How to attract
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Field entry · at a glance
| Foods | Nectar (sugar water) |
|---|---|
| Feeders | Nectar feeder |
| Regions | East, South, Midwest |
| Water | Not a major draw for this species |
| Nest box | No — does not use boxes |
| Difficulty | Moderate — right food, right setup, some patience |
- Mix nectar at 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar — never red dye
- Clean the feeder every few days in heat; spoiled nectar harms birds
- The only hummingbird that breeds across most of the East
Placement & cover
Hang the nectar feeder where you can reach it easily, because cleaning is the real commitment: in hot weather, rinse and refill every two to three days. Partial shade slows spoilage. Hummingbirds are fiercely territorial — two small feeders out of sight of each other often host more birds than one large one. Tubular flowers (bee balm, salvia, trumpet vine) planted nearby multiply your odds.
Water
A bath is welcome in any yard, but it isn't the lever for this species — the food and setup above are what matter.
How long it takes — honestly
Days to weeks during migration and summer; a feeder up early in spring catches the first arrivals. The pattern behind every species on this site is the same: a scout finds the food, then the habit forms. That means days to weeks, not hours — and it means consistency (same spot, kept stocked, kept clean) beats every gadget upgrade. If three weeks pass with nothing, change the placement before you change the feeder.
A regional note
West of the Great Plains, the same setup serves the region’s other species — Anna’s Hummingbird is the familiar year-round hummingbird along the Pacific coast, with Black-chinned and Rufous widespread in season.
FAQ
What seed attracts Ruby-throated Hummingbirds?
Nectar (sugar water). 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar. Never red dye. Offer it on a nectar feeder and keep the feeder clean and consistently stocked.
What feeder should I use for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds?
Nectar feeder. Hang the nectar feeder where you can reach it easily, because cleaning is the real commitment: in hot weather, rinse and refill every two to three days.
How long until Ruby-throated Hummingbirds show up?
Honestly: Days to weeks during migration and summer; a feeder up early in spring catches the first arrivals. New feeders are found by scouts, not crowds — days to weeks is normal for any species, and consistency (a stocked, clean feeder in the same spot) matters more than anything you can buy.