The Truth About Hummingbirds

We decided it's time to set the record straight on some of the biggest hummingbird myths. Here are the true facts.

• Myth: Hummingbirds hitch rides on the backs of geese as they migrate south.
• Fact: This legend is entertaining, but untrue. Hummingbirds and Canada geese migrate at different times and to different destinations.

• Myth: All hummingbirds migrate.
• Fact: Most, but not all, hummingbirds migrate south for winter. The Anna's hummingbird stays along the West Coast year-round.

• Myth: Hummingbirds sip nectar through their bills like a straw.
• Fact: Hummingbirds use their tongues to lap up nectar and sugar water at about 13 licks per second.

• Myth: Adding red dye to sugar water will attract more hummingbirds.
• Fact: It isn't necessary to dye sugar water. Feeders with red part do the trick.

• Myth: Hummingbirds' only natural predators are other, larger birds.
• Fact: Besides other birds like hawks, hummers have to watch out for cats, spiders, snakes and even frogs.

• Myth: Leaving hummingbird feeders up late into fall delays migration south.
• Fact: You won't interfere with hummingbirds' migration; they know to fly south as the days get shorter.

• Myth: Hummingbirds eat only nectar and sugar water.
• Fact: Insects and small spiders are also an important part of a hummingbird's diet.

• Myth: Hummingbirds feed only from red flowers.
• Fact: While red blooms draw them in, these sweet-toothed fliers will gladly feed from any color flower that produces nectar.