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Hungry Little Hummingbirds

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Updated August 8, 2023

Young hummingbird beside nest by Jamie Johannsen.

Young hummingbird beside nest by Jamie Johannsen.

“What does Mama Hummingbird need to succeed?”

This time of year your backyard hummingbird has hungry young ones to feed. Just a few short weeks ago she laid 1-3 eggs in a tiny little cup nest woven together with spider webs.

Did you know that the male hummingbird is completely absent from the parental duties? That's right, all by herself, the female builds a nest, lays eggs, incubates the eggs for up to two weeks, broods them for nine days, and then feeds them for over three weeks. WOW!

What does Mama Hummingbird need to succeed?

The best way to support hummingbirds is to cultivate an abundance of tubular flowers - especially orange and red ones.

Feeding sugar water is okay (and only if it’s pure granulated white sugar, and not organic*) — but nothing beats real nectar!

Although sugar water might get them through a dry spell, it is far superior for hummingbird health and their overall fitness if they are feeding on flower nectar.

High-value hummingbird plants include Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum commutatum), Bee Balm (Monarda species), Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), Scarlet Runner Bean (annual), Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Smooth Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), Blazing Star (Liatris), Phlox (P. divaricata and paniculata), Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), and many more.

Avoid double flowers and other cultivars with altered blooms and flower anatomy - go for the native species whenever you can, as some cultivars don't produce nectar (or as much of it).

*Did you know?! You should never use turbinado, raw, or even organic sugar in your hummingbird feeders? Anything but pure white granulated sugar will have a molasses content which can be toxic to hummingbirds (due to the iron content).

I hope you enjoyed this Phenology Note!

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#ThePersonalEcologistI partner with eco-minded landowners to create thriving wildlife habitats in their backyards, gardens, fields and farms, woods or campuses - at any scale.I have 25 years of experience in my field, and a lifelong commitment to wi…

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