By Landon Amonett, Lab Manager, Bastos Lab, Vanderbilt University

A sure indicator of warmer weather for many Tennesseans, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is easily identified by its iridescent green plumage, adorned with creamy white belly and, in mature males, a bright patch of dazzling red on its chest. These chittering birds zip about gardens from mid-April to the early days of October, taking advantage of the generous offering of sugar water provided by enthusiastic gardeners, birders, and porch-sitters across Tennessee.

That voracious appetite is well warranted. Not only does the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird travel an approximate 500 miles (one-way) to arrive in the state during the warmer breeding season, they continue to beat their tiny wings an impressive 53-55 times per second during their stay over the spring and summer months. All that movement means a very high metabolism, which is best fueled by a basic combination of 1-part sugar to 4-part water.

While there are pre-made, dyed hummingbird foods offered in stores or online retailers, these offerings are not only more expensive than making your own but can also be actively harmful to hummingbirds as the chemical additives and dyes can be toxic. Instead of hurting your hummingbirds (and your wallet), simply boil 1 cup of water, add ¼ cup of sugar, and stir until the sugar is entirely dissolved. After allowing the liquid to cool entirely, add your food to the feeder of your choice. Red and orange tinted feeders seem to be the preferred colors of hungry birds. Be sure to clean your feeders often, as this high-sugar cocktail can ferment in the presence of a hot sun and natural yeasts. If the nectar is cloudy, it’s time to provide fresh food.

Color of your feeder isn’t everything, however. Placement is also important when deciding to establish your feeders, and the optimal area is close to deciduous trees or bushes. In these trees, the female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird will construct an open, walnut-sized nest consisting of dandelion, spider-silk, thistle and camouflaged in lichen. Here she will lay her 2-3 pea-sized eggs and will brood them for around 14 days. The materials used in this nest will allow adequate stretching as the eggs progress from hatchlings to fledglings, before leaving home after about 20 days.

The end of the warm season sees the departure of our beloved Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, however there is a chance to see other species during the colder months. While our Ruby-Throated is the only mating species of hummingbird within the state, populations of non-breeding species have been observed by lucky ornithologists and eager birders on increasing average since the early 2000s. While it’s unknown whether this increase is due to population booms or simply feeders being left out during the cooler months, seven Eastern species (Allen's, Anna's, Black-Chinned, Broad-tailed, Calliope, Green Violet-ear, and Rufous Hummingbirds) have been seen with recurrence across Tennessee.

So, while our warmer weathered hummingbirds make the 500-mile voyage back South as the air cools, I encourage an avid birder to keep their feeders out and food fresh during our chillier season. Though not as abundant as the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, a Western species sighting in at your feeder may bring you joy in the knowledge that you are supporting a less common visitor – perhaps one that brings a newfound appreciation for our cooler months.

Master Gardeners Christen Harper and Brenda Peterson with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell at the Hummingbird Festival, September 13