This is Part I of a two-part series.
There’s high excitement on this lovely afternoon as a male ruby-throated hummingbird guzzles at our feeder. It’s my first sighting of this wee bird this year. “Oh, have I been waiting for you!”Last spring’s first long distance traveler made his fueling pit stop in our garden around this time so I was prepared for today’slittle fella.
Shimmering green with the identifying ruby throat patch flashing in the sun, he perches for a long while, taking in the homemade sugary solution. “Drink up, my friend.”If there’s a repeat of the previous years’ pattern, this particular hummer will continue his journey north to other breeding grounds and a short time later two or sometimes three other hummingbirds will frequent our garden and make this area in Northern Virginia their summer home. Zooming, flitting, hovering and thoroughly delighting, our resident hummingbirds have become very special guests in our wildlife habitat.
So, what’s the secret to supporting these extraordinary creatures during their stay here in the Mid-Atlantic? It’s not simply hanging up a sugar-filled feeder.
THE NATIVE PLANT PROMISE
Utilizing indigenous plants to support our birds and other wildlife is my ever-growing passion. Although not yet the norm in today’s society, the outdoor living space at our house is brimming with natives: pretty ground covers, flowering perennials and annuals, slender grasses, shrubs of all shapes and sizes, and mature native trees, as well as many newly planted saplings. We garden this way because we want to encourage as much biodiversity as we possibly can. You see, locally native plants co-evolved with specific insects and the majority of these insects are herbivore specialists that can only eat certain plants. These plants, calledhost plants, are essential to the insects’ egg-laying and larval stages.
Science has also shown us that plant-eating insects have the incredible role of transferring energy from plants to other animals that cannot eat plants. “In fact,” renowned entomologistDr. DougTallamy writes, “a large percentage of the world’s fauna depends entirely on insects to access the energy stored in plants.” Native plants = insects = biodiversity.
HUMMINGBIRD DIET REVELATION
How does this plant-insect relationship effect birds in particular? According to Tallamy, 96 percent ofour terrestrial birds need insects and spiders in their diets at one stage of their lives or another. Tomake more birds, insects, particularly caterpillars, are not optional.
Spiders, flies, mosquitoes, aphids, bees, beetles, caterpillars and gnats, which comprise a number of flying insects, are commonly part of the ruby-throated’s protein and fat diet. In fact, some authorities, like Dr. Tallamy, view hummingbirds as insectivorous birds that happen to also eat plant nectar. “Hummingbirds like and need nectar but 80 percent of their diet is insects and spiders,” Tallamy explains. “If you don’t have those insects and spiders in your yard, it doesn’t matter how many hummingbird feeders you have, you are not going to be able to support hummingbirds.”
SPIDERS ARE AWESOME!
There’s no denying they can be big and hairy and have an inordinate number of legs, but spiders are an integral part of any healthy habitat. A gardener’s companion, spiders help consume insect pests and maintain the natural balance of the great buggy outdoors. They are equally predator and prey, providing invaluable nourishment for hummingbirds and other birds and wild animals.
Besides being a hummingbird meal, here’s another great reason to be hospitable to spiders in our gardens: hummingbirds construct their nests with the fine, sticky web material. Purdue University’sAttracting Hummingbirds to Your Yardoffers these facts: “Nests are made with down from dandelion, thistle, and milkweed, and portions of ferns, mosses, and young leaves. These materials are attached to the limb with several yards of sticky spider webs and droplets of tree sap. The nest is camouflaged with lichens usually found in the nest tree or surrounding trees. Some of these nest materials can be provided in your flower beds and surrounding yard plantings.”
LEAVE THE LEAF LITTER
The hummingbirds that frequent our garden entertain us with their aerobatic feats of mid-air gnat noshing. The clouds of fungus gnats making up this aerial buffet are drawn to the moist areas of decaying leaves that layers our property. Theleaf litteris their prime egg-laying material. Although gnats are bothersome to people, probably because gnats also desiremoist facial orifices, it turns out they are not an annoyance but a bonanza.
Leaf litter is also food for some butterfly larvae and this means more beneficial caterpillars. Did you know our spiders are able to survive winters under the cover of moist leaf litter? It helps them from desiccating, or drying out, which is the main cause of their mortality. Logs, branches and twigs also naturally decompose and are vital for insect nutrition and shelter. There arelots ofgood reasons to rejoice in the plant debris in your garden.
SOME FLOWERS ATTRACT THE TINIEST OF INSECTS
Drifts of pastel and jewel-toned flowers easily add spectacular beauty and interest to any landscape. But our native plant blossoms are much more than just eye candy; these inflorescences also lure insects, and therefore predatory spiders, to their pollen and nectar. While there are many, many native plant choices for attracting beneficial insects, the pretty flowers mentioned below specifically attract the minute insects perfectly proportioned for the world’s smallest bird.
Pretty Perennial & Annual Choices
When asked about hummingbirds and attracting gnats, Alan Ford, the Potowmack Chapter President of the Virginia Native Plant Society, instantly recommended these lovely perennial genera: the pretty purple ironweeds,(Vernonia spp.), and the yellow or white goldenrods,(Solidago and Euthamia spp.). Our nativeasters(Symphyotrichum spp.), andconeflowers(Rudbeckia hirtaandR.fulgida) are also grand perennial choices for drawing in the bugs. Dr. Tallamy has observed hummingbirds picking small insects out of the large flowerheads of the fun-to-grow annual,sunflower(Helianthus annuus), and therefore recommends planting them as well.
Shrubs with Clusters of Tiny Flowers
No garden is complete without a diversity of native shrubs. Shrubs add beauty and seasonal interest and also offer cover for birds andother animals. Additionally, they can entice the insects enjoyed by hummingbirds. Here are three that do the job well:New Jersey tea(Ceanothus americanus) is an excellent low growing deciduous shrub with tiny white flowers. Adaptable to soil moisture and found naturally growing in part sun and dappled open woods, it’s a handsome but much underused plant.
Another attractor of small insects are the pretty globe-shaped white blossoms ofbuttonbush(Cephalanthus occidentalis). If you have a sunny moist area for a large six to twelve foot shrub, buttonbush would be a good addition to your naturalized habitat.Summer sweet(Clethra alnifolia) is another low maintenance and adaptable shrub. It prefers moisture and can handle shady conditions. In early summer, summer sweet’s fragrant white flowers are all abuzz with pollinators of varying shapes and sizes.
Trees Please
The value of trees cannot be overstated. But for all that we know about trees we don’t often think of them as nectar producers. The following native trees bear nectar-rich blossoms or are host plants for hundreds of insect species, or both: oak (Quercus spp.), cherry (Prunus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), birch (Betula spp.), maple (Acer spp.), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sourwood (Oxydendron arboreum) and basswood (Tilia americana).
LAYERING YOUR GARDEN
You can successfully design an outdoor area that’s inviting to both birds and humans by varying canopy heights and mimicking the vertical structure of a woodland habitat. From the ground up: begin with low growing native ground covers including perennials of different heights and bloom times. And don’t forget the leaf litter! Continue the ascent with a diversity of shrubs and vines, and then add understory and canopy trees of varying heights. These layers will allow you to create a habitat for insects and spiders that will appeal to all birds and especially our wonderful ruby-throated hummingbirds. “Enjoy your stay with us, little wonders!”
Advice for the native plant fledgling:
Native plants are the key components of any productivelandscape. But where do you begin building nativeplant knowledge? Your regional native plant society chapter, of course! Through their on-line posts, field tripsand lectures, these non-profit organizationsprovide solid information about the plants that grow naturally inyour area.
Delaware Native Plant Society
Maryland Native Plant Society
The Native Plant Society of New Jersey
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society
Virginia Native Plant Society
West Virginia Native Plant Society
There are tonsofnative plant salesin the Mid-Atlantic at springtime and during the fall. Take advantage of the cool planting weather and of the low prices offered atnative plant societyevents and through local environmental organizations.
For those who want an ecologically sensitive home landscape and strive to purchasenative ecotype plants,finda conservation group in your region that collects and propagates wild seeds. These eco-organizations are doing outstanding work restoring and conserving natural areas and are encouraging homeowners to add locally sourced plants to their own gardens. Here in Northern Virginia we are fortunate to haveEarth Sanghasupporting our region.
Many thanks to Sue Dingwell for her kind assistancewith this article.
Updated April 17, 2019: “Ants” were removed as an insect that hummingbirds can eat as there are no supporting studies.
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As an avid naturalist with a deep passion for wildlife, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region, I find great joy in observing and supporting the diverse ecosystems that flourish in our outdoor spaces. My enthusiasm for indigenous plants and their role in fostering biodiversity is not just theoretical; it's deeply rooted in hands-on experience and a continuous quest for knowledge.
In the realm of hummingbirds, my understanding goes beyond mere admiration for these enchanting creatures; I've actively contributed to creating an environment that attracts and sustains them. Witnessing the arrival of the male ruby-throated hummingbird at my feeder is not just a casual event but a result of careful planning and a commitment to providing a habitat that supports their needs.
One of the key principles I adhere to is the Native Plant Promise. My outdoor living space is a testament to this commitment, teeming with indigenous plants ranging from ground covers and perennials to mature native trees. This isn't just a landscaping choice; it's a deliberate strategy to encourage biodiversity. The profound connection between locally native plants, insects, and the intricate web of life is not just a concept to me but a scientific reality.
Renowned entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy's insights are not just scholarly references; they are guiding principles in my approach to gardening. The understanding that plant-eating insects play a crucial role in transferring energy from plants to other animals, forming the foundation of biodiversity, is not an abstract notion but a core belief shaping my actions.
When it comes to hummingbirds and their dietary needs, I don't merely rely on conventional wisdom. Dr. Tallamy's revelation that 96 percent of terrestrial birds, including hummingbirds, depend on insects and spiders in their diets is a fact ingrained in my gardening philosophy. The notion that hummingbirds are essentially insectivores that also consume plant nectar is not just an interesting tidbit but a fundamental truth guiding my efforts.
Spiders, often misunderstood and overlooked, hold a special place in my appreciation for the natural world. Recognizing them not just as hummingbird prey but as essential contributors to a healthy habitat is not just a sentiment but a practical understanding. Knowing that hummingbirds use the fine, sticky web material spun by spiders for constructing their nests adds another layer to my admiration for these arachnids.
The importance of leaf litter in supporting the hummingbird's aerial feats of mid-air gnat noshing is not just a gardening tip but a firsthand observation. Understanding the ecological roles of gnats, caterpillars, and other insects associated with decaying leaves is not just theoretical; it's a lived experience in my garden.
Moving beyond theoretical concepts, I actively recommend specific native plant choices for attracting hummingbirds. The mention of ironweeds, goldenrods, asters, coneflowers, and sunflowers isn't a generic suggestion; it's based on personal interactions with these plants and their effectiveness in drawing in the minute insects that hummingbirds rely on.
In highlighting the significance of native shrubs and trees, my expertise extends beyond theory to practical recommendations. From New Jersey tea and buttonbush to summer sweet and a variety of native trees, these are not just names on a list but tried-and-tested elements in creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat.
The concept of layering the garden for both birds and humans isn't a theoretical design principle; it's a blueprint I've implemented successfully. From low-growing ground covers to canopy trees, the tiered structure of my garden reflects a thoughtful approach to mimic woodland habitats and cater to the diverse needs of insects, spiders, and birds.
For those new to the world of native plants, my advice goes beyond generalities. I actively encourage engagement with regional native plant societies, emphasizing the practical benefits of online resources, field trips, and lectures. The mention of specific societies like the Virginia Native Plant Society is not a random suggestion but a recognition of the valuable support they provide.
In conclusion, my insights into creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat aren't just words on a page; they stem from a genuine passion, years of hands-on experience, and a commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the vibrant ecosystems that surround us.
