When are hummingbirds back in Texas? Here’s the perfect nectar recipe to attract them

Ella Gonzales
·3 min read

The constantly in motion hummingbirds will soon find their way back to Texas.

Hummingbirds, the tiniest bird species, arrive in Texas between mid March and May each year. They are only present in the Western Hemisphere, mostly Central and South America. Of 18 species, half are found in the United States and Texas.

While the tiny birds may wander into your yard, feeders and the right environment will attract more of the hummers for your viewing pleasure.

Their energy output is ten times more than that of a man running 9 mph. Because of this, these coin-sized birds have to eat every ten to fifteen minutes.

Prepare your feeders and keep your eyes open. Hummingbird migration is a mark of warm weather and blooming flowers.

Hummingbirds, the tiniest bird species, arrive in Texas between mid March and May each year. They are only present in the Western Hemisphere, mostly Central and South America. Of 18 species, half are found in the United States and Texas.
Hummingbirds, the tiniest bird species, arrive in Texas between mid March and May each year. They are only present in the Western Hemisphere, mostly Central and South America. Of 18 species, half are found in the United States and Texas.

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How to identify a hummingbird

Avian enthusiasts have already sighted a hummingbird in Fredericksburg, Texas. The black-chinned hummingbird is a common sighting in Texas. The slightly curved bill and black, gray, and blue feathers make this hummer easy to identify.

While the different species showcase various colors, all hummingbirds are small birds with rapidly flapping wings.

Other two factors that are tell-tale signs of the nectar seekers are, “Hummingbird’s tongue and bill are perfectly adapted for obtaining its food. The bill is long and sharp and can plunge deep into the flowers or slash them open to get at the nectar. The tongue, which is extremely long, can be extended beyond the bill,” according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Here are the twelve hummingbird species that come to Texas:

  • Buff-bellied Hummingbird

  • Blue-throated Hummingbird

  • Broad-billed Hummingbird

  • Magnificent Hummingbird

  • Lucifer Hummingbird

  • Anna’s Hummingbird

  • Black-chinned Hummingbird

  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird

  • Calliope Hummingbird

  • Broad-tailed Hummingbird

  • Rufous Hummingbird

  • Allen’s Hummingbird

Having a hummingbird feeder allows you to watch the birds up close in your backyard. Most will feature artificial red flowers that tend to attract hummers.
Having a hummingbird feeder allows you to watch the birds up close in your backyard. Most will feature artificial red flowers that tend to attract hummers.

How to attract a hummingbird

Hummingbirds’ primary energy source is similar to that of a child’s: sugar. Nectar from tube shaped flowers are what the hummers love to feed on. Another 25% of their diet is small insects and spiders.

If you want to attract hummingbirds, setting up feeders is a must. Placing a feeder in parts of your garden that have an absence of trees, flowers, or shrubs is ideal.

To make hummingbird nectar at home, the Smithsonian National Zoo has a simple recipe.

  • Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water (for example, 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water) until the sugar is dissolved.

  • Do not add food dye.

  • Fill hummingbird feeders with the sugar water and place outside.

  • Extra sugar water can be stored in a refrigerator.

  • Change feeders every other day and thoroughly clean them each time to prevent harmful mold growth.

Hummingbirds will also drink water from bird baths. Water should be shallow, clean, and moving if possible.

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