Birds will Soon Return to SC

Hummingbirds are coming back to SC

Swarms of birds will flock to South Carolina this spring after wintering in Mexico and Central America.

The ruby-throated hummingbird are the most predominant species in the state. You can spot the bird quite easily due to its jewel-like appearance.

Learn how to attract these little birds to your garden.

What does the ruby-throated hummingbird look like?

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are very small, weighing less than a nickel and growing 3.5 inches tall. Adult males have an iridescent ruby-red throat (gorget) and a white chest that contrasts with their dark throat and green sides. Females do not have a ruby throat and are golden-green above and white below.

How can you attract hummingbirds to your yard?

Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to gardens that showcase colorful, nectar-rich flowers and plants. Sugary nectar accounts for 90% of a hummingbird's diet, supplying them with energy. Native plants like bee balm, hummingbird sage, and trumpet honeysuckle provide more nectar than hybrids and exotics. You can also try planting native red or orange tubular flowers in your garden to attract hummingbirds.

"Group similar plants together and choose species with different blooming periods so that there will be a steady supply of flowers nearly year-round," said the National Audubon Society.

It is also essential to avoid using pesticides in your garden, which can harm hummingbirds.

What can I feed to the ruby-throated hummingbird?

Dr. Doug Tallamy, professor and chair of Etymology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, said 96% of terrestrial birds need an insect and spider-based diet.

"Hummingbirds like and need nectar, but 80% of their diet is insects and spiders," he told Choose Natives. "If you don't have those insects and spiders in your yard, it doesn't matter how many hummingbird feeders you have, you are not going to be able to support the hummingbirds."

Creepy crawlers like aphids, beetles, caterpillars (these are kind of cute), and spiders are a common part of the ruby-throated hummingbird's protein and fat diet, per Choose Natives. They also consume flies, gnats, and mosquitoes, among other flying insects.

The 16 best flowers for attracting hummingbirds to your garden in 2025

∎ Salvia

∎ Cardinal flower

∎ Trumpet creeper

∎ Lantana

∎ Petunia

∎ Butterfly bush

∎ Columbine

∎ Azaleas

∎ Bee balm

∎ Indian pink

∎ Beardtongue

∎ Garden phlox

∎ Pentas

∎ Bottlebrush

∎ Fire bush

∎ Tecoma