Species-Specific Management (SSM)

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

See Virginia 2007.

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the only one of many species of United States hummingbirds that are found in the eastern half of this country. This species spends its winters in the extreme southeastern U.S., Mexico, and Panama, making its way northward just after the last frost of spring. Its summer range covers the eastern half of the United States and part of Canada. Several methods may be used to attract this bird including a plentiful supply of food, water, and a habitat secure from predators.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds occur in almost every habitat from forested woodlands to urban areas, so no matter what type of property you have, hummers are almost certainly close by. With just a little bit of habitat modification you can attract this enjoyable bird and, at the same time, make your property more aesthetically pleasing.

Food

A plentiful supply of food is the best method for attracting and keeping hummingbirds in an area. Nectar-bearing flowers are the main food supply of hummingbirds and artificial feeders may be used as a supplement. The single-most important improvement you can make is the planting of large, showy flowers at forest borders or in hedgerows. Scent, quality of nectar, color, and type of blossom are all aspects to consider in a flower. It is best to chose plants with brightly colored red, orange, or pink flowers. Hummingbirds prefer tubular-shaped and fragrant flowers. Some of the techniques for planting nectar-producing flowers, shrubs, and trees:

1. Follow appropriate guidelines and techniques for planting and maintaining cultivated plants.
2. Use nectar-rich plants of the "single-flower" variety. They produce more nectar than "double-flower" blossoms.
3. Consider scent, quality of nectar, color, and type of blossom when you select plants.
4. Plant tubular blossoms of red, red-orange, or orange.
5. Plant plants that blossom and that will grow to a height of at least 2 feet. Hanging baskets work well if space is limiting.
6. Maximize availability of nectar-producing blossoms by planting flowers that will bloom successively. If flowers are only available for a short period hummingbirds will go to a new area.
7. An example of a summer flowering succession is Early Summer - Honeysuckle, columbine, trumpet creepers; Mid- Summer - phlox; Late Summer - honeysuckle will bloom again. Petunias and other flowers that bloom all summer are also effective.
8. A list of recommended tree, shrub, and plant species is provided below.

Artificial Feeders

1. Hang feeders near flowering plants that are attractive to the birds. Not part of normal forest operations, such feeders may have a role at visitor areas and recreational areas. Some people will put out many feeders. Cover the feeder with red paint, ribbon or artificial flowers. Do NOT use food coloring in the solution.
2. Hang feeders from May to August in open areas where they are visible to birds.
3. Construct or buy a feeder that is easy to dissemble and clean. The feeder must be cleaned every few days inside and out with water mixed with a small amount of vinegar (do not use soap). This will prevent mold and bacteria from forming and will remove sticky residues on the outside of the feeder that attract bees and wasps.
4. Fill the feeder with a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. To prepare, bring the water to a boil, stir in sugar to dissolve, and remove the solution from heat. Allow the solution to cool and keep the unused portions in the refrigerator.
5. Do NOT use honey in feeders. It has been found to infect some humming-birds with a fungal disease. Do not add food coloring.
6. Spread petroleum jelly (or Avon Skin-so-soft baby oil) on the hanging wire and around the nectar dispenser to discourage ants, bees, and wasps. Do NOT use any insecticides around or on the feeder.

Contact the National Bird-feeding Society.

Water

A source of water is an additional attractant for hummingbirds. A water source may be used for drinking and bathing. If you have a stream or pond on your property, you may want to complete a hummingbird's habitat needs by providing suitable nesting habitat. Hummingbirds usually nest in small limbs less than 1 inch in diameter overhanging water, and their nests are usually sheltered above by other limbs. Plant trees near the water, close enough to allow some of the limbs to overhang. Young trees less than 15 years old will provide the most secure environment for nesting.

As trees get older, they should be pruned to encourage the growth of dense and relatively thin limbs. Incorporate a shallow pool or saucer of water into your garden at an accessible place. Refill it as needed with clean, fresh water to provide a constant source. Place the water source in an open, sunny area away from bushes or shrubs to discourage predation by housecats or other animals.

Habitat or Faunal Space

Several other measures may be taken to enhance the total life space and security of ruby-throated hummingbirds:

1. Leave spiderwebs in sheltered outdoor areas where they may accumulate to provide nest material for these birds.
2. Use feeders without perches to discourage other birds from drinking nectar.
3. Do not allow house ">cats outside during the day to reduce the risk of predation.
4. Encourage protection of their wintering areas by joining organizations working with tropical bird migrants and writing to your member of Congress to support tropical forest preservation.
5. Protect riparian habitats.
6. Once your hummingbird habitat is established, try to avoid the use of harmful insecticides and pesticides on your property. Hummingbirds supplement their diet with small insects, and a weakened, dying insect covered with a potent insecticide may be particularly inviting to the unsuspecting hummingbird. Again, you may consult with your county agricultural extension service for advice about the most suitable pesticide.

7. Recommended Plants Forest stands, openings, visitor areas, and roadside zones can be managed or regulated to provide one or more such trees and plant groups to meet the needs of these birds over many years.

   Trees

   • Mimosa tree (Albizzia julibrissin rosea)
   • Hawthorn
   • Horsechestnut
   • Buckeye
   • Locust
   • Orange tree(Campsis radicans)

   Small Plants and Vines

   • Delphinium cardinale
   • Penstemon
   • Hardy hibiscus
   • Hollyhock/althaea
   • Cardinal flower
   • Columbine
   • Touch-me-not/jewelweed
   • Trumpet creeper vine
   • Clematis

   Shrubs and Bushes

   • Lilac
   • Cardinal shrub (Weigelia f. vaniceki)
   • Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)
   • Japanese flowering quince
   • Wild roses
   • Honeysuckle
   • Azaleas
   • Red spirea
   Perennials
   • Royal catchfly
   • Roundleaf catchfly
   • Nasturium
   • Morning glory
   • Begonias
   • Flowering tobacco
   • Pinks
   • Weigelia (Weigelia f.e. rathke)
   • Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)
   • Coral bells (Heuchera)
   • Bee Balm (Monarda)
   • Red Hot Poker (Tritoma)
   • Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia riccartonii)
   • Larkspur (Delhpinium cardinale)
   • Beardtongue (Penstemon)
   • Daylilies
   • Lupine
   • Petunias
   • Scarlet sage
   • Gladiolus
   • Zinnia
   • Gilliot
   • Irises
   • Snapdragons
   • Geraniums
   • Pink root

   The above species are only some of the plants hummingbirds will enjoy. By asking your friends and neighbors about the plants they have seen hummers visiting, you may discover some other local favorites. Be sure you have the proper environment a plant needs to survive. Many plant species are susceptible to extremes in weather, amount of available light, and soil conditions. Plant catalogues give information necessary for successful propagation. Often, county extension services will provide you with soil sample information. Extension service personnel can also advise you about which plants will grow best in your area. When possible, buy plants from local nurseries and greenhouses. Plants from such dealers often have been locally grown and are accustomed to the area's climate. In addition, the native species are often taken from local stock populations and are better suited genetically to cope with unique local conditions than are plants from other geographic locations.

8. Provide overlapping periods of flower bloom among the plants listed above (April through October).
9. Do not disturb old nests.
10. Try to enhance sap-sucker populations.

Social or Human-Dimension Aspects of Management

Enjoy these summer residents during their short visit.

Keep records of sightings, their arrival and departure dates, and the plants they prefer. Compare numbers over time to see if your activities are paying off.

Take photographs.

Share your data and photographs with neighbors and local bird clubs.

Work to assure protection and management on their wintering areas in the tropics. Work with agencies to promote the bird and its care. Invite people to observe your successes. Promote the "hummingbird garden" -- one designed for maximum season-long use. Keep records on successful techniques, plants, and promote their use by others. When late frosts hit, provide extensive feeders.

A contribution of Amy S. Deller (1992), Jennifer L. Mikesell, Carmel Kelley (1991), Travis Warren (1994), Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0321

This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.