Hummingbirds are one of the most dominant bird species that pollinate ornithophilous flowers; some species of hummingbirds are co-evolved which means that both the hummingbird and the flower species are reliant on each other for continued evolution. Although many plant pollinators are attracted by the scent of a flower, the hummingbird is attracted visually. There are various species of plants that hummingbirds favor.
How Plants are Pollinated by Animals
Plants are pollinated in various ways by animals; bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are probably some of the most frequent visitors to plants and flowers as pollinators. Different animals are attracted to different plant species through various means.
Some animals are attracted by scent whereas other animals are attracted by color; in addition, not all animals are attracted to the same colored plants. Plants have various methods in which to ensure that pollen, and therefore continuation of the species, is distributed to the pollinator.
Hummingbirds and Pollination
Hummingbirds have a poor sense of smell so plants rely on visual stimulation to attract hummingbirds as pollinators. According to the University of Cincinnati Clermont College website, hummingbirds are attracted to brightly-colored flowers that are designed to spread pollen on the bird's back or head when it delves into the flower for nectar; the bird then transports this pollen to “mate” with a compatible part of the plant on its next stop for nectar.
Hummingbirds and Red Flowers
Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to red flowers, although opinion varies on why this is so. Many ornithophilous flowers that require pollination by birds are red; they contain nectar (a source of food for the bird) that attracts the bird and in return the bird carries off pollen for future pollination.
Previous studies (Raven, 1972) have concluded that red was a color that was not seen by insects, and therefore allowed hummingbirds to feed relatively undisturbed on red flowers, but later studies (Chittka and Waser, 1997) have shown this not to be true (source: Pub Med website: Why Are So Many Bird Flowers Red?, Miguel A Rodriguez-Girones and Luis Santamaria). One thing is certain – hummingbirds do seem more attracted to red flower species – and red objects – more than any other color.
Types of Plants That Attract Hummingbirds
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden, and live in an area that hummingbird inhabit such as the south western United States, Central and South America, you may want to consider the following flower species (preferably in shades of red) to attract hummingbirds:
- coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)
- Texas sage (Salvia coccinea)
- bee balm (Monarda)
- columbine (Aquilegia)
- hollyhock (Alcea)
- morning glory.
Plant Pollination by Hummingbirds
Plants have to precariously balance the task of attracting the right type of pollinator to their species, in order to continue life, and repel animals that might destroy the species. Hummingbirds are a unique bird species that help to ensure the continuation of many types of plants – in return for a small amount of food. Hummingbirds are also a delight to watch in many south western gardens of the United States.
Sources
- University of Cincinnati Clermont College website, Pollination and Plant Families, accessed April 5, 2011
- Pub Med website: Why Are So Many Bird Flowers Red?, Miguel A Rodriguez-Girones and Luis Santamaria, accessed April 5, 2011
- The Hummingbirds website, Attracting Hummingbirds, accessed April 5, 2011
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
