Plumed Pollinators

BY EMILY DE ARMAS, CORAL GABLES GARDEN CLUB

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, shown opposite, is the most common hummingbird in Florida, and is easily identified by the male’s iridescent ruby-red throat feathers, metallic green back, and small size, about three inches long and weighing as little as a penny. They are well-known for feeding on nectar, and are especially attracted to firebush (Hamelia patens) and coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) (shown right)

There’s a peaceful magic in the early morning quiet of Coral Gables, when the light is tinged blue, and the world hasn’t quite woken up. In this stillness, nature reveals its quiet workers – tiny birds darting from flower to flower, playing an essential role in keeping our ecosystems alive.

In South Florida, pollinator birds are an often-overlooked part of the natural web. While butterflies and bees tend to get all the attention, certain birds – especially hummingbirds and small songbirds – are also powerful pollinators. As they forage for nectar or insects, they brush against blossoms, collecting and transferring pollen along the way.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is one of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s most enchanting residents. These tiny, iridescent birds hover like living jewels, sipping nectar from native plants like firebush (Hamelia patens) and coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Their feeding behavior makes them vital pollinators, as pollen clings to their heads and beaks, transferring from flower to flower

A Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s wings beat up to 53 times per second, creating the characteristic hum that is their namesake. Despite their small size, they migrate nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico, covering 500 miles in a single flight. These birds are nature’s powerhouses, supporting native plants that, in turn, provide food and shelter for other species. Firebush, for instance, thrives in South Florida’s climate, offering nectar to birds and butterflies alike while requiring minimal maintenance – perfect for gardens aiming to attract pollinators.

Other great additions for attracting hummingbirds include scarlet salvia (Salvia coccinea), red porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis), and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). These plants not only provide abundant nectar but also add vibrant pops of color to any yard.

White-Eyed Vireo
The White-eyed Vireo, is a common bird in Florida, known for its yellow “spectacles” around its white eyes, gray head, and yellow-washed sides. They are known for their variable, scratchy “chick-burio-chick” song, often heard but not seen, as the White-eyed Vireo are commonly hidden among dense secondary growth, forest edges, and thickets. They are drawn to native plants like salvia and wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa) (shown Right).

The White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus), a year-round resident, is another delight. Its sharp, inquisitive song often gives away its presence before you spot its bright eyes peering from the foliage. Vireos are drawn to native plants like salvia and wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa), which provide nectar, berries, and insects – a well-rounded buffet for these energetic birds.

Birds play an integral role in maintaining biodiversity. By pollinating native plants, they ensure the reproduction of species that form the backbone of our local ecosystem. These plants, in turn, support insects, birds, and other wildlife, creating a delicate web of life. 

By choosing plants that evolved here rather than imported ornamentals, we create gardens that do more than look pretty. We build habitats that feed the birds, support insect life, and preserve the delicate balance of our environment.