The Hummingbird Hangout: How Many Hummingbirds are Crashing Ohio's Parties?
Ah, the ruby-throated hummingbird, a flash of emerald and fire zipping around your feeders like a feathered F-16. But is this the only hummingbird rocking the Ohio scene? Buckle up, birding enthusiasts, because we're about to dive into the fascinating world of Ohio's hummingbirds!
The Main Course: The Ruby-Throated Regular
The Life of the Party: Let's be honest, folks. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the undisputed king (or should we say queen, since the females wear the emerald crown) of Ohio's hummingbird scene. These little daredevils breed in the state, meaning you'll see them flitting about from late April to September, their iridescent throats catching the sunlight like tiny disco balls.
So Rare They're Practically Mythical (But Not Really)
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Now, things get interesting. While the ruby-throated hummer is the main attraction, Ohio has a bit of a "hummingbird happy hour" going on sometimes. Rare vagrants from the western United States, like the rufous hummingbird, occasionally show up, drawn in by a particularly inviting feeder or a case of mistaken identity (hey, even hummingbirds get lost sometimes!). These visits are fleeting, but lucky birders might get a glimpse of these feathered tourists.
The Official Count: Numbers Don't Quite Capture the Magic
So, how many types of hummingbirds are there in Ohio? Here's the thing: it depends on how you count. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only confirmed breeder. But with those surprise visits from the west, the total number bumps up to eight documented species. That's right, eight! But remember, seeing these rarities is like catching a glimpse of a rockstar - exciting, but not guaranteed.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
How To Hummingbird in Ohio: A Crash Course
Want to attract these dazzling dynamos to your backyard? Here's a cheat sheet:
- Set up a hummingbird feeder: Fill it with a sugar-water solution (one part sugar to four parts water) and keep it clean. Red feeders might attract them initially, but the sugar water is the real prize.
- Plant nectar-rich flowers: Honeysuckle, bee balm, and trumpet vine are hummingbird favorites.
- Be patient: Hummingbirds are tiny tornadoes, so spotting them takes practice. But once you do, their aerial acrobatics will leave you mesmerized.
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
How Many Types Of Hummingbirds Are There In Ohio |
FAQs: Your Hummingbird Host Training
How to make hummingbird food? As mentioned above, mix one part sugar to four parts water. Boil the water briefly to dissolve the sugar completely, then let it cool before filling your feeder.
How to clean a hummingbird feeder? Clean your feeder every few days with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before refilling.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
How to attract hummingbirds naturally? Plant those nectar-rich flowers we mentioned! They'll be a magnet for these feathered jewels.
How long do hummingbirds stay in Ohio? Ruby-throated hummingbirds are summer residents, typically arriving in late April and leaving by September.
How to tell the difference between male and female ruby-throated hummingbirds? The males have a glittering ruby-red throat, while the females have a more subdued green throat.
So there you have it! Now you're officially prepped to be the coolest hummingbird hangout in Ohio. Get those feeders out, plant those flowers, and get ready to be dazzled by these aerial acrobats!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.