Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Florida

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer residents in Florida, arriving shortly before nesting begins in March and leaving after the young are independent. A few overwinter in the south. Through the season they feed on nectar from tubular red and orange flowers; gnats, mosquitoes and small spiders.

Humid subtropical in the north to tropical in the Keys; a wet summer and a dry winter season.

Across Florida, ruby-throated hummingbirds typically nest from March–July. Nest site: walnut-sized cup of plant down bound with spider silk, saddled on a downward-sloping branch. Females lay 1–3 eggs (usually 2), incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 18–22 days.

Heat, humidity and summer storms: boxes need drainage holes, ventilation and shade, and nectar spoils fast.

• Ruby-throated Hummingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as firebush, coral honeysuckle, trumpet creeper for nest sites.
• Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Of the regional native plants we track for Florida, these 6 provide food or cover ruby-throated hummingbirds use:

Change nectar every 2 days in hot weather (under 80°F, every 4–5 days) and clean the feeder each refill. Males defend feeders aggressively; several feeders out of sight of each other help.

• Best foods: Sugar water: 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water, no dye.
• Avoid: Honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners and red dye.
• In Florida's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for ruby-throated hummingbirds · Best feeder for ruby-throated hummingbirds