Read this article and learn how to attract hummingbirds in Arizona.
Birds are one of those creatures that have captured people’s interest and attention for a long time, and Arizona is one of those states that can boast that this “wonder of the world” is abundant. However, today we are not going talk about all of the 534 species, but specifically about, in our humble opinion, our most unique feathered friends, tiny hummingbirds. Below, find a short guide on how to attract hummingbirds in Arizona!
Are There Hummingbirds In Arizona?
In order not to rush and teach you unnecessarily how to attract hummingbirds to Arizona, we first need to make sure that the state is even interesting enough for little hummers to visit. Well, let’s go, shall we?
In short, Arizona is a great place if hummingbirds are what you want to see. Feel free to book a weekend and go on a short trip that includes a picnic and bird watching, trust us, you won’t regret it! The hottest spots are Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Miller Canyon, Cave Creek Canyon, and Paton Center. There is no way you will miss it!
The thing is, this state has such a perfect position, namely, it is in the middle of where two great mountain ranges meet, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Madre in Mexico. In addition, Arizona is where the great deserts meet, and also, these birds can certainly feel the great influence of Chihuahua, the Sonoran Desert, and the Great Basin of the Mojave Desert.
Did you know that Arizona is home to at least a dozen species of hummingbirds, making it the most diverse of any state? Here are some details:
Resident species: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Some of the seasonal species: Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Costa’s Hummingbirds, Rivoli’s Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, and Blue-throated Mountain Gem.
Some of the rare and/or accidental species: The Lucifer Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Berylline Hummingbird, and Plain-capped Starthroat.
Now that you have a solid foundation, let us briefly explain how to attract hummingbirds in Arizona, what do you say?
Take Out Time to Also Read:
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How To Attract Hummingbirds In Arizona?
#1: Grow Native Plants
As you might guess, nectar from flowers makes up a large part of a hummingbird’s daily menu. These birds consume about half of their body weight in nectar (and insects that gather around flowers). This shouldn’t surprise us because when you look at their physiognomy, they are literally created as nectar-eaters, which can be seen by their long beaks and grooved tongues, an ideal combination for probing flowers.
But, thanks to humans and climate changes, hummingbird-friendly habitats may be changing across many of their migration routes. That is exactly why we advise you to join us and become one of their helpers in creating a healthy and safe environment. The best way to do this is to decorate your landscape with a variety of native, non-invasive plant species.
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Plants that attract hummingbirds in Arizona include desert honeysuckle, autumn sage, desert willow, and hummingbird’s trumpet. There is literally no going wrong with this one. Besides making your property look great, these hummingbird-friendly flowers will really entice these birds to choose your over your neighbor’s yard three blocks away.
Furthermore, these birds migrate based on the flowering seasons of their favorite food sources. Because of this, we need to plant some of the nectar-rich hummingbird flowers of Arizona to ensure a continuous supply of nectar resources for these mighty flyers, as well as provide them with water, especially during dry periods of the year.
You have enriched your garden with their favorite plants, but they still do not visit you? The culprit may be someone in your neighborhood! They had probably set up feeders full of fresh nectar. Here’s how to attract hummingbirds in Arizona using feeders.
#2: Put Up Full & Clean Feeders
When it comes to feeding hummingbirds in Arizona, there is no better method than setting up some feeders, because it supplies these birds with nectar critical to their survival, especially during migration periods.
It would be best to space them out so that they don’t collide, interfere or even look at each other, which will ultimately prevent one bird from dominating the others. Put it in the shade so it doesn’t ferment, clean it regularly, and change the nectar even if they haven’t eaten it all the way.
#3: Provide A Water Source
Although they won’t drink water per se, due to the nectar, which is mostly water and makes up 90 percent of their diet, these birds like to bathe often. Therefore, we advise all those who are wondering how to attract hummingbirds in Arizona to supply their yard with a constant source of water from a drip fountain attachment or a fine misting device.
Also, the results will not be lacking if you decide to install a misting device. Very soon you will enjoy watching these creatures frolic in your yard and will realize that it is worth every penny.
#4: Avoid Toxicity
You don’t have to be a smarty-pants to know that pesticides and herbicides are not good for your environment or yourself. Some research has proven that if these amazing creatures are exposed to systemic neonicotinoid insecticides for even a short time, they can disrupt their high-powered metabolism, which ultimately can and probably will lead to death.
You can find more about the harmfulness of these substances to small avian pollinators here.
That’s it, now you know how to attract hummingbirds in Arizona!
To Round Up How To Attract Hummingbirds In Arizona?
Trust us, if you have a strong will and just a little free time, it’s really not that hard to lure them to enjoy your yard! Plant some native and non-invasive plants, clean and fill the feeders with divine liquid, and don’t bother them so they don’t feel threatened. Simple as that!
What strategy will you use to attract these birds next season? Tell us more in the comment section below!
Read more: Desert Plants That Attract Hummingbirds: Top 5 Proven-Effective Options