We’ve compiled the best fun facts about hummingbirds and ways you can attract these beautiful birds to your yard!

Fun Facts

• Hummingbirds can see farther than humans.
• Hummingbirds have tiny hairs on the tip of their tongue to help lap up nectar.
• A hummingbird’s heart beats about 250 times per minute at rest.
• A hummingbird’s metabolism is roughly 100 times that of an elephant.
• Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly forwards and backwards.
• A hummingbird can fly an average of 25-30 miles per hour.
• A hummingbird baby is generally smaller than a penny.
• An average sized hummingbird will have about 940 feathers.
• A hummingbird will visit an average of 1,000 flowers per day for nectar.
• A hummingbird’s favorite color is red.

Attracting Hummingbirds: Plants

When planning your garden, use high nectar producing plants. Nectar is the reason hummingbirds visit plants in the first place. They need the nectar to fuel their high metabolism. Also look for plants with tubular shaped flowers. Things like trumpet honeysuckle, red cardinal flowers, bee balm, and fuschia are a great start. Although hummingbirds drawn to red, they like all colors, so use a mix in your garden.

Attracting Hummingbirds: Water

A great way to attract hummingbirds is to add water to your yard. A basic bird bath is just the first step. There are certain techniques and tricks that are required to encourage hummingbirds to return to your yard.

Stage a preen perch near the birdbath to give hummingbirds an easy landing place. This will make the bath seem more “approachable.”

Make the birdbath more alluring with moving water. Moving water sparkles and catches the attention of hummingbirds. A mister or dripper fastened to your house, with the pressure on low, will add motion. Moving water has the added benefit of preventing successful reproduction of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes require still water for reproduction.

Attracting Hummingbirds: Bird Feeders

Placing hummingbird feeders throughout your yard is a great way to help supplement their diet. Nectar rich plants are a great start, but hummingbirds eat often, so to ensure they are getting proper nutrients, add a few nectar feeders to your yard. Make sure they are away from any other bird feeders you have, and are clean, and filled. Hummingbirds like privacy when they eat, and other wildlife may prevent them from using feeders. 

Attracting Hummingbirds: Add a Natural Resting and Nesting Place

Hummingbirds like to rest frequently throughout the day. They tire quickly and need a place to perch, adding trees and shrubs creates a natural resting place. Trees like Crab Apple, English Hawthorn and Horse Chestnut are great options. 

Hummingbirds nest in deciduous trees and dense shrubs. Adding some maples, arborvitae and boxwoods will create a perfect nesting place for hummingbirds to raise their family. 

Be patient when setting up a hummingbird friendly yard. It may take a few months for them to learn your yard is a safe a reliable place for food and shelter. Once they start to appear it is important to be consistent so they can return year after year. 

Watch our video Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard for more information. 

For more information on products and plants to build a hummingbird friendly yard, come by any English Gardens location and talk to our experts.