Hummingbirds are coming back to Indiana. Here's how to attract them to your yard

Hummingbirds are migrating north, and Hoosiers could start seeing them in their yards and feeders as they find their summer homes.

First arrivals start to show up in April seeking sweet sap from flowers and feeders.

To prepare for the ruby-throated delights, here are the species you’ll find in Indiana, and how to prepare and maintain a feeder.

What hummingbirds are in Indiana?

Mexican Violetear – This hummingbird gets its name from the distinctive blue-violet patch near its eye. These are slightly large for a hummingbird, measuring up to 4 ?” (about the size of a sparrow) with a straight bill.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird – The red coloration, which sometimes looks black, under the throat is an easy way to identify this hummingbird – at least the males. Females lack the vibrant colorations. These are smaller birds, reaching lengths up to 3 ?”.

Black-chinned Hummingbird – The name implies the coloring with this hummingbird. A dark purple, nearly black band under the male’s chin outlined with a white collar. These flip and spread their tails when hovering and measure about 3 ?”.

Anna’s Hummingbird – Another rather large hummingbird, these measure about 4”. Males will have red coloring along the throat and a spot on the crown while females are green and gray.

Calliope Hummingbird – One of the smallest hummingbirds in the U.S. the calliope has magenta smears on its throat with pale green on the sides. Females have a smaller bill with a short, rounded tail. These measure anywhere from 2 ? - 3 ?”.

Rufous Hummingbird – These birds get their name from their color – rufous, or a reddish brown. Females and young birds will have a green back with a spotted throat. These typically measure 3 ?”.

Backyard birding: Indiana's backyard birds are back. Here's how to keep feeders clean

How to attract hummingbirds

Hummingbirds don’t only rely on nectar and sugar water for food. Many also eat insects, so creating a naturalized area can help bring those insects into a backyard. Some wildflower gardens do attract some food sources, but a wild area is best.

Hummingbirds are attracted to weedy patches that have a mix of tall grasses and broadleaf plants.

Nectar is essential for hummingbirds, and they can collect it at feeders or in flowers. Hummingbirds can pollinate about 150 species of flowers, so there’s plenty of options when planning a garden.

Bees can’t typically see red very well, so hummingbirds tend to pollinate those flowers instead. Creating a garden with overlapping blooming seasons will also help keep hummingbirds around.

How to feed hummingbirds

Artificial feeders holding nectar can provide a steady food source for hummingbirds, especially if spring’s blooms have not yet appeared.

Look for feeders that are easy to put together and take apart, so cleaning is simple. Red feeders, much like red flowers, will better attract hummingbirds and keep wasps, hornets and bees away.

Pick a shady spot in your lawn or garden that is open enough so the birds can easily navigate around. Cooler temperatures in the shade also allow the nectar to last longer.

Nectar can be bought at the store or made easily at home by mixing and boiling four parts water with one part sugar. The feeder should be changed out every 3-4 days to keep it from fermenting and it should be cleaned every week or so with soap and water. Rinse it with vinegar and then again with water before adding more nectar.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Attract Indiana's hummingbirds to your backyard while they migrate north