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Hummingbirds are favorites in the garden for many reasons other than their colorful, almost iridescent colors. What other creature can amaze us with feats such as flying backwards, upside down or hovering in mid-air? They are the smallest bird in the world and yet eat more food than any other bird species (up to half their body weight per day). They have the fastest wingbeat of any bird (up to 90 beats per second) and the highest metabolic rate of any known animal. Their heart beats up to 1260 beats per minute during the day and slows to 50 beats per minute during the night. Normal flight speed for a hummingbird is 25 to 30 mph, but hummers can dive at speeds of up to 60 mph. Hummingbirds can migrate hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles each year, following the blooming periods of their favorite plants.

Although there are more than 338 known species of hummingbirds in the Americas, only about sixteen of those are found in the United States. Only one species, the ruby throated hummingbird, is common east of the Mississippi.

Hummingbirds use enormous energy because of their high metabolism and fast flight. They eat spiders and small insects, but are most often seen dining on flowers and nectar feeders.

Hummingbirds are attracted to plants by color, not by scent. They are said to be most drawn to tubular flowers that are either large or showy or in drooping clusters of red, orange and pink. Hummingbirds are very territorial, so hummingbird plants and feeders should be spaced in separate groupings around your yard and at varying heights, starting at about 18" above the ground. Since hummingbirds feed in flight, they need plenty of room around the flowers to accommodate their movements. They also are thought to prefer curved, narrow flower beds that can be reached from all sides of the plants.

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