Hummingbirds of Illinois: Tiny Terrors or Teeny Tiny Tenants?
Ah, the hummingbird. Those dazzling little helicopters of the bird world, flitting from flower to flower with wings that sound like a sewing machine on fast-forward. But did you know that Illinois is actually a prime spot for these feathered jewels? That's right, folks, beneath the bustling cityscapes and sprawling cornfields, there's a whole world of miniature migrators waiting to be discovered.
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| What Hummingbirds Are In Illinois |
The Usual Suspect: The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
There's one hummingbird species that practically owns the skies of Illinois during the spring and summer: the ruby-throated hummingbird. These emerald rockets are the most common sight, with the males sporting a flashy red throat patch (the "gorget") that makes them look like they're perpetually embarrassed. Females, on the other hand, are more subtle with their greenish-brown plumage. But don't let their lack of bling fool you, they're just as feisty and acrobatic as their ruby-throated counterparts.
Fun Fact: Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the smallest birds in eastern North America, weighing a measly 3 grams – that's about the weight of a nickel!
The Rarest of the Rare (Maybe)
Now, Illinois might be a haven for ruby-throated hummingbirds, but there have been rumors of other, more exotic species gracing the state with their presence. We're talking about the rufous hummingbird, a fiery-headed fellow with an impressive migration journey, and the broad-billed hummingbird, known for its, well, broad bill (shocking, I know).
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However, sightings of these guys are much less frequent. So, unless you have a birdwatching degree and a telescope for eyes, you're probably safe sticking to spotting the ruby-throated hummers.
Word to the Wise: If you do see a hummingbird that doesn't seem to fit the ruby-throated description, snap a picture and report it to your local birding group! You might just become a local legend (amongst the birdwatching community, at least).
How to Attract these Teeny Tiny Tenants to Your Backyard
So, you're sold on the idea of having these fascinating little creatures buzzing around your garden? Here's how to turn your backyard into a hummingbird haven:
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1. Hang some hummingbird feeders: Fill them with a sugar-water solution (one part sugar to four parts water) and make sure to keep them clean. Red feeders are a plus, since hummingbirds seem to dig that color.
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2. Plant some pollinator-friendly flowers: Think trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm, and columbine. These beauties will not only attract hummingbirds, but also a whole bunch of other beneficial insects.
3. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! There's nothing quite like watching a hummingbird hover in mid-air, its wings a blur, as it sips nectar from a flower.
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Hummingbird FAQs: Tiny Questions, Tiny Answers
How to make hummingbird food? Mix one part sugar with four parts water. Boil the water briefly (to dissolve the sugar) and let it cool completely before filling your feeder.
How to clean a hummingbird feeder? Take it apart regularly and wash it with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before refilling.
How to attract hummingbirds naturally? Plant plenty of flowering plants that bloom throughout the season. Hummingbirds love bee balm, trumpet creeper, and cardinal flowers.
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How long do hummingbirds stay in Illinois? Ruby-throated hummingbirds are typically around from mid-April to September.
How small are hummingbird eggs? Hummingbird eggs are about the size of a pea! They're even smaller than a Tic Tac (don't eat hummingbird eggs, though – that's not cool).
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