Hummingbirds

By Edwin Cooper
Hummingbirds are the tiniest of all birds iridescent (interplay of rainbow colors), with long needle-like bills for sipping from flowers. They also feed on small insects. A Field guide reports about 320 world species, a few dozen in North America and 15-18 species in Texas [the number varying among the experts].
In our part of Texas the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is by far the most common. Both sexes are bright-shining green above, the males have glowing red throats, black forked tails; females have white throats and rounded, white-tipped tails. Males in display swing through the air in a wide arc each swing accompanied by a hum generated by the rapidly moving wings.
In Texas Ruby-throated birds migrate through from March to May and return in September-December. But this varies a great deal depending on weather conditions. Some winter along the south Texas coast. They breed in the north, east and central Texas west to the San Angelo area. Their nest is a tiny lichen [small plant] covered cup saddled on horizontal branches where two white eggs are laid.
From the mountains to the beaches of Texas various types of hummingbirds may be seen, based on the season and the geography, plant life, climate and other factors.
Just to whet your appetite following are species you may have seen but not recognized: Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, Anna’s, Lucifer, Blue throated, Calliope, Violet-crowned, White eared - - and so on down the line. Peterson’s Birds of Texas is an excellent reference on all the known records of bird species in our state.
From a small dining table my wife Peggy and I thoroughly enjoy observing hummingbirds feeding and fighting just out our window. So far they have escaped every attack we’ve seen launched by a larger enemy trying to eat their nectar.
M&M Farm Supply exhibits an extensive assortment of hummingbird feeders and various liquid and dry foods enjoyed by these little feathered friends. And the hummingbirds themselves have succeeded in spotting the wide variety of blooming plants outside in the M&M plant nursery. They know a good deal when they see it.
The plants they especially like are: Mexican sage, Salvia, Bee balm, Coral Honeysuckle, Fire bush, Petunia but they will be attracted to any red, purple or pink flowering plant.