Hummingbirds of Las Vegas: Feathered Jewels of the Desert (with Fewer Showgirls)
Las Vegas: a land of flashing lights, questionable life choices, and...hummingbirds? You betcha! While Elvis impersonators and slot machines might be the first things that come to mind, Vegas is also a surprising haven for these dazzling little birds. But forget boring old pigeons – these guys are the fighter jets of the avian world, with wings that zip and zoom faster than a roulette wheel.
What Kind Of Hummingbirds Are In Las Vegas |
So, what kind of hummers can you expect to find flitting around the neon oasis?
There are four main types that call Vegas home (or at least their temporary vacation spot):
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- The Anna's Hummingbird: This little dude is the Michael Jordan of the Las Vegas hummingbird scene. He's here year-round, rocking a flashy iridescent red patch on his throat (kind of like a miniature Elvis jumpsuit).
- The Costa's Hummingbird: Another Vegas regular, this hummingbird is all about the subtle sophistication. Think James Bond – sleek green feathers and a tiny purple crown. But don't let his looks fool you, this hummer is a fierce competitor at the feeder buffet.
- The Broad-tailed Hummingbird: This summer visitor is a bit of a show-off. The males have these outrageous broad, iridescent tail feathers that they fan out like a feathered peacock. Talk about a way to impress the ladies (or at least get all the good spots at the feeder).
- The Black-chinned Hummingbird: Another seasonal visitor, this little guy might not have the flashiest feathers, but he makes up for it with his acrobatic skills. Watching him hover and dart around flowers is like seeing an aerial ballet in miniature.
Fun Fact: Hummingbirds are like tiny feathered helicopters!
They can fly in any direction – forwards, backwards, even upside down – all thanks to their super-fast wings that beat up to 80 times per second. That's humming fast, my friends!
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Vegas Hummingbird Survival Guide: How to Attract these Feathered Friends to Your Yard
- Put out a hummingbird feeder: Fill it with a simple sugar-water solution (one part sugar to four parts water) and hang it in a shady spot. Red feeders are said to attract them more, but hey, don't judge a hummingbird by the color of its feeder.
- Plant some pollinator-friendly flowers: Hummingbirds love flowers with tubular shapes and bright colors, like bee balm, lantana, and fuchsia. Basically, anything that looks like a tiny Vegas showgirl costume will do the trick.
- Be patient: These little guys are zippy and can be shy at first. But once they discover your feeder oasis, they'll be back for more, like tiny feathered high rollers.
Hummingbird FAQs:
How to keep ants away from my feeder? There are special ant moats you can attach to your feeder, or try using a homemade one made from a shallow dish filled with water.
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How often should I clean my feeder? Clean your feeder every few days with hot, soapy water. Hummingbirds are neat freaks and won't appreciate a sticky mess.
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How do I know which type of hummingbird I'm seeing? The internet is your friend! There are many resources online with pictures and descriptions of different hummingbird species.
Can I touch a hummingbird? Probably not. These are wild animals, and it's best to admire them from afar.
Will putting glitter in my feeder attract more hummingbirds? No! Glitter can actually harm hummingbirds. Stick to the sugar water, and they'll be sparkling happy.
So there you have it! Now you're prepped to spot these dazzling desert jewels and maybe even create your own little hummingbird haven in the heart of Las Vegas. Just remember, with a little planning and the right feeder, you can have your own high-stakes hummingbird showdown – minus the gambling debts (hopefully).