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BASIC HUMMINGBIRD ACTIVITY #2:
Plant a Hummingbird Habitat

Although the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) will come to feeders filled with sugar water, it's much more fulfilling for a group of students to design and install a Hummingbird Habitat filled with nectar-producing plants. A Hummingbird Habitat could be planned and landscaped in a school courtyard or an area in front of the school that would attract the eye of school visitors as well as hummingbirds.

A simple Hummingbird Habitat might consist of hanging baskets or container plants that would not need to be placed in the ground. Ideally, the school Hummingbird Habitat will be located so that classes can get to it quickly and have room to gather around to watch for hummingbird activity. An extra component of the Hummingbird Habitat might be one or more Hummingbird Feeders.

After the Hummingbird Habitat is planted at school, students may wish to move on to making Basic Observations. Students should also be encouraged to put in some hummingbird plants at home and to report to the class about activity they observe there.

Information about Hummingbird Habitats and hummingbird plants can be found in the section on Landscaping for Hummingbirds. If you need help or information on how to plant, contact your local nursery or garden center. The horticulture department at your area high school might also be able to provide assistance and expertise.

Please note we choose to use the term Hummingbird Habitat rather than Hummingbird Garden. The latter implies there are only flowers to provide nectar, while a true Hummingbird Habitat includes flowering herabceous plants, plus shrubs and trees that offer nesting and resting spaces and shelter from predators and weather. A well-designed Hummingbird Habitat also contains a water feature such as a fountain or pool; these provide water for hummingbirds but also attract small insects the hummers eat as much-needed sources of fat and protein.

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