Meet the only native breeding hummer of the Northeast—the ruby-throated hummingbird or Archilochus colubris. As spring sets in, these zippy little critters come to nest throughout the Hoosier State, including big cities such as Indianapolis. The first arrivals are recorded in mid-April, and the last stragglers leave by late October. However, the prime season to observe them in your backyard is May through September. A real feeding frenzy occurs in late summer and early fall when they tank up and prepare for the grueling migration south across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America.
Every Hoosier must know how to lure a couple of little humming friends to their window—simply put out a feeder or two. Fill them up with a sweet solution made from a cup of water and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Don't add any honey, sweetener, or red coloring, as these could pose a health threat for hummingbirds. To delay spoiling, place the feeder in the shade. Boiling the solution for 2 minutes also helps to slow fermentation. Anyway, you'll have to regularly wash and refill the feeder every three days in warmer weather and once a week in cooler weather.
The last thing to be said is there is no need to take down the feeders. As a rule of thumb, feeders should be kept outside at least for a fortnight after your last sighting. Those who leave their feeders for winter, might be rewarded with such seasonal guests as rufous (Selasphorus rufus) or Allen's (Selasphorus sasin) hummingbirds occasionally seen in Indiana November through January.
Practical info
When is the best time to observe hummingbirds in Indiana?
Hummingbirds in Indiana can be observed from May through September with the season ending by late October. During the late summer and early fall, these little creatures tank up and prepare for their migration south across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America resulting in a feeding frenzy. Show more
Where can I spot ruby-throated hummingbirds in Indianapolis?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds thrive in Indianapolis and are regularly spotted throughout Indiana, especially with the introduction of feeders. Lure them into your yard by placing a shaded feeder filled with a sweet solution made from 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Animal welfare should be considered and workers are advised to avoid the use of honey, sweetener, or red coloring. Boiling the solution for 2 minutes helps with fermentation and solution spoilage. Show more
How can I attract hummingbirds to my backyard?
Creating an environment that is attractive to hummingbirds in your backyard is simple. Set up a feeder with a sweet solution made from 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Place the feeder in a shaded area to avoid quick spoilage, and do not use any red coloring or honey. For a more long-term solution, plant more flowers that will bloom during the spring and summer, such as salvia and bee balm. Maintenance includes regular washings and refills with fresh solution every 3-7 days, depending on the weather. Show more
When should I clean and refill my hummingbird feeder?
The maintenance of a hummingbird feeder is crucial for its effectiveness. Regularly clean and refill the feeder every three days in warm weather and once a week in cold weather. Scrub the feeder with hot water and a bottle brush. Refill the feeder with fresh solution made from 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Do not use any honey, sweetener, or red coloring as they are harmful to the birds. Boiling the solution for 2 minutes slows down fermentation and reduces spoilage. Show more
What other varieties of hummingbirds can be sighted in Indiana during winter?
The sighting of lesser-known hummingbirds in Indiana during winter is a rare and exciting treat. Rufous hummingbirds (<i>Selasphorus rufus</i>) may be observed from October to March, while Allen's hummingbirds (<i>Selasphorus sasin</i>) have been spotted occasionally between November and January. Placing a feeder with a sweet solution can encourage them to visit. It's a good idea to leave the feeder out during winter. Show more
