Hummingbirds in the Hill Country

Which ones you'll see

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says the black-chinned hummingbird is the most common one in central and western Texas, so it's the one Hill Country folks see most. When the light hits the male's dark throat, it flashes purple. The ruby-throated hummingbird is common in the eastern part of the state.

The department lists twelve hummingbirds as the more common ones in Texas and six more as rare.

Plants they love

The department's hummingbird garden guide says to think native, and to plant in mid to late fall or early winter. Plants it suggests include:

• Autumn sage and other native sages
• Turk's cap
• Coral honeysuckle
• Texas lantana
• Trumpet vine and cross vine
• Flame acanthus and red yucca

Hummingbirds also need trees and shrubs for shelter and perching, not just flowers, and a water source.

Feeder basics

• Use feeders to add to your plants, not replace them.
• Mix one part plain white table sugar with four or five parts water. Don't make it stronger.
• Never use honey.
• Change the sugar water every few days so it doesn't spoil, and scrub the feeder each time you fill it.