Hummingbirds are a common sight in East Tennessee, especially during the warmer months of the year. These small, colorful birds are known for their ability to hover mid-air and move quickly from one flower to another, often feeding on nectar.
Several species of hummingbirds can be found in East Tennessee, including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species in the region, with males featuring a bright red throat patch while the females have a white throat. These tiny birds are a joy to watch as they flit around, visiting flowers and feeding at feeders.
To attract hummingbirds to your yard, you can hang a hummingbird feeder filled with a 4:1 ratio of a water/sugar mixture or an additive-free ready-to-feed nectar concentrate. You can also plant flowers that are rich in nectar, such as bee balm, salvia, and trumpet vine, all of which will attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
If you choose to feed your hummingbirds nectar, it is important to choose the right feeder. If you are starting and unsure if there are hummingbirds in your yard, select a smaller 4-8 oz feeder and replace the nectar every other day until you start seeing activity. Once your hummingbirds realize there is nectar readily available, you will start to see the population grow and can upgrade to a larger feeder or even multiple feeders. The nectar will go rancid quickly as the summer heat intensifies, so be sure to empty and thoroughly clean your feeder before refilling it with fresh nectar.
Hummingbirds also appreciate a place to rest in-between sips, A hummingbird swing positioned near your feeder provides a landing spot as well as a way for you to appreciate their beauty while they sit and survey the area!