Let’s discover some incredibly fun facts about these tiny marvels of nature with Mickey O’Connor, one of only two hummingbird banders in Wisconsin!
Fat bird on a thin branch: Ruby-throated hummingbirds weigh 3g or less, but this individual is so fluffed up it looks like the branch could break any moment. Photo by Andy Raupp
The ruby-throated hummingbird’s special connection to Wisconsin
There are 340+ species of hummingbirds in the Americas and the ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris) is the only hummingbird species that nests in Wisconsin. Arriving in the spring, as early as late April, the adult males are typically the first to arrive. Once they have returned to their nesting grounds, both males and females will stake out a site as their own and defend it tirelessly. Hummingbirds have astonishing spatial memory, allowing them to return to a place and recall where feeders have been, as well as flowers. They will do this not only on their territory but also on their migration stops, year after year.
Make your garden an all-you-can-eat buffet for hummingbirds!
All hummingbirds drink a significant amount of nectar, but many people are surprised to learn they also consume enormous numbers of insects. That’s right…they cannot survive on nectar alone! This is why it’s imperative to plant a variety of diverse trees, shrubs, and perennials as well as annual flowers. Together, they provide shelter, nesting areas, and food.
The high metabolism of a hummingbird requires the amino acids and protein found in spiders, gnats, mosquitos, and other small invertebrates. Properties with forested areas and lakes or rivers will attract higher numbers of hummingbirds. These habitats provide numerous nesting locations as well as high concentrations of insects.
A ruby-throated hummingbird fueling up on a cuphea flower. Photo by Kurt Noeske
An example of some native perennials that help support hummingbirds include: Beardtongue, Bee Balm (Monarda), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia), Columbine, Coral Honeysuckle, Royal Catchfly, Virginia Bluebells, and Spotted Jewelweed. There are many, many more you can search for online.
Some examples of annuals (they’re a must if you truly want to attract hummingbirds) include: Salvias (Amistad, Black and Blue, Argentine Skies, Purple Majesty), Cupheas (Vermillionaire and David Verity), and Red Tropical Sage. Again, there are many more to discover online.
Variety is important for attracting many hummingbirds. Try creating mass groupings of flowers instead of individual plants in your garden. Hanging baskets work well for this! And remember to place them where you can enjoy them, too.
A ruby-throated hummingbird on lantana flowers. Photo by Andy Raupp
Tiny but mighty
Hummingbirds are tenacious creatures, which I’m sure comes in handy when defending territories and during migration. Last fall I observed an adult male harass a young common yellowthroat for quite some time. The young warbler finally had enough and departed, heading over the roof of the house. The male hummer pursued, attacking the warbler which made a very audible sound. After landing on the roof stunned and reorientating itself, the warbler left the area. I truly believe hummingbirds are afraid of nothing.
Mickey O’Connor banding a ruby-throated hummingbird while leading an NRF Field Trip. Photo by Emma Schatz
Solo traveling tips from hummingbirds
Migration is a perilous time for all birds. And for a hummingbird weighing around 3g or less with a demanding metabolism, the journey presents another challenge. So how does the ruby-throated hummer make it to its wintering grounds in Central America? One interesting fact is they migrate alone, not in flocks like songbirds do, and they travel during the day. Flying at tree height or lower, these dynamos can stop and forage along the way.
Adult males start migration first, followed by the adult females. Young or hatch-year birds tend to linger and will often spend a couple of weeks at a good site that has shelter and plenty of food before moving on. During this time, they are mastering flight, practicing foraging techniques, performing territorial displays, and discovering what are the best food.
A ruby-throated hummingbird on hollyhock. Photo by Rebekah Miramontes
While not all ruby-throats cross the Gulf of Mexico, many do. There are staging areas where large numbers of this species will “hang out” waiting for the right conditions to cross the Gulf. How can they possibly make the 500+ mile journey? It’s a phenomenon for sure, but one strategy is hyperphagia. These hummers will eat massive amounts of insects and nectar and can literally double their weight. This gives them plenty of reserves to make the journey.
The next time you see a hummingbird, appreciate how far this marvelous gem has traveled. With a little luck, perhaps, one of them will nest nearby.
Guest Blogger
Mickey O’Connor
Avian Zookeeper, Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
Mickey’s been working with birds for well over 35 years and started banding songbirds in ’97 with Andy Larsen at Riveredge Nature Center, eventually obtaining her own Master permit. She began banding hummingbirds in 2013. She loves her backyard birds and enjoys traveling to see new species. Mickey’s been organizing birding/nature trips for over 10 years to several countries, primarily Costa Rica, focusing on Wisconsin’s connection to migrating birds wintering there.
Wisconsin Fat Bird Week is back!
NRF’s 2nd annual Wisconsin Fat Bird Week is back with new, chonky contestants! Because after all, a fat bird is a healthy bird. And don’t worry! The ruby-throated hummingbird is making an appearance.
Every day from Friday, May 2nd to Friday, May 9th you will get the chance to vote for your favorite bulbous bird.
Only one chonk will reign supreme. Only the floofiest of the floofs will floof their way to victory. We love all of Wisconsin’s native birds, but only one will hoist itself to the top of the bracket. Who will win this year’s Wisconsin Fat Bird Week? Only you can decide…
‘Wisconsin Fat Bird Week is back!’ section written by Emma Schatz, Digital Communications Coordinator