Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds: Attracting and Watching These Tiny Dynamos

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are fascinating: 3" tall, wings beat 50+ times/second, hover, fly backward, migrate from Central America to New England each spring.

Watching Tips

Territorial—use two feeders out of sight of each other to avoid aerial battles. They need nectar + protein (aphids, gnats, mosquitoes). Great pollinators and insectivores.

Attracting Hummingbirds

Love red/orange (check you out in red shirts!). Plant nectar-rich flowers:

• Coral bells, fuchsia, snapdragons, azaleas, rhododendrons, lupines, honeysuckle, bee balm, trumpet vine, penstemon, cardinal flower, quince, columbine, daylilies, nasturtiums, phlox, salvia, cypress vine, cardinal climber, petunias.

See extended plant list. Learn more about hummingbirds!

By Robin Sweetser