide this necessary material. Hummingbirds will also eat spiders, as well as small insects and larvae, for a source of protein, fat, and salt.