There are actually more than three-hundred species of hummingbirds on earth, but only a few are known to frequent Colorado. Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds are most commonly seen in Colorado. They arrive in the state from Central and South America where they spend the winter. They build nests and spend the better part of June caring for their young in tightly woven fibrous nests in shrubs and small trees.
All hummingbirds “hum” in flight, a sound caused by the rapid beating of their wings, which may flap as much as fifty times a second. They have an uncanny ability to fly and can dart up or down, hover, and even fly backwards. With all this movement, hummingbirds have developed an incredible metabolism. These tiny birds need to feed about every ten minutes and eat half their body weight in nectar and insects every day. This nectar of course comes from flowers, but sugar water supplied by people is also a good source of energy.
Putting up a hummingbird feeder is a great way to attract hummingbirds. A boiled solution of four parts water to one part sugar will work just fine. Don’t use artificial sweeteners or coloring of any kind. Keep the feeders clean, and change the solution regularly to prevent disease.