Even if hummingbirds were abundant in a state you may have lived or visited before, catching a glimpse of one of these jeweled acrobats is still enough to fill you with awe. What other creature can amaze us with feats such as flying backwards or upside down? But because of their supposed scarcity in our state, your first glimpse of a hummingbird in your Florida yard or garden should certainly be appreciated and savored as the rare gift that it is.

Although there are more than 338 known species of hummingbirds in the Americas, only about sixteen of those are found in the United States. Of those sixteen, the ruby-throated hummingbird was once thought of as the only one that would ever be seen in your Florida yard.

However, according to statistics collected during various bird counts, there have actually been ten species documented in the state. The ruby throated hummingbird, however, is still the most prevalant species.

The average hummingbird is only about 3 inches long and weighs about one-quarter of an ounce (about as much as a penny). For their size, hummingbirds have among the largest appetites in the bird world. Hummingbirds feed about every ten or fifteen minutes from dawn to dusk, consuming more than half their weight in food every day.

Many authorities suggest that the best time to garden for hummingbirds is in the summer, since their nesting season is from March to September. Others state that they see hummingbirds in their Florida yards starting in the fall. Your best bet for attracting hummingbirds to your yard is to provide a year-round garden of their favorite plants.

Hummingbirds are said to be most drawn to tubular flowers that are either large and showy or in drooping clusters of red, orange and pink. However, some Florida residents have seen hummingbirds on the deep purple blooms of Ruellia caroliniana, the popular "Wild Petunia". Others have attracted hummingbirds by planting the colorful Aptenia cordifolia, "Baby sun rose" in hanging baskets. Therefore, it is best to plant a variety of species, choosing native plants when available for ease of maintenance.Since hummingbirds are very territorial, space your hummingbird plants in separate groupings around your yard and at varying heights, starting at about 18" above the ground.

Nectar feeders can also be used as a supplemental food source for hummingbirds.