Hummingbirds in Houston: How to Attract, Spot, and Photograph Them This March 2025
Spring is in the air, and that means hummingbirds are migrating through Houston! Each March, these tiny, energetic birds make their journey north from Central and South America, offering local birdwatchers and nature lovers the chance to admire their beauty up close. If you’ve been wondering “When do hummingbirds return to Texas?”—the answer is now!
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife and Houston Audubon, the Houston area is an essential stop for these birds, making it the perfect time to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, photograph them, and learn how to support their migration.
Why Are Hummingbirds So Unique?
Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating birds in the world. They are the smallest migratory bird, weighing less than a penny, and are the only birds capable of hovering in place, flying backward, and even upside down! Their rapid metabolism means they must eat every 10-15 minutes, consuming nectar, tiny insects, and tree sap to maintain their high energy levels. Despite their delicate size, they are territorial and will fiercely defend food sources from larger birds.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
The Role of Hummingbirds in the Ecosystem
Hummingbirds are not just beautiful to watch; they play a vital role in the ecosystem. As pollinators, they transfer pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, helping plants reproduce and thrive. Many native Texas plants, including Turk’s Cap and Coral Honeysuckle, rely on hummingbirds for pollination. Additionally, hummingbirds help control insect populations by feeding on small bugs, making them a natural form of pest control. Their presence benefits the environment by supporting plant diversity and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
When and Where to Spot Hummingbirds in Houston
If you're searching for hummingbirds in Houston, March is the best time to see them. The most common species in the area include the ruby-throated hummingbird, known for its vibrant red throat, the black-chinned hummingbird, easily identified by its iridescent purple and black throat, and the rufous hummingbird, a feisty, orange-colored species known for its long migration route.
Some of the best places to see hummingbirds in Houston include the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, Buffalo Bayou Park, Brazos Bend State Park, and Galveston Island State Park. These locations provide ample food sources and resting areas for migrating birds.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Want to bring hummingbirds closer to home? Setting up a hummingbird feeder or planting native flowers is the best way to attract them! Choosing the right hummingbird feeder is essential. Opt for a red feeder, as hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the color. Look for feeders with built-in perches so they can rest while drinking, and ensure the feeder is leak-proof with ant moats to prevent pests from contaminating the nectar.
Avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your garden, as these chemicals can contaminate the nectar sources and harm hummingbirds. Invasive plant species can also disrupt the balance of native ecosystems and reduce the availability of natural food sources for hummingbirds. Instead, choose native Texas plants that are well-adapted to the environment and provide ample nectar for visiting birds.
Making the Best Hummingbird Nectar
Skip the store-bought nectar with red dye—make your own instead! Here's a simple recipe:
- Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water
- Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and kill bacteria
- Let it cool completely before filling your feeder
- Change the nectar every 2-3 days (or daily in hot weather) to prevent fermentation
Best Flowers to Plant for Hummingbirds in Texas
If you prefer a natural way to attract hummingbirds, plant nectar-rich flowers in your garden. Some of the best options include Red Salvia, Turk’s Cap, Coral Honeysuckle, Firebush, and Bee Balm. These flowers not only provide food for hummingbirds but also add vibrant color to your garden. Choosing native plants over non-native species helps ensure that hummingbirds have access to the right nutrition while supporting local biodiversity.
Tips for Photographing Hummingbirds
Capturing these fast-moving birds in a photo is challenging but rewarding! To get the best shots, use a fast shutter speed (1/1000 sec or faster) to freeze their wing movement. Position your feeder in natural light to enhance their iridescent feathers. Be patient and stay still—hummingbirds will return to a familiar feeder when they feel safe. For detailed close-ups, use a macro lens to capture the intricate details of their feathers.
How to Help Hummingbirds on Their Journey
Aside from feeding them, you can support their migration by avoiding pesticides that can harm their food sources, providing a shallow water source for drinking and bathing, and encouraging your neighbors to plant hummingbird-friendly gardens to create a larger feeding habitat.
Enjoy Hummingbird Season in Houston
March is the perfect time to admire, attract, and photograph hummingbirds in Houston. Whether you’re setting up a feeder, planting native flowers, or watching them zip through your garden, these incredible birds are a joy to observe.
For more information on hummingbird migration and conservation, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife or Houston Audubon. Get ready to welcome these tiny travelers to your backyard!
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
