by Danielle L. Hunter

Created on: July 26, 2009

As the world's smallest birds, hummingbirds are energetic and fearless flyers. Their brilliant colors glisten in the sunlight as they swiftly fly forward, backward, sideways and upside down. There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds in the world with about 15 varieties in the United States.

Three of the most common species in the United States include the Ruby-throated, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds. To attract these hummingbirds to your garden, create a natural habitat for them by planting clusters of tubular flowers that are native to your region. These tiny and amazing creatures love gardens full of red, pink and orange flowers, but also enjoy tree sap, insects, spiders and sugar water from backyard feeders.

Mostly metallic green in color, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird received its name from the male's ruby red throat. It is the only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern United States and is often found in gardens that contain honeysuckle, bee balm and petunias.

Honeysuckle - With a welcoming sweet scent, honeysuckle is a twining vine that is perfect for a trellis or fence. As a perennial, honeysuckle will grow vigorously spring to fall when the roots are shaded and vines can climb into the sunshine.

Bee Balm - Planted in moist soil, bee balm will show-off amazing red blooms during the early summer months. The best location for this plant is in the middle of the garden since it attracts both hummingbirds and bees.

Petunias - Petunias are sun-loving annuals that bloom during the entire growing season. Plant these colorful flowers along the edge of your garden and trim weekly to encourage additional flowering.

Like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Black-chinned Hummingbird is also green but the male has a black chin and purple throat band. It is located in the western United States and likes trumpet creeper, firecracker shrubs and beard tongue.

Trumpet Creeper - The trumpet creeper is a woody perennial that climbs and clings to brick walls and tall trees. It prefers some shade and can grow up to 30 feet with yellow or red flowers from spring to fall.

Firecracker Shrub - With flaming orange-red flowers, the firecracker shrub is a woody and tropical-looking tree that is best planted in full sunlight. This perennial will brighten any landscape during the summer months and into the fall season.

Beard Tongue - Beard tongue, also known as foxglove penstemon, is a summer perennial with showy purple and lavender flowers. Plant this hummingbird

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