Attracting hummingbirds to your Houston, Texas garden is fun, but it’s even more fun to know exactly who your little visitors are. There are six species of hummingbirds that can be seen here in Houston, and with a little knowledge and experience you’ll be able to identify which ones are flying around your backyard.
Ruby-throated hummingbird. This is the most common little hummer you will see in Houston, Texas, especially during the fall and spring migrations. Not all members of this species migrate, or so you may see them every year. They are small green birds, and only the males have red throats, which give them their name. They love flowers, and are especially attracted to bottlebrush, lantana, irises and pentas.
Buff-bellied hummingbird. This species of hummingbird originally hails from Mexico, a rare but regular visitor that is gradually increasing its range northward. They are attracted to hummingbird feeders, and if you see them, it’s probably winter. They also love flowers. You will recognize one red bill, the only Houston, Texas hummingbird with this bill color. They also have green throats.
Anne’s hummingbird. This hummer is very vocal and aggressive, and is larger than the ruddy hummingbird. the throat and crown are dark red. In Houston, Texas, you will see hummingbirds in the winter, although they are one of the rarer. Like all hummingbirds, they seek gardens with flowers.
Black hummingbird. These hummers are also common in the winter in Houston, Texas, so expect them from November through May. The bird is very similar to the ruby-throated, but if you look closer, you will see a black throat. little black-purple stripe, not red.
Rufous hummingbird. These hummingbirds overwinter in Houston, Texas. The male is orange-red, the female is orange-green. (Rufous, by definition, is a reddish-brown-gold color). Hummingbirds will be drawn to your garden Hummingbird tailed plant. Another species, which is often confused with the red-throated hummingbird, has longer and wider tails (hence its name), and the males have a pinker throat than the red-throated hummingbird. They also look for a white chin pin, a dark red chin, and a reddish tinge on the tail. They are waiting again to enjoy Houston, Texas gardens with a variety of flowers.
In addition to the plants and flowers recommended above, you can use a humming bird feeder to attract birds. Make sure you keep it very clean and don’t use red food coloring! You can purchase commercial hummingbird nectar or make your own with four parts water and one part sugar. To really attract hummingbirds, use it abundantly in conjunction with your butterfly garden, or at least plant a few flowers they are happy If you are feeding during the Houston, Texas winter, it is important to keep it full, as any birds health During the winter, hummers will come to rely on this food source. They can also become territorial and aggressive birds in food sources, so if you are lucky enough, start to attract more hummingbirds, satiety in more than one place e.
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Personal experience
http://houstonaudobon.org
