Meet Our April Bird of the Month, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird

These beloved flying jewels return to the Rio Grande Valley from Central America during spring migration, and are just one of several species we're lucky to see here in the Valley.

   

Fun Facts

• Males' iridescent throat feathers only look ruby red at the correct angle, appearing dark red or even black at other angles.

• Females and juveniles lack the ruby throat.

• They routinely fly around 30 mph, with their wings beating over 50 times a second.

• Hummingbird wings move in a figure-eight—not just up and down like other birds.

• They can stop on a dime, hover, and even fly backward and upside-down.

• Their legs are super short and their feet aren't well-developed, so they can't hop or even really walk, except to shuffle along a perch. 

• They eat insects and insect eggs, including spiders—sometimes plucking spiders right from their webs.

Learn more on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology site.

 

How to Attract

• Plant natives that produce tubular flowers, especially red or orange ones. Examples include Salvia (Mealy-Cup or Blue Sage [Salvia farinacea]; Autumn Sage [Salvia greggii]; and Scarlet Sage [Salvia coccinea]), Drummond’s Turk’s Cap, Tropical Sage, and Texas Lantana. Local nurseries that specialize in natives can help—see our Resources page.

• Hang a red or red-accented hummingbird feeder. Be sure it's safe from cats!

• Use a high-quality nectar like ours, or if you have time, make your own. Just dissolve 1 part white table sugar into 4 parts hot water. Cool before using, then refrigerate the rest for up to a week or so. Don’t add red dye (natural nectar is clear) or extra sugar, and don’t use honey, raw sugar or sugar substitutes.  

• Replace the nectar in your feeders every couple of days to prevent bacteria and mold. Or try our Feeder Fresh™ Nectar Defender™, which contains a bird-safe mineral micronutrient that stops spoilage and helps nectar last for weeks.

Stop by to discuss more tips and see our range of beautiful hummingbird feeders!

 

  

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