Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Texas

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are summer residents in Texas, arriving shortly before nesting begins in March and leaving after the young are independent. Eastern Texas; huge numbers pass along the coast in migration. Through the season they feed on nectar from tubular red and orange flowers; gnats, mosquitoes and small spiders.

Humid subtropical in the east and along the Gulf, semi-arid to arid in the west; long, hot summers and short, mild winters over most of the state.

Across Texas, ruby-throated hummingbirds typically nest from March–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.

Afternoon highs regularly exceed 95°F — nest boxes need shade or light-colored, ventilated construction, and water matters as much as food.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for Texas, these 8 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 Texas's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

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