Flower-Powered Migratory Species Flowers That Fuel Migration Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Monarch Butterfly Favorite Flower Features Brilliant red to orange-red* Fairly long, deep flower tube Often, hanging blossoms No fragrance Dilute nectar * If the flower shape and nectar is right, they'll also go for pink, orange, purple, blue, and yellow blossoms. Favorite Flower Features Orange, yellow, white, pink, and lavender flowers; rarely red Flowers in the milkweed family Medium-long, narrow floral tubes Plants with flower clusters or flat tops (platforms) Fragrance Dilute nectar Journaling Question Why does each creature choose the flower types it does? (Hint: Think about their bodies and behaviors.) Hummingbird Bodies/Behaviors Long slender bills (about 15-20mm) Need lots of sugar for energy No sense of smell Able to hover Able to see well in the red (long wavelength) end of the color spectrum Monarch Bodies/Behaviors Relatively long, narrow proboscis (about 11-12mm) Need lots of sugar for energy Good sense of smell Must land in order to feed See well in most of the color spectrum, except in the red end. Cool observations from scientists >>   This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2010 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.