Long Island, with its diverse landscapes, provides a welcoming environment for a variety of bird species. Hummingbirds are indeed found on Long Island, gracing local gardens and natural habitats. This article explores the specific hummingbird species that frequent Long Island’s ecosystems and offers practical guidance for residents interested in observing and supporting them.
Hummingbirds of Long Island: Species and Seasons
The primary hummingbird species commonly observed on Long Island is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These tiny, iridescent birds are the sole breeding hummingbird species in eastern North America. While other species like the Rufous Hummingbird and Calliope Hummingbird have been rarely sighted as vagrants, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the consistent visitor and resident during warmer months.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds undertake remarkable migrations, traveling thousands of miles between their wintering grounds in Central America and their breeding territories. They arrive on Long Island in mid-April through early May. Males usually precede females by 10 to 14 days during spring migration.
These hummingbirds spend the summer months on Long Island, nesting and raising their young. They are found in various habitats, including deciduous woodlands, open woods, and suburban gardens. While distributed across Nassau and Suffolk counties, they favor areas like the Pine Barrens. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin their southward migration by late August or early September, with nearly all individuals departing by mid-September for their long journey back to Central America.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar, which they extract from flowers using their long, straw-like tongues. They prefer red or orange tubular flowers, such as:
Trumpet Creeper
Cardinal Flower
Honeysuckle
Jewelweed
Bee-Balm
Beyond nectar, their diet also includes small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein, particularly for breeding females and nestlings. They catch flying insects mid-air or pluck them from foliage and spider webs.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard
Long Island residents can actively support hummingbirds by cultivating a yard that meets their specific needs for food and shelter. Planting native flowers is a highly effective way to provide natural nectar sources. Tubular flowers in bright colors like orange, pink, or purple are particularly attractive to these birds.
Native plants that thrive on Long Island and are favored by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds include:
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Cardinal Flower
Bee Balm
Wild Columbine
Summersweet
Jewelweed
Various Asters and Goldenrods (offer nectar late into the season)
Grouping a variety of flowering plants ensures a continuous bloom throughout the growing season, providing a consistent food supply.
In addition to natural nectar, supplemental feeders can be a valuable resource for hummingbirds, especially during migration periods. A simple sugar-water solution can be made by mixing one part white granulated sugar with four parts water until the sugar dissolves. It is important to avoid adding red dye to the solution, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the birds. Honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners should also not be used.
Maintaining feeders requires regular cleaning to prevent the growth of mold, which can be detrimental to hummingbirds. Feeders should be changed every other day and thoroughly cleaned with each refill. Any extra sugar water solution can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Placing feeders a few weeks before the typical arrival of hummingbirds in spring can benefit early migrants. Furthermore, avoiding the use of pesticides in your yard is important, as hummingbirds rely on insects for a significant portion of their protein intake.