The primary visitor is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which travels impressive distances during migration. While many pass through Florida on their way to Central American wintering grounds, others overwinter in the southern parts of the state. Establishing a welcoming and safe habitat tailored to the unique climate is key to attracting these smallest feathered jewels.
Setting Up Nectar Feeders
Artificial nectar offers a reliable energy source, but it must be prepared precisely to ensure the birds’ health. The proper mixture is a solution of four parts water to one part refined white granulated sugar. This ratio closely mimics the sugar concentration found in natural flower nectar.
Avoid using red dyes, commercial nectar mixes, or substitutes like honey, brown sugar, or organic sugar. These additives can be harmful, as unrefined sugars may contain toxic trace minerals. The mixture should be prepared fresh; heating the water slightly can help dissolve the sugar quickly, but boiling is unnecessary.
Optimal feeder placement is crucial for attracting hummingbirds and keeping the nectar fresh. Feeders should be situated in a partially shaded area to prevent the Florida sun from quickly fermenting the sugar solution. Placing the feeder ten to fifteen feet from dense shrubs or trees provides the birds with immediate cover for safety and perching. To deter pests, equip the feeder with an ant moat, a small water barrier that crawling insects cannot cross.
Landscaping with Florida-Friendly Plants
Creating a sustainable hummingbird habitat means focusing on Florida-friendly plants that offer continuous bloom and natural nectar. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to tubular flowers, which are perfectly shaped for their long bills and tongues. Planting these species in dense, visible clusters increases their attractiveness and provides a richer food source.
A powerhouse shrub for Florida landscapes is Firebush (Hamelia patens), which produces tubular, red-orange flowers almost year-round in central and south Florida. This plant is heat and drought-tolerant once established, thriving in full sun. For vertical spaces, the native Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is an excellent vine choice, providing scarlet blooms from spring through summer and remaining evergreen in warmer zones.
Including other species helps ensure a continuous supply of nectar throughout the year.
- Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) offers vibrant red blooms from spring into fall and prefers sunny spots for maximum flowering.
- Wax Mallow (Malvaviscus arboreus), sometimes called Turk’s Cap, features unique, curled red flowers and is a dependable, long-blooming perennial.
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a striking option for areas with moist soil or partial shade, featuring bright red flower spikes.
Essential Safety and Maintenance Practices
Maintaining the feeder is an ongoing commitment, especially in Florida’s high heat and humidity, which accelerates the growth of mold and bacteria. During the summer months, when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, the nectar must be changed and the feeder thoroughly cleaned every one to three days. In extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, cleaning the feeder daily is the safest practice.
To clean, the feeder should be completely disassembled and scrubbed with hot water and a bottle brush, avoiding soap or detergents that can leave harmful residue. A solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water can be used periodically to sanitize the feeder, followed by a thorough rinse. Protecting hummingbirds from common hazards is also an important part of stewardship.
Window strikes are a significant danger, as glass reflections can confuse the tiny birds. Placing feeders either very close (within three feet) or far away (more than ten feet) from windows can help mitigate the risk by altering their flight paths. Applying vertical strips of tape or specialized decals spaced two to four inches apart to the exterior of large windows helps break up the glass’s reflection.
Outdoor cats are also recognized as a major predator of small birds, including hummingbirds. Feeders should be hung at least eight feet off the ground and away from places where cats can hide, such as dense, low-lying shrubs. Minimizing cover near the feeding station prevents an ambush, allowing the hummingbirds a clear escape route.