Back in my day, spotting a rare hummingbird was like finding a diamond in your grandmother’s garden – pure magic. After years of watching these remarkable creatures, I’ve learned a few secrets about attracting the more unusual species that most folks never get to see.
The Camera Feeder We Use In Our Own Backyard
See Today's PriceWhether you’re hoping to spot a Rufous, Allen’s, or even the elusive Calliope hummingbird, these tried-and-true tricks will help transform your garden into a rare hummingbird haven.
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1. Create a Native Plant Corridor
Plant diverse and varied native plants to create functional, ecologically sound yard environments for the wildlife that shares your space. Think about creating planting schemes that bugs, as well as hummingbirds, will love.
Whether a hummingbird remembers who you are, they’ll remember where they found food. So, if you enjoy seeing a hummingbird population in your yard, continue to plant native flowering plants that provide the birds with nectar, create a healthy habitat, and supplement those offerings with a sugar solution in a hummingbird feeder, if necessary.
An even better choice is to plant Maryland native flowers in your garden for hummingbirds. You’ll help create a habitat for hummingbirds and other pollinators, boost the Chesapeake ecosystem, and have the easiest plants to grow where you live.
2. Maintain Multiple Feeding Heights
Different hummingbird species prefer to feed at varying heights. The tiny Calliope often feeds closer to the ground, while the Allen’s Hummingbird prefers mid-level locations.
Install feeders at multiple heights, ranging from 3 to 8 feet off the ground, and observe which locations attract different species. This strategy reduces competition and makes your garden more inviting to a wider variety of visitors.
3. Install a Misting System
Rare hummingbirds are particularly drawn to fine water mists, especially during migration periods. Set up a gentle misting system near flowering vines or shrubs, creating a spa-like environment these special visitors can’t resist.
The Costa’s Hummingbird, especially, loves darting through water droplets during hot afternoons. Keep the mist extra fine – we’re talking dewdrop-sized, not shower-strength.
4. Offer Premium Nectar Blends
While the standard 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio works fine for common species, rare hummingbirds often appreciate a slightly richer mix. During migration seasons, try a 3:1 ratio to provide extra energy.
Always use pure cane sugar and fresh spring water – these discriminating diners can taste the difference. Change the nectar every other day to maintain optimal freshness.
5. Create Micro-Climate Zones
In more mountainous and exposed areas, planting trees and shrubs to create a more sheltered micro-climate and shade can be an excellent idea for hummingbirds in your area. Creating sheltered micro-climates in the Ozark mountains and exposed locations allows these birds safe haven.
You might plant a shelterbelt or windbreak hedgerow in a windy spot. Down in the Bootheel region, warmer, wetter conditions might allow you to explore options like ponds or native rain gardens.
These are just a few examples.
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6. Establish Perching Stations
Adding natural perches like bare twigs may work just as well or better to provide perching spots. Ultimately, conveniently located food and water, not special swings, will be the main draw for hummingbirds.
But for birders who enjoy observing perched hummingbirds up close, trying a swing in your habitat may be worth a shot. Place your hummingbird feeders near bushes to provide perching spots.
Hummingbirds.net says these little birds spend 80 percent of their time perching. They like to keep an eye on things, not for a long time but long enough to keep an eye out for predators.
It’s easier to protect yourself if you can see your predators coming.
7. Time Your Plantings Strategically
While Geraniums won’t be the top attraction for hummingbirds visiting your garden, hummingbirds may well still be seen visiting them from time to time. Gardeners often see hummingbirds around spring-blooming Geraniums when migratory species first arrive.
8. Provide Specialized Nesting Materials
Anna’s hummingbird nests are built in trees and shrubs 6-20 feet from the ground. They can be tricky to spot but watch for a round, cup-shaped nest made of soft, fluffy materials.
Soft plant fibers, lichens and moss, and of course, spider silk are all common hummingbird nest materials. The female hummingbird constructs her nest from grasses, twigs, and other plant materials, weaving these together and holding them in place with spider silk.
She forms the bird nest in layers, tamps down the materials, and shapes them using her feet. She often uses soft materials like thistledown or dandelion heads to line the nest and lichen or other materials to disguise the outside.
Hummingbirds like to use soft materials to build their nests. This includes plant materials, like moss, lichens, and soft seeds like milkweeds and dandelions.
Another critical element is spider webs, which help their nests stick together and hold their shape.
9. Create Insect-Rich Zones
Insects also make up a big part of a hummingbird’s protein-rich diet. A single hummingbird can consume several dozen to several thousand bugs in just one day and feed on a wide range of smaller insect and arachnid species.
Hummingbirds also consume insects and spiders. Special feeders holding ripe fruit can attract small insects like fruit flies.
You can also grow insect-attracting plants such as dill, fennel, and cosmos. Insects are at the core of a hummingbird’s diet, though nectar is important too.
Planting native plants that allow insects and spiders to flourish will also help provide birds like hummingbirds with the food sources that they need to survive. Consider planting native, nectar-rich flowering plants that will help hummingbirds in multiple ways in addition to putting out hummingbird feeders.
10. Minimize Artificial Light
In warmer climates and during warm summer days, these beautiful birds may occasionally remain active for a while after dark to eat. An artificial light source might also disrupt nighttime hummingbird schedules.
If there are strong artificial lights, hummingbirds may not realize that night has arrived and keep flying and feeding. However, hummingbirds will occasionally remain active for a while after the sun goes down or if there are abundant artificial lights.
However, nighttime feeding is not normal behavior.
11. Design Wind Barriers
One key thing to think about – especially in the mountains – is creating windbreak hedgerows and shelterbelts with native species to reduce the wind and create more sheltered micro-climates, which are helpful to the plants that you grow and the hummingbirds you welcome.
12. Maintain Quiet Zones
Maintain a peaceful environment. Hummingbirds may be more likely to visit a calm, quiet garden that is free from loud noises and sudden movements.
If you have active kids and pets, consider planting your hummingbird garden in a quieter part of your property.
Habitat tricks for more hummingbirds
| Spec | What our writers say |
|---|---|
| Plants | Diverse native flowers that feed hummingbirds and insects |
| Wind | Shelterbelts and hedgerows to make a calmer micro-climate |
| Perches | Bare twigs near food and water; they perch about 80% of the day |
| Nest height | Anna’s nests are often 6-20 feet up in trees and shrubs |
| Nest stuff | Plant fibers, lichen, moss, thistledown, dandelion, spider silk |
| Insects | Several dozen to several thousand bugs in a day |
| Insect plants | Dill, fennel, and cosmos; ripe fruit to draw fruit flies |
| Lights | Strong artificial light can keep them feeding after dark |
| Quiet | A calm garden away from loud kids, pets, and sudden movement |
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