Some migrants fly non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico while some move inland down the Texas coast. According to the Texas Ornithological Society, of the 320 species of hummingbirds in the New World, eighteen hummingbird species live at some time in Texas. Hummingbirds have evolved a delicate relationship with flowering plants. It has been estimated that one hummingbird requires 5,000 flowers a day to supply its daily energy requirements. Plants benefit from the relationship by receiving pollinating services from the feeding hummers.
Some hummers also hunt and eat insects.
In Rockport Texas, which is north of Corpus Christi, there is an annual celebration for the south-bound hummers. In early September, many hummingbirds converge on this small town, building strength for their trip across the Gulf of Mexico, towards their over-wintering habitats in Mexico. Sugarland, Texas and Fall Migration Texas Environmental Studies Institute, in the Gulf Coast area of Houston, Texas is interested in Ruby Throated Humingbirds. Many people in our area keep a look- out for these fun birds and plant various plants and hang feeders to attract hummers. Be a hummer-watcher.