Click here for a list of plants that are native to Ontario that you can use to attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are easy to attract to feeders because they are intensely curious. They will not hesitate to approach any red object, even human clothing, looking for potential food sources.

Feeders should be set out in mid-April to provide food for the earliest arrivals. The best nectar solution to offer hummingbirds at any time of year is a 4:1 mixture of water and sugar. Honey and other types of sugar are not recommended, and food colouring should not be added. Higher concentrations of sugar are not recommended in cold weather because hummingbirds have very basic kidneys and can not easily process excess amounts of sugar. Excess sugar concentrations could harm or even kill hummingbirds. Protein solutions are not recommended either. The hummingbirds will find protein sources in the environment. If a protein solution is offered, it is important to also have a regular 4:1 water and sugar solution available as well.

Glass feeders are recommended because soft plastic can break down in heat and sunlight, potentially adding chemical residue to the nectar. Choose a feeder that is easy to take apart for cleaning. Clean the feeders with warm, soapy water and rinse well every 3-4 days in cool weather and more often during the hot summer months.

Feeders should be left out in the fall until freezing becomes a problem. This will not prevent hummingbirds from migrating but will provide a food source for late migrants. It may also attract the attention of a wandering Rufous Hummingbird, a rare winter visitor to Ontario.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds provide hours of entertainment at the feeders as the aggressive males chase rival hummingbirds, other species of birds, and even butterflies and bees.