Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in North Carolina

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

Mountains, Piedmont and coastal plain differ sharply — cool, snowy highlands to mild, humid coast.

Across North Carolina, ruby-throated hummingbirds typically nest from April–August. 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.

Warm and humid in the Piedmont and coast; cooler at elevation.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for North Carolina, 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 North Carolina's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

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