October 11, 2023

Hummingbirds in Las Vegas

How to Attract Hummingbirds, Hummingbird Nectar, Hummingbirds, Preserving Tomatoes

What varieties of Hummingbirds can you expect to see in Las Vegas? Hang a feeder from a tree or from your patio awning and you will be amazed at how soon the beautiful hummingbirds will find it.

Varieties

We have two main varieties of hummingbirds in Las Vegas, the Black-Chinned hummingbird, which has green wings and back, and a black chin bordered by violet. The violet can only be seen in certain lights. When you see one of these at the right angle, with the sun shining on it, the violet color stands out like a beautiful beacon. The males have black on their heads, appearing to have a black cap. The females are not as flamboyant in appearance, without the violet throat, and with no black cap on the head. The female repeatedly spreads and flips her tail while at a feeder.

The Broad-tailed hummingbird is similar in appearance to the black-chinned, making them difficult to tell apart at a feeder. When seen in the proper light, the male broad-tailed hummingbird will have an iridescent rose red color at the throat. Listen for the high pitched buzzing sound that the male’s wings make when he flies.

Both of these types of hummingbirds have metallic green plumage that shines when in the sun. The females appear to be brown when viewed in the shade, but in the sun it is revealed that they have the same metallic green color on their feathers.

These hummingbirds will frequent hanging feeders. It is recommended that you have two feeders, placed out of sight of each other. The male will perch in a tree or any high place, and guard the feeders within its sight.

Feeders

A hummingbird feeder is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. I recommend getting a feeder that the base separates on for easier cleaning. You can purchase hummingbird nectar from any store that sells bird supplies, or you can make your own with nothing more than sugar and water.

To make the nectar, use one part sugar to four parts water. Boil the water to melt the sugar and allow it to cool. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into your feeder and hang. Do not add red food coloring to the mixture, it is not necessary and might be harmful, although there is no solid evidence of this. It is not necessary to purchase store bought hummingbird nectar. The concentration of one part white granulated sugar to three parts water closely approximates the flowing nectar that hummingbirds feed on from flowers. Do not use honey, which is composed of fructose and glucose, and will ferment quickly. Do not use artificial sweeteners because they contain no calories and will not provide any energy to the hummingbirds.

Hummingbird watching

If you are regularly sitting on your patio to watch the hummingbirds, they will become used to your presence. I have a pool in my backyard, and two hummingbird feeders hanging from my patio cover. During the summer, children playing in the pool and the noise they create did not deter the hummingbirds from visiting my feeders. If you wear a red shirt, they will sometimes even come close to examine you. It will take several weeks for the hummingbirds in your area to become accustomed to the presence of humans around their feeders. They might be shy at first, darting away at the first sign of movement or noise. Behave normally and they will learn to ignore your presence.
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