

As they feed, the birds also perform a vital function for some native plants that depend on hummingbirds for pollination. Do this by planting the nectar-rich native plants that the hummingbirds have evolved with. It is wise to focus on increasing the “carrying capacity” of your garden – its ability to attract and support hummingbirds sustainably without additional human input. If you are using a feeder, the responsible wildlife gardener will also keep it filled, clean it regularly and protect it from ants, bees, and other uninvited visitors. Red plastic feeders filled with sugar water provide instant gratification. It is easy to attract these winged wonders to your garden. Hummingbird with purple sage ( Salvia leucophylla) Photo: Tony Tubbs The species that Californians see most commonly is the one that lives here year-round: Anna’s Hummingbird ( Calypte anna).įocus on increasing the “carrying capacity” of your garden – its ability to attract and support hummingbirds sustainably without additional human input. While most are found in Central and South America, about 25 species of hummingbirds are seen in the United States.Įast of the Mississippi, hummingbirds are not as common a sight as they are here in California, a rest stop for migratory species like Allen’s, Rufous, and Black-Chinned Hummingbirds.

The world’s smallest bird, the only bird that can fly backwards, the animal with the highest heart rate (up to 1,260 beats per minute) – the hummingbird is one of the true wonders of the New World.
