The Importance of Hummingbirds as Pollinators

We all know about bees and butterflies as important pollinators, but there is another important and beloved pollinator. You guessed it—it’s hummingbirds!

According to the Audubon Society, hummingbirds visit 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day. That’s a lot of flower pollination happening! I would say that makes hummingbirds important pollinators indeed! In comparison, bees visit about 1,000 flowers per day.

How do hummingbirds pollinate flowers? 

It really is a beautiful exchange of life that takes place between hummingbirds and flowers. When a hummingbird sticks its beak into a flower for a drink, its forehead and beak become pollen transporters. As a hummingbird flies to its next drink, it takes the previous flower’s pollen with it and then transfers that pollen when it sticks its beak in the new flower and rubs its forehead around. This process is repeated over and over, causing many flowers to become pollinated. All in all, if a hummingbird drinks from a flower, a hummingbird has pollinated the flower. 

Without pollination, a flower will wither away before it ever produces new life. It is neat that in return for a drink, hummingbirds pollinate flowers so that life can continue through fruits and seeds. On the other side, flowers give hummingbirds life-sustaining nectar. 

Do I need feeders to attract hummingbirds to my garden?

Many people use hummingbird feeders to attract hummers, but do you actually need them?

Hummingbird feeders are fun, but you may not want to fool with all the maintenance associated with them. Hummingbird feeders need regular cleanings and refilling. High temperatures mean cleaning and changing out nectar daily.

Don’t get me wrong, I personally use hummingbird feeders, and that's why I can say they're a lot of work.

The next alternative to a hummingbird feeder (and all its maintenance) is working with the natural order of nature. 

Providing the right plants is a natural way of attracting hummingbirds to your garden. In comparison to hummingbird feeders, plants are low maintenance and beautiful. Plus, they're something hummingbirds and people alike can enjoy! 

I can personally testify from my own experience that providing the right flowers is all you need to attract hummingbirds. I can still picture the first hummingbird that I noticed drinking from the purple morning glories that were growing in my garden. Seeing that hummingbird made me so excited and brought back childhood memories of sitting on my grandmother’s back porch watching hummingbirds at her feeders.

So, what do you say, shall we move on to making your very own hummingbird memories by learning more about our feathered friends and which plants might attract them? 

(photo of hummingbird taken by the author)

A Quick Overview of What Hummingbirds Eat

The diet of a hummingbird includes:

• nectar,
• fruit juice,
• tree sap,

and...

• insects!

Most people are surprised to find out that hummingbirds eat insects. They enjoy things like mosquitoes, spiders, and gnats, all of which provide hummingbirds with protein.

Yes, hummingbirds also eat tree sap. Tree sap is a great nectar alternative that provides nutrients when hummingbirds arrive or are present somewhere flowers that normally are sources of nectar nectar are not blooming. Hummingbirds have also been observed drinking from fruits like apples.

Now to the good part, hummingbirds drink nectar from many beloved flowers. When we think of flowers, the first thing that might come to mind are bedding plants like zinnias and salvias. These are great for attracting hummingbirds, but there are more types of flowering plants that we can plant to attract hummingbirds to our gardens. In fact, there are flowering vines, shrubs, and trees that attract hummingbirds. I'll talk more about these later and provide you with some plant variety ideas. 

Keeping in mind that hummingbirds visit one to two thousand flowers per day (on top of the other components of their diet), you may be wondering how much a hummingbird actually eats. Amazingly, hummingbirds eat half to three times their body weight a day. This isn’t surprising since their wings beat on average 10 to 80 times per second, depending on the variety of hummingbird. A hummingbird’s metabolism is 77 times faster than that of a human. If we could only shed those pounds like a hummingbird! 

Are hummingbirds territorial? 

Keep in mind that hummingbirds are territorial, and they will defend their food source. It is not uncommon for a bully to perch nearby and chase off other hummingbirds. This is nothing to be alarmed about—it's natural. Male hummingbirds are the usual bullies. This can only mean one thing! Plant more hummingbird flowers to keep the peace!

Hummingbirds and Flowers — A Love-Love Relationship

Let’s get back on task and talk flowers—not just any flowers, but hummingbird flowers!

Truly, no matter where you live or what type of hummingbirds reside in your area, one thing is for sure: they are all attracted to beautiful flowers!

Bedding plants, plus flowering vines, shrubs, and trees attract hummingbirds. Trees and shrubs also provide natural perches and protection for hummingbirds since hummingbirds can perch on branches and quickly find shelter from storms or predators.

You may have heard that hummingbirds like red flowers or trumpet-shaped flowers, which is true. However, hummingbirds also visit flowers of many colors. In my garden I regularly see them visiting orange, pink, and purple flowers of all shapes and sizes.

Hummingbirds’ Favorite Flowers

We already discussed that feeders are not necessary to attract our swift-feathered friends. That first time that I saw a hummingbird at my home drinking from a purple morning glory was all it took for me to start purposefully planting plants that attract hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds love annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. When looking for plants to attract hummingbirds, diversity is best. Since hummingbirds need nectar year round, having diverse plant material that provide blooms at different times seasonally is important. 

For example, sasanqua camellias bloom in fall to early winter, and camellia japonicas bloom in late winter to early spring. Snapdragons are also cool season bloomers. Providing cool season flowering plants can be helpful to hummingbirds that arrive earlier or leave later by providing nectar when other plants are not blooming. 

In warmer months, there are plenty of flowering plants to choose from. Flowers like zinnias and Mexican sunflowers are prolific bloomers that will continue blooming until a heavy frost comes. This is great because most migratory hummingbirds will have departed to their southern home for the winter. 

The next section will give you some more ideas of plants that you can use to attract hummingbirds to your garden.  

Annual Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Annual flowers are like getting a new outfit for the changing seasons since annuals are short lived and need to be replaced seasonally. Annuals also make a great supplement until other flowers, like perennials, sprout and start blooming. 

List of Annual Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

• Begonias
• Geraniums
• Impatiens
• Zinnias 
• Petunias 
• Calibrachoa
• Mexican Sunflowers

Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Perennials are a must when attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Perennials return again and again, providing you and hummingbirds alike with blooms. Research shows that hummingbirds return to the same gardens year after year, meaning that returning hummingbirds will be looking for the same perennial flowers that attracted them to a garden before.  

List of Perennial Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

• Guara
• Rudbeckia 
• Cardinal Flowers 
• Indian Pink
• Turks Cap
• Butterfly Weed
• Cuphia
• Ornamental Salvias
• Hosta
• Coral Bells

Vines That Attract Hummingbirds

Vines provide hummingbirds with perching places and flowers. If your vine has a trellis to climb, that creates additional places for hummingbirds. I cannot tell you how many times I see hummingbirds taking a rest or guarding their food source from a trellis. 

List of Vines to Attract Hummingbirds

• Morning Glories
• Black-eyed Susan Vine
• Coral Honeysuckle
• Cypress Vine 
• Carolina Jessamine

Shrubs That Attract Hummingbirds

There are many shrubs that provide nectar for hummingbirds. Shrubs also provide several other benefits for hummingbirds, namely places to perch and rest so they can watch over their food source and build their nests. (Perches also provide you with a great opportunity to snap a picture!) Having nearby shrubs also provides hummingbirds with a quick place to hide if danger is near. With all these benefits, shrubs are a must if you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

A great place to add hummingbird shrubs is near your garden or pollinator flowers. A few of my favorite hummingbird shrubs are abelias and (my all-time favorite) native azaleas! 

List of Shrubs to Attract Hummingbirds

• Abelias
• Native Azaleas
• Buttonbush
• Flowering Quince
• Red Buckeye
• Flowering Currant 

Trees That Attract Hummingbirds

Many may not think of trees as a hummingbird attractant, but there are several trees that do attract hummingbirds. Trees not only provide nectar for hummingbirds, but like vines and shrubs, they provide nesting and shelter as well. Hummingbirds nest up to 90 feet high, making trees a great addition when possible. 

Trees also provide shade for hummingbirds. I do still put out several hummingbird feeders, and I've noticed that the ruby throat hummingbirds favor the shaded feeders.

Like shrubs, trees also provide a place for hummingbirds to perch. Hummingbirds will perch in an area that allows them to see their food source, so keep this in mind when placing trees. 

List of Trees to Attract Hummingbirds

• Coral Bean 
• Crabapple
• Hawthorn 
• Locust 
• Tulip Poplar 
• Eastern Redbud
• Vitex Tree

Edible Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

I know it sounds like a dream come true, but yes, there are vegetables, herbs, and other edibles that attract hummingbirds. Imagine tending your kitchen garden as you hear the buzz of an approaching hummingbird that has come to pollinate your garden and take a drink of nectar! You will want to keep your camera close so that you can capture the moment, or maybe you will just enjoy the moment again and again as hummingbirds continue coming back for more nectar in your garden. One of my favorite memories of last year's garden was seeing the hummingbirds visiting the scarlet runner beans!  

List of Edible Plants to Attract Hummingbirds

• Scarlett Runner Beans
• Painted Lady Runner Beans 
• Pineapple Salvia 
• Anise Hyssop 
• Hummingbird Sage
• Bee Balm 
• Passion Flower Vine 
• Nasturtium

Hummingbirds in Winter

There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds worldwide, with over 20 species living in North America. In the United States, different hummingbird species have different ranges and migratory patters, with a few being stationary. For example, ruby throat hummingbirds overwinter in Central and South America but spend summer in the Eastern United States for mating. Allen’s, black-chinned, and Anna’s hummingbirds may not migrate. These hummingbirds' geographical range is in the Western United States.

Of course, there are exceptions for every hummingbird and geographical region. There are reports of hummingbird species overwintering when most of their species have migrated to a different geographical region entirely for winter. This is something to keep in mind since it is near impossible to predict every move nature makes. You could have a surprise hummingbird visitor outside the usual period you'd expect them.

Do all hummingbirds migrate?

Depending on your area, hummingbirds may be migratory or permanent residents. Since hummingbirds need nectar year round, again, having diverse plant material that provide blooms at different times is important.

Like many birds, hummingbirds migrate for breeding. Migratory hummingbirds of North America travel south to Central and South America for winter. 

Most North American hummingbirds are migratory, with a few exceptions. For example, Anna’s hummingbirds reside on the West Coast, ranging from Mexico to Alaska. The greatest population of Anna’s hummingbirds is in California. Anna’s that do migrate usually travel a short distance, while Anna’s living in and south of San Francisco may not migrate.  

In the Eastern United States, ruby throat hummingbirds are said to be the only hummingbirds that breed east of the Mississippi River. 

(photo of a ruby throat hummingbird, taken by author)

What happens when hummingbirds migrate south for the winter and north for the summer? 

The first to migrate south for the winter or north for the summer are male hummingbirds. This means you may only see male hummingbirds for a while before seeing any female hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds breed once they have traveled north for the summer. Once hummingbirds have mated, you may start seeing more of them. New hummingbird fledglings are often referred to as juvenile hummingbirds, and they can be hard to tell apart from the adults. At first, you may think that an increase of female hummingbirds have arrived. For example, juvenile ruby throat male hummingbirds look like females until their throat feathers begin to change into their ruby color. It may be a feather or few feathers at first, but with time, they will look like an adult male. Juvenile hummingbirds hang out longer with the females before migrating for winter. 

When do hummingbirds migrate?

When hummingbirds arrive and leave is determined by their natural instinct, food source, and weather. As hummingbirds travel, they make stops that provide them with food along the way. This is why gardens in southern states may see an increase in hummingbird numbers during spring and fall migration. 

Let’s look at few specific areas. 

When are hummingbirds in Florida?

Hummingbirds are in Florida from March to October. However, Florida’s far southern region has hummingbirds that overwinter and a few stay year round. 

When are hummingbirds in Arizona?

In Arizona, hummingbirds arrive as early as February and leave as late as December. In fact, it is documented that, besides Texas, Arizona has more species than any other state. 

When are hummingbirds in California?

In northern California, hummingbirds travel south for the winter, but some remain in and south of San Francisco. 

When are hummingbirds in North Carolina?

Hummingbirds arrive in late March to early April in North Carolina and leave in early October. 

When are hummingbirds in Colorado?

Hummingbirds arrive in Colorado in late April and leave early September. 

When are hummingbirds in Georgia? 

Hummingbirds arrive in Georgia from February to March and leave in October. 

When are hummingbirds in Virginia? 

Hummingbirds arrive in Virginia in April to May, and they start to migrate south in September or October. 

When are hummingbirds in Kentucky?

Hummingbirds are in Kentucky at the end of March and leave the end of November. 

When are hummingbirds in Kansas?

Hummingbirds arrive in Kansas in April and leave in September. 

When are hummingbirds in Utah? 

Hummingbirds migrate to Utah for breeding in late April to May, returning south in September for the winter. 

Think of the hummingbirds and plant a diverse variety of flowers that provide seasonal blooms. If your property does not have nearby water sources, provide a birdbath or other water source for hummingbirds. If possible, leave some areas undisturbed that will allow hummingbirds to find nearby nesting materials as they would in nature.

Use suggested plant materials and trellises to provide a “guard house” or perch for hummingbirds to rest or guard their food source. Keep in mind that shrubs and trees provide shelter from inclement weather and protection from predators. If you decide to incorporate feeders, stay away from store bought nectar and red dye. The closest recipe to natural flower nectar is four parts water to one part white granular sugar.  

Of course, nature is always the ideal food source for hummingbirds, and you can do your part by providing blooms full of nectar, along with a safe place for hummingbirds to live.

Nikki Hutchins of Plant Connections Unlimited

Gardenary-certified coach Nikki has 18 years of professional green industry experience, including designing and installing kitchen gardens, landscapes, and specialty gardens in Central Mississippi. She loves planting gardens for our pollinators, creating wildlife habitats, and beautifying through landscape design that can also attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to our spaces. Using plants that do double work by attracting pollinators and producing edible food is a plus, she says.

Nikki grew up in the family vegetable garden and has a passion to see others take back control of their health and food through gardening. 

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