ARGUMENTS AT THE FEEDERS
The size of hummingbirds belies their fierceness. They will defend their nectar source aggressively, attacking and chasing off intruders. Try hanging more than one feeder and move the second one far enough away that an aggressive Hummer will have trouble defending both.

NECTAR
Make your own nectar:
• Use 4 parts water to 1 part white, granulated sugar.
• Boil the water, mix in the sugar and let cool. Nectar can be kept refrigerated for one to two weeks.
• Red food coloring can be harmful and is not necessary to attract the birds. The red color of your feeder is adequate to attract them.
• Don't use sugar substitutes.
• Honey is not a good choice as it will mold.

If your Hummers aren't consuming the contents in a 5 day period, clean the feeder and add fresh nectar. Pre-mixed nectar is available and does not require boiling. No artificial sweeteners added.

FEEDER MAINTENANCE The first rule of feeders is to KEEP THEM FULL AND CLEAN. Hot air gets in feeders that aren't kept full and expands causing the nectar to drip out. Prior to re-filling your feeder wash it with hot soapy water and RINSE WELL. This will help keep bacteria under control which may be harmful to the Hummers.

Fun Facts:
Planting these flowers and bushes will help attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.

FAVORITE FLOWERS: Bee Balm Hollyhocks Bleeding Hearts Impatiens Coral Bells Morning Glory Fuchsia Petunia Gladiola Trumpet Creeper Salvia Columbine Zinnia Canna Lily FAVORITE BUSHES: Azalea Butterfly Bush Honeysuckle Hydrangea

INSECTS
Hummingbirds eat insects. Lots of them! A Hummer can consume up to 500 insects a day and more if it rains. Nectar supplies energy and insects supply the birds with protein. Use pesticides wisely since the Hummers depend on small insects for survival.

• Despite their size, hummingbirds are fierce, fearless, and will defend their food source.
• Hummers can fly backwards or upside down if they have to.
• Males arrive before females in order to choose a territory which will sustain them and the new generation.
• Males will often fly in a giant U shaped pattern in an attempt to attract and impress the female.
• The typical lifespan for a hummingbird in the wild is three to five years.
• Females care for the nest and the males defend the territory.
• Males are polygynous - having more than one female mate.
• Hummingbirds breathe 250 times per minute.
• The babies remain in the nest for approximately 21 days.
• Leaving your feeder up does not prevent the migration of the hummingbirds. They migrate according to the change in light.
• Hummers love to bathe...put a mister in your garden to attract them.
• Many North American plants depend on the hummingbirds to pollinate them. Some exclusively.
• A female can care for more than one nest at a time.