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Hummingbirds are among the most spectacular creatures on earth. They have glittering colors and are the stars of the birds’ world. Seeing a hummingbird in the yard is soothing and a source of happiness for birdwatchers. 

Hummingbirds are ecosystem pollinators. They are specially adapted to pollinate a variety of flowering plants, some of which rely on them as their primary pollinators. Some plants in certain regions rely on hummingbirds as their primary pollinators, especially where other flying insects struggle to thrive.

About Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are known for their small size, vibrant colors, and fast wingbeats. They are generally quite small, measuring between 7.5 to 13 cm, with the bee hummingbird being the tiniest. 

Their quick wing movements, with some species flapping over 50 times per second, give them remarkable agility and a unique flying style. According to research, hummingbirds have a high metabolism and rely on nectar for energy. 

Their extremely high metabolic rates are fueled almost entirely by the sugars in floral nectar, allowing high rates of aerobic energy metabolism in the flight muscles during hovering flight. Owing to this feeding habit, they visit the thousands of flowers frequently and satiate them within every10 to 15 minutes. 

They migrate long distances and may return to the same location each year. During migration, hummingbirds can travel as much as 23 miles in one day, and they are known to gain 25-40% of their body weight before starting migration to support their high energy levels. 

Hummingbirds are known to return to the same location from one year to the next, even to the same feeder, as they are creatures of habit. They are attracted to bright colors, especially red and orange. Their excellent eyesight allows them to perceive a wide range of colors, and they are particularly drawn to red, orange, pink, and yellow. 

This attraction is due to their ability to see ultraviolet light, which enhances warm colors like red, making them stand out and helping the birds associate these colors with the best food sources. These small birds are not only interesting but also some of the most beautiful fliers you’ll ever see.

Whether you’re a seasoned garden enthusiast, a devoted bird watcher, or a homeowner with a passion for hummingbirds, you can create a scenario for them to attract to your place. To attract them, you can easily provide this essential nectar by having flowers or feeders in your outdoor space.

Many people ask me, How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard? 

The answer is here in this post. See the guide.

1. Plant Their Favorite Flowers

Hummingbirds love bright and colorful flowers. Plant flowers like bee balm, salvia, or trumpet vine in your garden. These flowers have sweet nectar that hummingbirds enjoy. It’s also beneficial to provide a variety of flower shapes and colors to attract different hummingbird species and plant flowers in clusters to create a visually striking display.

I planted a line of colorful Zinnia flowers in my special beds for pollinators, and every day, I see lots of hummingbirds sipping nectar from them also Bland and Blooms (black and purple salvia) have been attracting a lot of hummingbirds. When they’re in full bloom, the hummers can’t resist them

Provide a variety of flower shapes and colors to attract different hummingbird species. Hummingbirds are attracted to a variety of flower shapes and colors, so go wild and create a diverse floral buffet. Some other hummingbird favorites include:

• Zinnias
• Red salvia
• Trumpet vine
• Honeysuckle
• Cardinal flower
• Bee palm

Planting flowers in clusters not only creates a visually stunning display but also makes it easier for hummingbirds to find and utilize the nectar sources.

2. Hang Up Hummingbird Feeders

To attract hummingbirds to your backyard, you must hang up hummingbird feeders in your garden or backyard. Choose a feeder with red accents to captivate hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds like nectar-filled feeders. Instead of purchasing nectar, you should make your nectar. You can Mix four parts of water to one part of granulated sugar in a clean pot. Boil the mixture briefly to dissolve the sugar, then let it cool completely before filling your feeders.

Present it to hummingbirds. They love this simple sugar-water solution.

Avoid using artificial sweeteners or food coloring, as they can harm the hummingbirds.

Follow the steps while hanging feeders to them.

Try Different Feeders

Hummingbirds have different tastes. Use different shapes and sizes of hummingbird feeders to attract hummingbirds. Also, try making different nectar recipes to see what they like best.

Location of Feeder is Important

When attracting hummingbirds to feeders keep in mind that they prefer sheltered areas, protected from wind and rain. Hang your feeders near trees or shrubs, about 6 feet off the ground. This provides a sense of security and makes the feeders easily accessible.

Multiple feeders are better

Hang two or three feeders and make sure that you have some space in between different feeders, at least a few feet apart. This ensures all the hummingbirds in the area have a chance to feed.

Choose the Right Feeder

Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the color red. Look for feeders with red accents, flowers, or decorations.

Leakproof and easy to clean

Choose feeders that are easy to clean and leakproof. This prevents spills, if your feeder is not cleaned then it can attract ants, bees, and other unwanted guests.

3. Provide Perching Spots

You may be wondering how to attract more hummingbirds. 

The best way is to add comfy perching spots. Hummingbirds love hanging out in these spots to chill, clean their feathers, find food, and guard their territory. When you offer cozy resting spots for hummingbirds, your garden becomes even more attractive to these little birds.

When you are providing perching spots for hummingbirds make sure that you place them near feeders or flowers. You have to place them at different heights like 3 to 10 feet, and offer a mix of sunny and shaded perches. 

You can buy these perches from local stores near you or you can just use the natural options as perches for hummingbirds. Here are some of the options that you can opt for:

Natural Options

• Trees and Shrubs: If you want to create a welcoming haven for birds, go for the natural options first, like trees and shrubs. Plant native trees and shrubs that flower abundantly. These plants not only look pretty but also offer yummy treats and comfy spots for your feathered friends.
• Dead branches: If you have any dead branches in your garden then do not cut them off. Hummingbirds love to perch on them.

Make Your Own Hummingbird Perches

• Dowel Rods: You can hang thin sticks close to where hummingbirds eat or where there are flowers and paint them red or orange to catch the birds’ attention.
• Twigs and Vines: For this, you can tie together thin sticks or grapevines and hang them from tree branches or a shepherd’s hook.
• Swings: Make small swings with wooden beads, sticks, and fishing lines. Hummingbirds enjoy perching and even swaying gently on these swings.

4. Use the Color Red

• If you’re hoping to transform your yard into a hummingbird haven then you must focus on using the red flowers, and decorations in your yard to catch hummingbirds’ attention.  
• Hummingbird feeders come in all sorts of shapes and colors, but red ones are going to stand out to hummingbirds. You can hang up some eye-catching red hummingbird feeders. Keep them clean and filled with a simple homemade nectar. Place them in partial shade to prevent the nectar from spoiling in the heat.
• You can also use red ribbons or wind chimes. The gentle flutter in the breeze will add movement and it will capture the attention of hummingbirds.

5. Keep The Garden Well Maintained

A clean garden with beautiful flowers and red feeders filled with nectar is like a paradise for hummingbirds. You can turn your backyard into a cozy spot for hummingbirds with some simple care. A well-kept garden not only looks nice but also attracts these beautiful birds.

Plant Yummy Flowers

When planting flowers you should choose flowers like bee balm, trumpet honeysuckle, columbine, and salvia. Hummingbirds love tubular flowers with lots of nectar. Pick flowers in different colors that bloom at various times to keep the hummingbirds coming back all season. 

Keep The Garden Clean

To make your garden neat and attractive you must clean up dead leaves and debris. Trim overgrown plants to keep flowers blooming and make it easy for hummingbirds to move around.

6. Create A Water Source

Hummingbirds don’t just drink water; they also like to take baths. Put a birdbath or a misting system in your garden. It will be like a spa for the hummingbirds, helping them stay cool and keep their feathers clean.

While hummingbirds primarily get their hydration from flower nectar and the sugar water in feeders, they still need access to clean water for drinking and bathing. Bathing helps hummingbirds stay clean, cool down on hot days, and maintain their feathers for efficient flight.

You can set up a small fountain or dripper for hummingbirds to mist and bathe. A shallow birdbath with pebbles works too, but make sure to keep it clean and raised to protect against predators.

Offer shallow dishes or birdbaths with clean water for hummingbirds to bathe and drink. Change the water regularly to keep it clean and fresh. This ensures that hummingbirds have a hygienic space for drinking and bathing in your garden.

• Position your water source in a sunny spot near flowers or feeders, encouraging hummingbirds to visit.
• Regularly clean and refill your chosen water source to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae that could harm the birds.
• Regular watering of your garden will attract insects, providing a natural food source for the hummingbirds.

7. Create Hummingbird Shelters

Hummingbirds add a magical touch to any yard, but they need more than just nectar to stay healthy. You can attract and help these little helicopters by giving them a safe and friendly place to stay. Hummingbirds build their cup-shaped nests on small, sturdy branches. 

Hummingbirds don’t live in birdhouses, but you can make them feel at home by putting a small, flat box or platform in a protected area and decorating it with moss and sticks. This looks like a nest for them. Put strong sticks or leaves near the feeders so they can rest.

To attract hummingbirds, create a space that gives them what they need. Hummingbirds like mist or dripping water. Consider a small birdbath with a dripper or a mister near your flowers. Plants and trees can protect them from bad weather and animals that might want to eat them. Evergreen plants offer year-round protection.

8. Keep Your Plants Healthy And Blooming All Season Long 

To attract hummingbirds to your garden or balcony, it’s important to take good care of your plants.

• Fertilize Properly: Give your plants the nutrients they need by using fertilizer according to the instructions for each type of plant. This helps them grow strong and vibrant, attracting hummingbirds.
• Remove Dead Flowers: Regularly trim away dead flowers. This not only makes your plants look better but also encourages new flowers to bloom, which hummingbirds love.
• Prune Regularly for Growth: Trim your plants regularly to promote new growth. This helps create a lush and inviting environment for hummingbirds to explore.
• Water Consistently: Keep your plants hydrated, especially during dry periods. Hummingbirds are more likely to visit a garden with healthy, well-watered plants.
• Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for any pests that might harm your plants. If you spot any, take appropriate measures to control them, ensuring your plants stay healthy and appealing to hummingbirds.

9. Attract Them With Fruits

You can put out half an orange, or citrus halves, which can attract hummingbirds as well as orioles and other fruit-eating birds. When I put out fruit for hummingbirds, they only drink a little of the juice. But the fruit brings in bugs that the hummingbirds can eat. Orioles and other birds that eat fruit will be more interested in citrus halves.

10. Give A Little Extra Space 

Make sure hummingbirds have plenty of room to fly happily in your yard. Keep things simple, so they can zoom around without any problems. Leave some open spaces for them to fly and do their cool maneuvers.

Don’t have too much stuff or things that might get in their way. Hummingbirds like it better when things are not too cluttered or have obstacles that might stop them from flying around freely.

You can also give them little resting spots like small branches or wires where they can take a break. It’s like having tiny benches for them to chill on between their flying adventures.

11. Make Your Yard A Hospitable Place For Hummingbirds To Nest 

To make your balcony a cozy spot for hummingbirds, it’s important to provide a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure your balcony is a safe and comfortable place for these tiny birds.

Hummingbirds love to weave their nests with soft materials like spiderwebs, moss, and tiny twigs. You can leave these scattered around your balcony in little piles. Hummingbirds like their nests tucked away safely in dense bushes or trees.

If you have space, planting a small shrub or even a climbing vine can give them that comfy feeling. Pesticides and other harsh chemicals can be bad news for baby hummers. By keeping your balcony pesticide-free, you’re making sure their home is a healthy one.

How To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Balcony?

Hummingbirds, which are beautiful birds with bright colors and fast wingbeats, can make your porch an exciting place to be. You can make your outdoor space irresistible to these delicate birds by taking a few easy steps. This will encourage them to stay and even build nests. To know about how to attract hummingbirds to your balcony you can follow these super easy steps:

Provide Nesting Materials

Hummingbirds are very good at building their tiny nests out of things like spiderwebs, moss, and thin branches. You should leave piles of these things in safe places on your deck to make it look better and give these bird builders a do-it-yourself kit. Adding nesting materials like moss or twigs to pots can make your balcony look better and give hummingbirds a place to nest.

Plant Leafy Hideaways

Adding trees and bushes with thick leaves will make the area look more appealing. Hummingbirds like to build their nests in private places with lots of plants around. The plants defend and hide their nests.

Set Up A Nectar Buffet

Hummingbirds love nectar, which is a sweet drink that comes from flowers. The plant has tube blooms that are bright colors like red, orange, and purple. Choose the flower types that bloom all season long so that hummingbirds love your garden.

Use Artificial Flowers

You can also hang baskets with flowers on your balcony to attract hummingbirds. However, make sure to add nectar-rich plants or other hummingbird-friendly flowers to keep the nectar-seekers there once they discover your trick. 

Hang Feeders or Potted Flowers

To attract hummingbirds to your balcony you can put flower pots with blooms that are full of juice on your balcony or use feeders. You can try out various types of feeders but prefer red color over yellow for the feeders.

Add Perches or Resting Spots

You can add perches for hummingbirds to get some rest near your balcony so you can enjoy the view. You can use the plastic sticks to create perching spots. Make sure there are safe places for hummingbirds to stop and rest.

How To Attract Hummingbirds with Feeders?

Choose a feeder with red accents to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are drawn to vibrant colors, especially red. Choose a feeder with splashes of red, as it mimics the hues of flowers they naturally seek nectar from.

Hang feeders in a shaded area, preferably near flowers. For example, suppose that you are a hummingbird seeking a refreshing sip. You wouldn’t want to stand under the scorching sun, would you? It’s a clear “No” so, hang your feeder in a partially shaded area, offering a relaxing environment from the heat.

Hummingbirds really like sweet nectar, but they also need protein! You can help them by putting a small feeder with crushed insects in their area. This gives them important nutrients to stay healthy and energetic.

Regular Cleaning Is Important

I just wanted to give you a heads-up about hummingbird feeders. If you decide to get them, make sure to keep them super clean. There’s an infection that hummingbirds can catch from dirty feeders, and unfortunately, it can be pretty harmful to them. So, just a friendly reminder to stay on top of the cleaning routine. 

Hummingbird feeders can harbor bacteria and mold, which can make the birds sick. You have to clean your feeders every two or three days, especially during hot weather. Wash them thoroughly with hot soapy water, rinse well, and let them dry completely before refilling.

Use Homemade Nectar

Do not give them soda, honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners, red food coloring, or honey. Hummingbirds are very sensitive to iron, so sweets like brown sugar and beet juice that are high in iron are not good for them.

Homemade nectar is recommended for hummingbird feeders because store-bought nectar often contains preservatives and food coloring that can be harmful to the birds’ livers. I encourage you to take a step forward and prepare nectar in your home, Now, you might wonder how to do it, so here are just simple 2 steps to follow:

• Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water to create nectar for hummingbird feeders.
• Heat the water enough to dissolve the sugar, and then let the mixture cool before filling the feeder.

I’ve found that using plain sugar water in bird feeders works. The feeders attract birds, and I’ve always wondered if they can smell it. Just a note if you place a new feeder in a new spot, it might take the birds a week or two to notice it. Don’t be disappointed, though. Once they find it, they’ll keep coming back if you regularly refill it with fresh sugar water and keep the feeders clean.

Conclusion

Turning your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven is like throwing a VIP party for these tiny, colorful guests. You can plant their favorite flowers, set up hummingbird feeders like you’re hosting a feast, and throw in some cozy perching spots. Red is the secret weapon, use it strategically, like the VIP section of your bird party.

Keep your garden in tip-top shape, add a cool water feature for them to splash around in, and offer them some stylish shelters. It’s like designing a luxury resort for your feathered friends. Creating an inviting environment for hummingbirds involves a combination of strategic elements.

How to Attract Hummingbirds to yard? – FAQs