Components of a Nature Habitat - Hummingbird Plants

The definitive website on plants & horticulture

Not everyone will be blessed with all sixteen Habitat Components on their property.

This does not mean that introducing as many as possible will not enhance wildlife. The key is to understand each of the components, what they are, how they assist in nature and what wildlife will be assisted by their availability.

Components of a Nature Habitat
Hummingbird Plants

The Registry of Nature Habitats - Hummingbird Plants

Components of a Nature Habitat

Structural:

Living:

Living Habitat Component

Hummingbird Plants

Four species of hummingbirds are found in Nebraska, one in the east and three in the west. Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate through eastern Nebraska in spring and fall, and some nest here, mostly along the Missouri river valley. Typically, ruby-throat migration in Nebraska peaks about May 5-17 and September 2-18, but northward migration may occur from April to June and southward flights from August to early October. Broad-tailed and rufous hummingbirds are seen in the Nebraska panhandle during fall migration from late July to early September with most sightings in early to mid-August. Calliope hummingbirds are seen rarely in the panhandle area. These four hummingbird species spend winter in Mexico and Central America.

What They Eat

The natural diet of hummers is flower nectar, tree sap, and small insects and spiders that are often captured in or near flowers. This natural diet can be supplemented by hummingbird feeders, which dispense a sugar water solution. Flowers blooming through the season, however, are needed when hummingbirds are present to attract them and to provide the natural foods required for a complete diet.

Planting for Hummingbirds

Flowers add beauty and a place where hummingbirds can find both flower nectar and insects to eat.

List of hummingbird plants