Meet Our August Bird of the Month, the Mexican Violetear

Though a rare visitor, this is just one of several hummingbirds that make appearances here in the Rio Grande Valley. Have you been lucky enough to spot a violetear?

 

Fun Facts

• A largish hummingbird common in Mexico and Nicaragua, they usually prefer high-altitude pine and oak forests.

• Named for its blue-violet ear patch, which can fluff up when the bird is agitated. Also has a blue-violet patch on its chest.

• Was once known as the Green Violetear, along with what's now considered a separate species, the Lesser Violetear (which doesn't have the blue-violet patch on its chest).

• As well as nectar, they also eat small insects.

Learn more on the Audubon site.

 

How to Attract

General tips for attracting a variety of hummingbirds in the Rio Grande Valley:

• 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 hummingbird feeders!

 

 

Learn More about Attracting Hummingbirds at a FREE Talk on August 23rd, Followed by a Native Plant Sale!

Details on our Events page.

 

 

 

  

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