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edu/ec1541

The
Wildlife
Garden

Attract Hummingbirds EC 1541

January 2002
$1.50

to Your Garden
J. Olson and N. Allen

Among the many birds attracted to gardens, hummingbirds can be

the most appealing. Not only are these “garden jewels” fun to watch,
hummingbirds play an important role in our environment by pollinat-
ing flowers and feeding on insects.
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden is easy. You have a good
chance of keeping them there if you meet their basic needs for cover,
food, water, and space by planting a hummingbird habitat garden.

Kinds of hummingbirds in Oregon

There are 340 kinds or species of hummingbirds throughout the
world, but only 5 species are regular visitors or residents in Oregon.
These are called the Allen’s, Anna’s, Black-chinned, Calliope, and
Rufous hummingbirds. Oregon “hummers” are 3 to 4 inches long,
weigh 1⁄10 ounce (less than one nickel), and come in a variety of colors.
The Rufous is the most common hummingbird in Oregon. Rufous
hummingbirds begin their migration north from Mexico to the Pacific
Northwest in January or February. They migrate south in June, July, or
August.
Other species, like the Anna’s, may stay year-
round in areas west of the Cascades. In southern
and eastern Oregon, there are small, summer
breeding populations of three other species:
the Allen’s, Black-chinned, and Calliope.

John Olson, student,

Department of
Fisheries and
Wildlife; and
Nancy Allen, Extension
wildlife instructor;
Oregon State University

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Table 1 describes each species’ range and type areas first to stake out the best territories.
of habitat. Once they establish a territory, nesting and
courtship rituals begin.
Some males rise 60 to 90 feet into the
Natural history air, dive suddenly towards the ground, and
then arc upwards again. While diving, the
Hummingbirds are unique in many male hummingbird can reach speeds of
ways. The hummingbird has the largest brain, 60 miles per hour and up to 200 wing beats
heart, energy output, and breast muscles in per second. Sometimes, he makes a whistling
proportion to body size of any bird. They are noise. The male performs these displays to
the only birds that can truly hover and fly attract females, ward off other males, and
backwards. They can do this because their defend nesting and feeding territories.
wings rotate at the shoulder. Other birds have Hummingbird nests are usually 11⁄2 inches
limited rotation in the shoulder joint. in outer diameter. They are lined with plant
Hummingbirds have striking courtship down and secured with spider web and insect
displays. Males usually reach the breeding silk to the tops of horizontal tree limbs,

Table 1. Oregon hummingbird range and habitat types.

Species Range in Oregon Habitat
Allen’s Breeding population April–September Coastal scrub, riverside thickets in moist
along the coast and coastal slopes of canyon bottoms, and brushy edges near
mountains south of Coos County. meadows of redwood and other conifer-
ous forests. Also breeds in suburban
gardens.

Anna’s Year-round resident in western Oregon. Chaparral-covered hillsides and canyons,

Some breeding populations found east sparse forests with open canopies, and
of the Cascade mountains. residential and agricultural areas.

Black-chinned Breeding population May–September Riverside woodlands, wooded canyons,

in eastern Oregon. open ponderosa pine woodlands, and
mountain chaparral. Also found in parks
and small towns. The nest often is built
in a tree over a creek or dry creek bed.

Calliope Breeding population April–September Riverside areas and open forests at the
in southwestern Oregon, except the edges of meadows of alder, willow, or
coast; the east slope of the Cascade aspen thickets.
mountains, and in northeastern
Oregon.

Rufous Most common hummer in Oregon. Conifer forest, broadleaf and riverside
Breeding population April–September forests, mountain meadows; coast to
throughout western, central, and above timberline.
northeastern Oregon.

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shrubs, vines, or large fern fronds. Females use flowers, hanging and potted plants, humming-
a nest year after year, simply adding to the bird feeders, and water. They feed on tree sap
previous year’s nest. and the insects that are attracted to it. Tall,
The female usually lays two white eggs medium, and small trees, shrubs, and flowers
and incubates them for 14 to 21 days. Once and grassy areas provide the birds many spots
the young hatch, the mother feeds them to feed, nest, or perch in the garden.
regurgitated nectar and small insects for about
3 weeks. Plants
Hummingbirds can live up to 5 years in Hummingbirds are stimulated by color,
the wild. especially the color red. Clumps of bright red,
orange, and pink flowers are more visible to
them than other colors. Plants with red,
Threats to hummingbirds tubular-shaped flowers are an excellent choice
for your garden.
Weather is the main threat to humming- If you have electric fences with red
birds. They can die of cold weather, long rainy insulators, paint them white or black so
spells, dry weather that causes flowers to hummingbirds won’t be attracted to them and
wither, and storms during their migration. shock themselves.
Hummingbirds also are prone to disease A typical hummingbird plant has many
and exhaustion. They are prey for predator flowers with open blossoms. The flowers are
birds, such as American kestrels, sharp- on the outside of the plant, so hummingbirds
shinned hawks, and crows. Other predators can feed from them without hitting their
include frogs, snakes, lizards, and bass. Squir- wings against the foliage. It is important to
rels, rats, mice, jays, and crows eat humming- leave enough space around flowers for hum-
bird eggs from the nest. mingbirds to maneuver.
Chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers Most hummingbird plants do not have
are a threat. Hummingbirds can be affected if fragrance. Fragrance is not important for
these chemicals pollute their food.
Hummingbirds are not shy. They will
feed from plants or feeders placed close to
your house or windows. But, they can be
injured if they fly into the window glass. To
prevent injury, place feeders either very close
to windows so the birds become familiar with
the glass, or at least 20 feet away to help
Trumpet vine
prevent collisions.

Elements of a
hummingbird garden
Hummingbirds are attracted to a variety
of species and structures that fulfill their
habitat needs. They like trees, bushes, vines,

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attracting hummingbirds, as it is for butter- you already have a birdbath, you can put rocks
flies. in it to make the water shallower.
Wildflowers that are native to your area
are a good choice. They provide the highest Perches
quality nectar and are plants the birds recog- Perching spots are also beneficial. Usu-
nize. Also, they are better adapted to the local ally, hummingbirds use broken tree limbs, the
climate, elevation, and soils, so they are more insides of bushes, fence posts, and even TV
likely to thrive. antennas for perches. If you have removed
Think of blooming periods when you dead tree limbs and wish to supply perches,
decide which species to plant. Put in plants attach 1⁄4-inch wood dowels to trees or other
that bloom in succession from early spring to objects near the birds’ territory. Good spots
late summer to ensure a food source for are above the garden or near your bird feeder.
hummingbirds throughout their stay. This
also extends your chance to see them!
Table 2 lists preferred hummingbird Hummingbird feeders
plants. The list includes species that are native
To attract hummingbirds to your yard,
to the Pacific Northwest. You also can ask
you only might need to put up a humming-
about native plants at your local nursery, or
bird feeder. These provide a primary food
contact a Master Gardener through the
source close by, so the hummingbird saves
Oregon State University Extension office in
energy.
your county.
Making a nectar solution
Water
Commercial nectar solutions are more
Hummingbirds need water, too. They
expensive than homemade ones. And, they
use water mostly for bathing. They meet most
may contain preservatives, dye, food coloring,
of their drinking needs from nectar.
or flavoring which can harm hummingbirds.
You can provide water with a birdbath,
You can make a safe, simple nectar solution at
sprinkler, or pond. If you buy a birdbath,
home.
make sure it has a rough surface for good
Use one part cane sugar to four parts
footing and is no deeper than 11⁄2 inches. If
water. Do not use honey, artificial sweeten-
ers, or food coloring. Boil the solution for at
least 30 seconds to retard fermentation and
mold growth. Do not microwave the solution,
because the microwaves break down sugar
molecules and can change the nutritional
value. Let the solution cool before you fill the
feeder.
You can store the solution in the refrig-
erator for up to 2 weeks before it begins to
ferment.

Bleeding heart (Continued on page 6.)

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Table 2. Characteristics of hummingbird plants.

Nectar plants Plant height Blooming period Light needs Soil needs

Trees
Dogwood * 20-30' June F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Crabapple * 20-30' June F-sun, P-shade Moist

Shrubs and brambles

Siberian pea-shrub 10-15' Early May F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Hardy fuchsia 3-6' July F-sun, P-shade Moist
Wild azalea 3-8' Late spring F-sun, P-shade Moist
Red-flowering currant * 6-10' March and April F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Salmonberry * 5-8' Early spring F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry

Garden perennials and wildflowers

Columbine * 6-24" Spring to summer F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Paintbrush * 8-20" Spring F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Bleeding heart * 8-18" April to June P-shade Moist
Coral bells * 1-3' April to August F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Lavender 8-18" April to June P-shade Moist
Cardinal flower 8-18" April to June F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Beebalm 1-3' April to August F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry
Penstemon * 1-3' April to August F-sun Moist to dry
Cape-fuchsia 1-3' July to September P-shade Moist
Scabiosa 2-3' Summer F-sun Moist to dry
Hedge-nettle * 2-3' Summer F-sun Moist
California-fuchsia* Varies Late spring F-sun Moist to dry

Annual garden flowers

Clarkia* 6-36" Summer F-sun Dry
Sweet William 6-24" Summer F-sun Moist
Sage Varies April to September F-sun Dry

Vines
Trumpet vine 3-4' Late summer F-sun Moist
Scarlet runner bean 30-40' Spring F-sun Moist to dry
Orange honeysuckle * 2-3' Spring F-sun, P-shade Moist to dry

Key
Light needs
F-sun: Plants grow in full sun during all or most of the day.
P-shade: Plants grow in light shade or afternoon shade.

Soil needs
Moist: Plants grow in soil that contains moisture during the growing season.
Dry: Plants grow in soil that may become dry during the growing season.

* Plant may be native to the Pacific Northwest.

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Where to place your feeder Conclusion

Put your feeder where it will not be in
direct sun for extended periods. Sun causes It’s fun and easy to attract hummingbirds
the solution to mold sooner. Also, hot air in to your garden. Many of the plants gardeners
the top of the feeder can expand, forcing favor are favored also by hummingbirds. If
liquid out. you know what they need for food, water,
It’s a good idea to place feeders near cover, and space, you can learn more about
nectar-producing plants. That way, humming- hummingbirds, attract more of them to your
birds can get a more complete nutritional garden, and keep them there longer. By
balance from a variety of nectars and insects. providing the habitat hummingbirds need,
Place your feeder where you can clean you are helping to ensure their survival. And,
and fill it easily. Clean and refill it every 4 or you could be rewarded with hours of enter-
5 days, or when it begins to look cloudy, or if tainment watching these “garden jewels.”
you notice wild yeast forming. Yeast appears as
flecks on the surface of the liquid around the
edges. You can clean the feeder with a bottle For more information
brush, hot water, and a little vinegar.
Hummingbirds can be territorial around OSU Extension publications
feeders. For this reason, most people prefer to See these other publications in The
have several small feeders rather than one large Wildlife Garden set:
one. Attract Reptiles and Amphibians to Your Yard,
EC 1542 (2002). $2.00
Feeders also attract insects Create a Garden Pond for Wildlife, EC 1548
Hummingbird feeders can attract ants, (2002). $1.50
bees, and wasps, so you might want to place Create a Butterfly Garden, EC 1549 (2002).
bee guards over the feeding ports. New feeders $1.50
usually have them. You also can smear the
To order copies of these publications,
surface around the feeder openings with
send the complete title and series number,
petroleum jelly, salad oil, or mineral oil so
along with a check or money order for the
insects can’t get a foothold. Or, move your
amount listed (payable to Oregon State
feeder to a new spot.
University), to:
Do not use pesticides to kill the insects
Publication Orders
around feeders. Hummingbirds might ingest
Extension & Station Communications
chemicals while collecting nectar. Also, the
Oregon State University
pesticides could kill insects that are food for
422 Kerr Administration
the hummingbird.
Corvallis, OR 97331-2119
(Fax: 541-737-0817)

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We offer discounts on orders of 100 or Hirose, J., M. McPhee, P. Van Vlack, and S.
more copies of a single title. Please call Weston. 1992. Naturescaping: A Place for
541-737-2513 for price quotes. Wildlife. Portland General Electric,
Portland, OR.
World Wide Web Holmgren, Virginia C. The Way of the Hum-
You can access our Publications and mingbird. 1986. Capra Press, Santa
Videos catalog and many of our publications Barbara, CA.
on the Web at eesc.orst.edu
Link, Russell. Landscaping for Wildlife in the
Pacific Northwest. 1999. University of
Other publications Washington Press, Seattle & London, in
association with the Washington Depart-
Csuti, B., A.J. Kimerling, T.A. O’Neil, M.M.
ment of Fish and Wildlife.
Shaughnessy, E.P. Gaines, and M.M.P.
Huso. Atlas of Oregon Wildlife: Distribu- Logsdon, Gene. Wildlife in Your Garden.
tion, Habitat, and Natural History. 1997. 1983. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA.
Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Long, Kim. Hummingbirds, A Wildlife Hand-
OR. book. 1997. Johnson Books, Boulder,
Dennis, John V. and M. Tekulsky. How to CO.
Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies. Merilees, Bill. Attracting Backyard Wildlife.
1991. Monsanto Co., San Ramon, CA. 1989. Voyageur Press, Stillwater, MN.
Fadala, Sam. Basic Projects in Wildlife Watch- Olson, Rich. Attracting and Enjoying
ing. 1989. Stack Pole Books, Harrisburg, Wyoming’s Most Fascinating Bird: The
PA. Hummingbird. 1994. Cooperative
Grant, Karen A. and V. Grant. Hummingbirds Extension Service, University of Wyo-
and Their Flowers. 1968. Columbia ming, Laramie, WY.
University Press, New York, NY.

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© 2002 Oregon State University

This publication was produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30,
1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
and Oregon counties.
Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials—without
discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status,
disability, or disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.

Published January 2002