Ruby Throated Hummingbirds
The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird in Maine. They can be observed feeding at dawn and dusk and zooming through the garden throughout the day. While they aren't fussy over the type of feeder you provide, you may prefer some types over others. As a rule, you should look for a feeder that is easy to fill and clean and that your hummingbirds will empty within a few days.
Do Ruby Throated Hummingbirds stay in Maine all year?
Ruby Throated hummingbirds are only in Maine during the summer. They migrate to spend their winters in tropical area in Mexico and Central America. Ruby Throated Hummings arrive in Maine in late April or early May where they spend the summer and raise one or two clutches of babies. They begin their southern migration in early September.
In my location in north central Maine, they arrive during the first week of May and leave the first week of September.
In my location in north central Maine, they arrive during the first week of May and leave the first week of September.
What do Ruby Throated Hummingbirds eat?
Ruby Throated Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from native flowers, but they also eat small insects. If you provide a feeder with hummingbird food, they will happily drink from it off anf on all day. They are most active at feeders in the early morning and late afternoon. They are often the first birds sighted in the morning and the last to 'go to bed' at night.
Does red food coloring hurt hummingbirds?
Whether or not red food coloring in hummingbird food harms hummingbirds is a hot topic of debate. While some claim it does, the US Fish and Wildlife Services and the FDA both say there is no scientic research that shows red food coloring is harmful to hummingbirds.
Many choose to err on the side of caution and omit the red food coloring from the food in their hummingbird feeders.
Many choose to err on the side of caution and omit the red food coloring from the food in their hummingbird feeders.
How do you attract hummingbirds to your yard?
Hummingbirds are attracted to tubular shaped flowers, but often visit other flowers too. The best way to attract them to your yard is to grow annuals and prennials that are known to attract them. Hanging feeders and keeping them filled with nectar also helps to attract hummingbirds to you yard.