March means warmer weather and the ruby-throated hummingbirds return to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. This is the most common hummingbird breed found in South Carolina.
They begin their journey in Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica and Florida and make their way through the lower United States east of the Great Plains, some making their way all the way up to Canada
The little iridescent birds can fly up to 1,200 miles without a break. Some of them stay over land, and some will fly straight over the Gulf of Mexico, until they reach their choice breeding ground.
In spring the birds are active as they migrate through the Southern United States. It’s the perfect time to make your yard a welcoming home for these warm-weather guests.
Attracting hummingbirds is easy with the right plants and feeders. Ruby-throated hummingbirds primarily survive off of nectar from flowers, insects and tiny spiders.
They will feed every 10-15 minutes, visiting 1,000-2,000 flowers during the day, and snatching up small insects including beetles, ants, aphids, gnats, mosquitoes and wasps.
Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to bright colored plants, especially those with long, tubular blossoms because they hold more nectar.
The following perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and vines are some options for attracting the hyper little visitors: Bergamot, Cardinal Flower, Bee Balm, salvias, Purple Splendour Salvia