How to attract Ruby-Throated hummingbirds

The ruby-throated hummingbird is a favorite visitor of gardeners, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

They are identified by a long, curved beak and small stature. The wings and back are a rich, emerald green color and they have cream colored chests. The namesake ruby-red throat is a characteristic of the male; the females have white throats.

These hummingbirds spend the winter in Mexico and tropical areas. After returning to the eastern half of North America in the spring, they begin to search for a mate and build nests in order to breed before migrating south again in the fall.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds occur in deciduous or coniferous forests and prairie or grassland habitat. They are easily attracted to urban gardens and are commonly seen zipping between floral resources.

To attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your garden, plant a variety of native flowering plants, especially those with red or orange tubular flowers. Hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water mixture will also bring them to your Butterfly Highway pit stop.