What’s the Word, Hummingbird?What’s the Word, Hummingbird?By Clay White and Tim SebestaBy Clay White and Tim Sebesta

The early Spanish explorers to the new world called them The early Spanish explorers to the new world called them Joyas Joyas VolardoresVolardores or flying jewels. or flying jewels.

Hummingbird FeederHummingbird Feederhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujN4osRD22Ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujN4osRD22E

Hummingbird TriviaHummingbird TriviaQ.Q. How many species of hummingbirds are there in the Western How many species of hummingbirds are there in the Western Hemisphere?Hemisphere?

A.A. Hummingbirds are part of the Trochilidae family found only in Hummingbirds are part of the Trochilidae family found only in the Americas. They are unknown in the Eastern Hemisphere. With 343 the Americas. They are unknown in the Eastern Hemisphere. With 343 species, hummingbirds make up the Western Hemisphere's second species, hummingbirds make up the Western Hemisphere's second largest family of birds.largest family of birds.

Q.Q. What is a hummingbird’s pulse?What is a hummingbird’s pulse?

A.A. Hummingbirds require lots of energy. They have the fastest Hummingbirds require lots of energy. They have the fastest wing beats of any bird and their hearts beat up to 1,260 beats per wing beats of any bird and their hearts beat up to 1,260 beats per minute.minute.

Q.Q. Do hummingbirds walk?Do hummingbirds walk?

A.A. Hummingbirds are built for flight. Hummingbirds are little Hummingbirds are built for flight. Hummingbirds are little more than flight muscles covered with feathers. 30% of a more than flight muscles covered with feathers. 30% of a hummingbird's weight consists of flight muscles.hummingbird's weight consists of flight muscles.

Q.Q. How fast do hummingbirds fly?How fast do hummingbirds fly?

A.A. A hummingbird's flight speed can average 25-30 mph, and can A hummingbird's flight speed can average 25-30 mph, and can dive up to 60 mph.dive up to 60 mph.

Q.Q. Do hummingbirds feed on nectar alone?Do hummingbirds feed on nectar alone?

A.A. Hummingbirds may visit 1,000 flower per day, but for protein, Hummingbirds may visit 1,000 flower per day, but for protein, hummingbirds eat spiders and catch gnats from mid-air. They will pull hummingbirds eat spiders and catch gnats from mid-air. They will pull insects out of spider webs including the spider itself. Sapsucker holes insects out of spider webs including the spider itself. Sapsucker holes are a double treat, netting both insects and sap.are a double treat, netting both insects and sap.

Q.Q. How smart is a hummingbird?How smart is a hummingbird?

A.A. Well no one knows for sure, but the hummingbird's tiny brain, Well no one knows for sure, but the hummingbird's tiny brain, 4.2% of its body weight, is proportionately the largest in the bird world.4.2% of its body weight, is proportionately the largest in the bird world.

Q.Q. How far do hummingbirds migrate?How far do hummingbirds migrate?

A.A. Many ruby-throats make a 2,000 mile journey between Canada Many ruby-throats make a 2,000 mile journey between Canada and Panama. The trip includes a non-stop, 500 mile flight over the Gulf and Panama. The trip includes a non-stop, 500 mile flight over the Gulf of Mexico.of Mexico.

Q.Q. Are hummingbirds conservatives?Are hummingbirds conservatives?

A.A. Hummingbirds have a unique way of keeping warm or Hummingbirds have a unique way of keeping warm or conserving their energy - at night, or any time they cannot get enough conserving their energy - at night, or any time they cannot get enough food to fuel themselves - they go into torpor - a state in which their food to fuel themselves - they go into torpor - a state in which their metabolic rate is only one-fifteenth that of normal sleep.metabolic rate is only one-fifteenth that of normal sleep.

Q.Q. Are hummingbirds monogamous?Are hummingbirds monogamous?

A.A. Hummingbirds do not mate for life - the female raises the youngHummingbirds do not mate for life - the female raises the young on her own. The male hummingbird is not involved with raising the on her own. The male hummingbird is not involved with raising the young. The female does all the work of raising her young alone!young. The female does all the work of raising her young alone!

Q.Q. How long do hummingbirds live?How long do hummingbirds live?

A.A. Hummingbirds can live a decade or more in the wild. Hummingbirds can live a decade or more in the wild.

Q.Q. Do hummingbirds depend on flowering plants, or do flowering Do hummingbirds depend on flowering plants, or do flowering plants depend on the hummingbirds?plants depend on the hummingbirds?

A.A. Both, plants depend on the hummingbird for pollination. Their Both, plants depend on the hummingbird for pollination. Their blossoms project into the open, where the bird won't get caught in blossoms project into the open, where the bird won't get caught in foliage. Without pollination, plants don’t produce fruit. foliage. Without pollination, plants don’t produce fruit.

Hummingbirds feed through a long, tube-like tongue that darts into the Hummingbirds feed through a long, tube-like tongue that darts into the flower's corolla for nectar. The tongue, shaped like a "W", uses capillaryflower's corolla for nectar. The tongue, shaped like a "W", uses capillary action to absorb the nectar much like a paper towel absorbs water. The action to absorb the nectar much like a paper towel absorbs water. The tongue's brushy tip also traps insects on their own quest for nectar. tongue's brushy tip also traps insects on their own quest for nectar.

Hummingbirds are very territorial and will aggressively protect nectar Hummingbirds are very territorial and will aggressively protect nectar sources especially when migrating. It is important to have several sources especially when migrating. It is important to have several feeders, out of sight of each other, to prevent one hummingbird from feeders, out of sight of each other, to prevent one hummingbird from

dominating your feeders.dominating your feeders. A hummingbird can rotate each of its wings in a circle, allowing them A hummingbird can rotate each of its wings in a circle, allowing them

to be the only bird which can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, to be the only bird which can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, sideways or sit in sheer space. To hover, hummingbirds move their sideways or sit in sheer space. To hover, hummingbirds move their wings forward and backward in a repeated figure eight, much like the wings forward and backward in a repeated figure eight, much like the arms of a swimmer treading water. Hummingbirds can move arms of a swimmer treading water. Hummingbirds can move instantaneously in any direction, start from its perch at full speed, and instantaneously in any direction, start from its perch at full speed, and doesn't necessarily slow up to land. Hummingbirds can even fly short doesn't necessarily slow up to land. Hummingbirds can even fly short distances upside down, a trick rollover they employ when being distances upside down, a trick rollover they employ when being attacked by another bird. attacked by another bird.

Hummingbird FactsHummingbird Facts Hummingbirds do not make good songbirds. Most of them manage no Hummingbirds do not make good songbirds. Most of them manage no

more than a few mouse-like chirps, squeaks and twitters, though they more than a few mouse-like chirps, squeaks and twitters, though they deliver them dramatically with quick turns of the head. Hummingbirds deliver them dramatically with quick turns of the head. Hummingbirds do make distinctive "zinging" noises with their wings. do make distinctive "zinging" noises with their wings.

The Spanish names for Hummingbirds are very descriptive of their The Spanish names for Hummingbirds are very descriptive of their behavior:behavior:Chupaflor - which means flower-suckerChupaflor - which means flower-suckerPicaflor - which means flower nibblerPicaflor - which means flower nibblerAs well as the more romantic Portuguese Beija-flor or Flower-kisser. As well as the more romantic Portuguese Beija-flor or Flower-kisser.

Hummingbirds have weak feet and are more at ease using their wings Hummingbirds have weak feet and are more at ease using their wings even to shift in the nest or on a perch. even to shift in the nest or on a perch.

Ruby-throated HummingbirdRuby-throated Hummingbird

Most common hummer in Southeast TexasMost common hummer in Southeast Texas

Most abundant mid-July through October, and March through mid-MayMost abundant mid-July through October, and March through mid-MayBlack-chinned HummingbirdBlack-chinned Hummingbird

Second most common hummer in NW Houston areaSecond most common hummer in NW Houston area

Arrive from the west in October and remain in low numbers through Arrive from the west in October and remain in low numbers through MayMay

Rufous HummingbirdRufous Hummingbird

Second most common hummer in SE Texas.Second most common hummer in SE Texas.

Relatively uncommon from October through FebruaryRelatively uncommon from October through February

Buff-bellied HummingbirdBuff-bellied Hummingbird

Very rare visitor of the coastal areasVery rare visitor of the coastal areas

Appear in late fall and may remain through early springAppear in late fall and may remain through early spring

When To Put Up Hummingbird FeederWhen To Put Up Hummingbird Feeder

Put feeder out a few days before you expect to see any hummingbirds Put feeder out a few days before you expect to see any hummingbirds (early March and mid-July to early August)(early March and mid-July to early August)

The best way to get a good idea when your hummingbirds will be The best way to get a good idea when your hummingbirds will be arriving in your particular area is to get on the Internet and go to the arriving in your particular area is to get on the Internet and go to the Humming bird Migration Map at Humming bird Migration Map at http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html   

Each year as people report their first sightings of hummingbirds, these Each year as people report their first sightings of hummingbirds, these sightings are plotted on the hummingbird migration map along with thesightings are plotted on the hummingbird migration map along with the date. As the map is continually updated, you can observe the northwarddate. As the map is continually updated, you can observe the northward migration of the hummingbirds and get a good idea when to expect migration of the hummingbirds and get a good idea when to expect them to start passing through your area so you will know exactly when them to start passing through your area so you will know exactly when to put out your hummingbird feeder.to put out your hummingbird feeder.

Hummingbird FeedersHummingbird Feeders The best feeder - easiest for you to use.The best feeder - easiest for you to use. Changing the nectar regularly, especially during periods of hot Changing the nectar regularly, especially during periods of hot

weather, and proper cleanliness of the feeder, is an important factor in weather, and proper cleanliness of the feeder, is an important factor in attracting and maintaining the health of the hummingbirds.attracting and maintaining the health of the hummingbirds.

Basin-type feeders to be a lot easier to clean than the inverted-bottle Basin-type feeders to be a lot easier to clean than the inverted-bottle style feeders. The bottle style feeders will have a bottle-like container style feeders. The bottle style feeders will have a bottle-like container that will screw into the base of the feeder. These bases will usually be that will screw into the base of the feeder. These bases will usually be made of one piece and will have areas on the inside that aren't visible made of one piece and will have areas on the inside that aren't visible from the outside. You will need some small brushes to thoroughly clean from the outside. You will need some small brushes to thoroughly clean them. them.

Basin-style feeders that resemble a saucer-like container with a lid, willBasin-style feeders that resemble a saucer-like container with a lid, will come apart in the middle giving you full access to the inside and no come apart in the middle giving you full access to the inside and no hidden surfaces that will be hard to clean. hidden surfaces that will be hard to clean.

Homemade NectarHomemade Nectar

There's no need to add red food coloring.There's no need to add red food coloring.

1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. This 1 to 4 ratio will closely match 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. This 1 to 4 ratio will closely match that found in actual flower nectar.that found in actual flower nectar.

Start by stirring the sugar into the water while bringing the mixture to Start by stirring the sugar into the water while bringing the mixture to a boil over low heat. Boiling the solution is important as it helps removea boil over low heat. Boiling the solution is important as it helps remove chlorine from the water and kills mold and yeast spores that might be chlorine from the water and kills mold and yeast spores that might be in the sugar. in the sugar.

Boil the mixture for two minutes and let cool. Do not boil any longer Boil the mixture for two minutes and let cool. Do not boil any longer than 2 minutes or you will boil away too much of the water and change than 2 minutes or you will boil away too much of the water and change the ratio of sugar to water. the ratio of sugar to water.

Once the Hummingbird food is cool you can add it to your feeder and Once the Hummingbird food is cool you can add it to your feeder and store any excess nectar in the refrigerator (for 7 - 8 days) for use at a store any excess nectar in the refrigerator (for 7 - 8 days) for use at a later date.later date.

It is not necessary to completely fill your feeder. It is not necessary to completely fill your feeder.

Cleaning & Maintaining Your FeederCleaning & Maintaining Your Feeder Mold and bacteria growth in the nectar, as well as fermentation caused Mold and bacteria growth in the nectar, as well as fermentation caused

by yeasts can be harmful to your hummingbirds. by yeasts can be harmful to your hummingbirds. Change the nectar often and clean the feeder each time you change theChange the nectar often and clean the feeder each time you change the

nectar. nectar. If the nectar is kept fresh, simply washing the feeder out with hot waterIf the nectar is kept fresh, simply washing the feeder out with hot water

should be enough.should be enough. Add 1/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water and soak your feeder for an Add 1/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water and soak your feeder for an

hour or so. Use a bottle brush to clean the feeder and rinse thoroughly hour or so. Use a bottle brush to clean the feeder and rinse thoroughly with running water to remove all traces of the bleach so as to not harm with running water to remove all traces of the bleach so as to not harm the hummingbirds. Cleaning the hummingbird feeder once a month the hummingbirds. Cleaning the hummingbird feeder once a month with this bleach solution will help maintain the cleanliness of your with this bleach solution will help maintain the cleanliness of your feeder.feeder.

If the temperatures are in the 70s change every 5 or 6 days, if in the If the temperatures are in the 70s change every 5 or 6 days, if in the 80s change every 3 or 4 days, if in the 90's change every 1 or 2 days.80s change every 3 or 4 days, if in the 90's change every 1 or 2 days.

That Feeder is Mine!!!!!That Feeder is Mine!!!!!

Use several feeders and place them in different locations where a singleUse several feeders and place them in different locations where a single bird can't perch and watch all the feeders at the same time. bird can't perch and watch all the feeders at the same time.

Place feeders on opposite sides of the house or where vegetation will Place feeders on opposite sides of the house or where vegetation will hide one feeder from another. hide one feeder from another.

Controlling AntsControlling Ants

Using a drip less feeder. Bottle-type feeders have a tendency to drip. Using a drip less feeder. Bottle-type feeders have a tendency to drip. Basin or saucer type feeders are designed so that they are less likely to Basin or saucer type feeders are designed so that they are less likely to drip. drip.

Ant guard - barrier that's placed between the ants and the Ant guard - barrier that's placed between the ants and the hummingbird nectar. hummingbird nectar.

Ant Moat - using the plastic cap from a spray can. Punch or drill a hole Ant Moat - using the plastic cap from a spray can. Punch or drill a hole in the cap to run the feeder hanger wire through, then use hot glue or in the cap to run the feeder hanger wire through, then use hot glue or silicone sealant to seal the hole and make the lid water proof so you cansilicone sealant to seal the hole and make the lid water proof so you can fill it with water.fill it with water.

Controlling Bees and WaspsControlling Bees and Wasps

Bee guardsBee guards

Moving the feeder or try taking the feeder down for a day.Moving the feeder or try taking the feeder down for a day.

Give the insects their own feeder Give the insects their own feeder (use 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. (use 1 part sugar to 3 parts water.

Basin or saucer-type Hummingbird feeder. (Basin or saucer-type Hummingbird feeder. (drip proof & lower drip proof & lower nectar level will be lower and out of reach to the insects but not the nectar level will be lower and out of reach to the insects but not the hummingbirds with their long tongues. hummingbirds with their long tongues.

When to Take Down Hummingbird FeederWhen to Take Down Hummingbird Feeder

A good guideline to use is to leave your hummingbird feeder up for A good guideline to use is to leave your hummingbird feeder up for about 2 weeks after your hummingbirds have left for the season.about 2 weeks after your hummingbirds have left for the season.   This This will provide nectar for any hummingbirds that might have gotten a late will provide nectar for any hummingbirds that might have gotten a late start on their southward migration due to illness, injury or other start on their southward migration due to illness, injury or other reasons. If you go 2 weeks without seeing a hummingbird in Septemberreasons. If you go 2 weeks without seeing a hummingbird in September or October, when Hummingbird migration occurs across most of the or October, when Hummingbird migration occurs across most of the United States, you can go ahead and take down your feeder until next United States, you can go ahead and take down your feeder until next year.year.

As the days get shorter, this decrease in the amount of daylight will As the days get shorter, this decrease in the amount of daylight will trigger hormonal changes in the hummingbird that will cause them to trigger hormonal changes in the hummingbird that will cause them to migrate southward. So leaving your feeder up longer at the end of the migrate southward. So leaving your feeder up longer at the end of the season will not cause them to hang around longer than they should.season will not cause them to hang around longer than they should.

Attracting Hummingbirds with FlowersAttracting Hummingbirds with Flowers

Place some of their favorite flowers (especially red tubular) close to Place some of their favorite flowers (especially red tubular) close to your feeder. your feeder.

Humming birds seem to like flowers that are tubular in shape and red Humming birds seem to like flowers that are tubular in shape and red in color (Hibiscus, Shrimp plant ,Turks cap, Salvia). in color (Hibiscus, Shrimp plant ,Turks cap, Salvia).

Hummingbird GardenHummingbird Garden

Perennials (Perennials (beardtonguebeardtongue (Penstemon cardinalis), (Penstemon cardinalis), beebalm (Monarda beebalm (Monarda didyma), cardinal flower didyma), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) (Lobelia cardinalis) perennial, columbine perennial, columbine (Aquilegia) (Aquilegia) perennial, coralbells perennial, coralbells (Heuchera sanguinea) (Heuchera sanguinea) perennial, perennial, delphinium delphinium (Delphinium) (Delphinium) perennial, red-hot-poker perennial, red-hot-poker (Kniphofia uvaria) (Kniphofia uvaria) perennial, lupine perennial, lupine (Lupinus) (Lupinus) perennial, nasturtium perennial, nasturtium (Tropaedum majus)(Tropaedum majus), , petunia petunia (Petunia x hybrida) (Petunia x hybrida) perennial/annualperennial/annual

Shrubs (Shrubs (butterfly bush butterfly bush (Buddleia daviddi) (Buddleia daviddi) bush, Turk's Cap bush, Turk's Cap ((Malvaviscus arboreus var. DrummondiiMalvaviscus arboreus var. Drummondii) )

Vines (Vines (trumpet vine trumpet vine (Campis radicans) (Campis radicans) vine, trumpet honeysuckle vine, trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)(Lonicera sempervirens) Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Annuals (Annuals (salvia salvia (Salvia splendens), (Salvia splendens), tobacco plants tobacco plants (Nicotiana), (Nicotiana), petunia petunia (Petunia x hybrida)(Petunia x hybrida)