Landscaping with plants that attract hummingbirds, gives you the opportunity to watch these fascinating creatures without the need for a feeder or the messy nectar that you must change often.

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright red or orange, tubular flowers. While the tubular shape compliments their bills, they also feed on other types of flowers, as well as other plants that may contain the insects that satisfy their fat and protein needs. They also have very fast metabolisms, and accordingly, need to feed continually during daylight hours. At night, they store food in their crops. While in the winter, or during cold weather, they can lower their metabolisms, and enter a temporary state of dormancy.

Like any other bird garden, you'll want to provide food, water, shelter and nest sites for maximum enjoyment of the birds. Plan to have a constant supply of flowers throughout the year. Talk to your garden shop for suggestions. A yard that offers a mixture of sunny and shady areas is great for attracting hummingbirds. Many of the flowers that attract them grow in sunny beds or borders, while wooded areas provide good nesting sites.

If you'd like to provide a hummingbird friendly bird bath, consider adding a device that produces a fine mist above the bird bath. Hummingbirds are designed for living in the air, and will bathe by repeatedly flying through mist.

Since hummingbirds are territorial, once they find your garden of delights, you'll often see the same bird year after year.