Are you a hummingbird fanatic?

These adorable flying acrobats can be mesmerizing to watch as they flit, fly, and flutter. And, if you know how, you can transform your yard into a paradise, attracting them to feed, socialize, and even fight to defend their territory, using their pointed beaks.

If turning your yard into a hummingbird hotspot sounds good, this is your article. We’ll walk you through the best way to attract hummingbirds, including top tips for the perfect feeder. Read on for all our pro advice. 

The Best Way to Attract Hummingbirds

The very best way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is to create an environment that is welcoming to them. This will vary a bit depending on which species you’re hoping to attract.

But, hummingbirds all share a similar set of basic needs, including food, water, and shelter. 

Go Native

While it might seem like any blooming flower will attract hummingbirds, you’re actually far better off planting species that are native to your area.

Different hummingbirds prefer different plants. And, these well adapted feeders will have better success drinking from flowers that they are familiar with. 

Landscaping with native plants can also help to preserve the local ecosystem and support species other than hummingbirds. Once your yard is filled with them, you might start to notice migratory birds, squirrels, insects, and small mammals stopping by for a visit.

Keep a Year-Round Bloom Cycle

If you live in a warm enough climate to have plants outdoors all year round, you’ll want to plant a wide variety that bloom during different seasons.

Hummingbirds are voracious eaters, and they’ll be looking to your yard for sustenance all day, every day. But, if their food source suddenly vanishes, they might relocate. 

Of course, you will want to add a hummingbird feeder to the mix to help supplement their diet, but one secret to a yard full of hummingbirds is blooming flowers!

Add a Mister

When it comes to attracting hummingbirds, a bit of water can also be useful. But, a traditional birdbath is unlikely to attract many new visitors.

Instead, opt for a mister that shoots an ultra-fine spray. These can be purchased as attachments for either the garden hose or a patio fan. And, hummingbirds find them irresistible! 

Place yours close enough to a feeder that the birds can flit back and forth between the two, being careful not to get the actual feeding area wet. You may also want to install a few nearby perches where your hummingbirds can stop to rest and dry their wings and preen their feathers.

The Right Feeder

Just like with plants, not all hummingbird feeders are created equally.

It is essential to use a brightly colored feeder to attract these very visual birds to your yard. Most models use a red or magenta base and yellow or orange flowers – the most attractive hues to a hungry hummingbird.

You’ll also want to ensure that your feeder is easy to clean and take apart. That way, you don’t end up doing battle with mold and other pests that could keep hummingbirds away. 

Dr. JB’s Clean Hummingbird Feeder is an excellent and affordable option.

Feed Your Friends

If you want hummingbirds to keep visiting your yard again and again, it’s essential to serve their favorite meal in addition to a variety of native blooms.

For the proper blend, mix one part sugar to four parts water. Warm water will help your sugar dissolve faster, but be sure that it’s completely cooled before offering it to your hummingbirds.

You should also skip the red dye that is sometimes included in premixed hummingbird food. This will not greatly improve the number of visitors in your yard, and it could potentially make your hummingbirds sick! 

Offer Perches

While it might seem that hummingbirds are always in motion, they do sometimes need to stop and rest. That’s where perches come in! 

Hummingbirds prefer to perch on thin branches, so it’s essential to offer a few close to their feeding and misting stations. That way, they’ll be tempted to rest and revisit.

You can offer perches easily by leaving some exposed branches sticking out of your bushes. You can also create what are called “snag perches” in your yard.

A snag perch is easy to create by sticking a thin branch into the ground so that it stands up vertically. Your perch should be less than 50 feet from your feeder and within view. After eating, hummingbirds may hang onto these upright posts for a second or two before flitting off to the next flower. 

Dealing With Bullies

Even though it sounds absolutely insane, hummingbirds really do use their beaks to swordfight. And, believe it or not, they can be highly territorial! 

If you notice one or two birds dominating your feeder, you might want to add a few more. A cluster of feeding stations will help keep those bullies at bay and let your shy visitors drink, as well. 

While it might be tempting to spread your feeders out for this same reason, the most likely outcome is that each feeder will wind up with its own dominant male defending his turf. 

Your Own Hummingbird Hotspot

Now that you know the best way to attract hummingbirds, it’s time to get started transforming your yard. And, armed with these tips, it won’t be long before your home is a paradise for hummingbirds and birdwatchers alike!

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Jane