Hummingbirds can drink from cups, feeders, and other artificial nectar containers, as long as a few key requirements are met. The nectar needs to contain approximately 1 part granulated white sugar dissolved in 4 parts water. The container needs to be shallow enough for the hummingbird to comfortably insert its beak and tongue inside. And the container should be red, as this color attracts hummingbirds.
Anatomy of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have unique anatomies that allow them to hoover nectar from flowers and feeders. Here are some key features:
Long, slender beaks
Hummingbirds have thin, pointed beaks that can easily fit inside tubular flowers and artificial nectar containers. Their beaks allow them to reach nectar at the base of long, narrow openings. The average hummingbird’s beak is around 1-1.5 inches long. This gives them access to food sources many other birds can’t physically reach.
Extendible tongues
Hummingbirds also have tongues that extend well beyond the end of their beaks. When not in use, a hummingbird’s tongue curls up inside its head. When feeding, it extends the tongue through its beak and uses it to lap up nectar. Their tongues even have special forked tips that match the shape of flowers and allow liquid nectar to adhere to it.
High metabolism
Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms. They must eat frequently throughout the day, consuming over half their body weight in nectar each day, spread out over multiple feedings. This is why they can benefit from a constant artificial nectar source, such as a feeder or cup. Hummingbirds need to be able to return to the food source many times per day.
Hovering ability
Another anatomical adaptation that aids hummingbirds when feeding is their ability to hover in midair. They can beat their wings up to 70 times per second, allowing them to stay suspended and feed while floating in front of a flower or feeder. This helps them feed without needing to land on a surface.
Benefits of Cup Feeding
For people who want to supplement natural food sources, feeding hummingbirds from an artificial cup has benefits such as:
Predictable nectar location
Hummingbirds quickly learn reliable food sources. Putting out a cup in the same location every day provides a consistent nectar access point. Hummingbirds will return to the spot repeatedly.
Rain protection
Hummingbird feeders are often exposed to the rain, causing nectar to get diluted. A cup can be moved rain-free location, meaning birds will still have access to optimal concentration nectar even after storms.
Minimizes bees
Bees are also attracted to open feeders. A cup’s smaller opening makes it harder for bees to access. This ensures nectar remains available just for hummingbirds.
No mold
Exposed nectar feeders can develop mold. A cup’s nectar stays protected from airborne mold spores. This prevents waste and illness.
Easy to clean
Cups are straightforward to clean with hot water and soap. Thorough cleaning reduces bacteria growth between uses.
Portability
Cups can be easily moved to different optimal locations around a yard. Feeders are generally hung permanently in one spot.
Nectar Properties
The nectar inside a hummingbird feeding cup needs to meet some specific criteria to properly nourish the birds:
Sugar content
Hummingbird nectar should be a 4:1 ratio of water to white granulated cane sugar. Table sugar also works in a pinch. This proportion provides the ideal caloric content they need. Too little sugar doesn’t give them enough fuel. Too much can overwhelm their digestive systems.
No red dye
Do not add red food coloring to the nectar. The dye provides no nutritional benefits and can actually be harmful to the birds.
Boiled and cooled
After mixing the water and sugar, the nectar solution should be boiled for 1-2 minutes then cooled before putting it out. This prevents any mold growth.
Never honey
Honey should never be used in place of sugar. It can cause a fatal fungus to grow inside hummingbirds’ throats.
Here is a quick reference table of proper hummingbird nectar mixing ratios:
| Water | Sugar |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1/4 cup |
| 2 cups | 1/2 cup |
| 3 cups | 3/4 cup |
| 4 cups | 1 cup |
Feeder Setup
Follow these tips for setting up an optimal hummingbird cup feeding station:
Use a small, shallow container
Use a cup that allows hummingbirds easy access to the nectar. Brightly colored plastic picnic cups or bottle caps work well.
Fill 1/4 full
Only fill the cup about 1/4 full with nectar. This prevents overflow as the birds feed.
Perch nearby
Have an adjacent perch such as a branch or pole that gives hummingbirds a place to conveniently rest near the cup.
Shelter from elements
Position the cup in a covered location that provides shelter from wind and rain but still allows easy access.
Bright colors
Paint or wrap the cup in red, orange, yellow, or fuchsia to attract the birds. Avoid greens and blues.
Elevate cup
Place the cup on a platform raised off the ground to make it more visible and reduce insect access.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues that can arise with hummingbird cup feeding and how to address them:
Bees gathering
Bees are attracted to the sugary nectar. To prevent them from drowning hummingbirds, use a cup with a narrower opening or switch to a hive-style feeder. Only fill the cup 1/4 full to reduce bee access. Consider moving feeder location if bees persist.
Ants on the feeder
Ants will climb onto feeders and contaminate the nectar. Put petroleum jelly on hanging wires above the cup to block their path. Use a shallower cup or bottle cap to feed from to deter ants.
Fermented nectar
In hot weather, nectar can ferment faster and turn sour. Change nectar every 2 days in summer. Clean the cup thoroughly each time.
Moldy nectar
Mold spores can cause nectar to spoil. Always boil new nectar before using. Change nectar every 3-4 days and scrub the cup.
Not attracting birds
Use more red components. Add a perch. Move it away from competing feeders. Ensure fresh nectar. Try a different style cup. Relocate to a more sheltered area.
Leaking nectar
Overfilled cups can leak nectar. Never fill more than 1/4 full. Use a shallower style cup to prevent tipping. Move location away from migrating flight paths.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds can and will happily drink nectar from all kinds of cups, as long as the setup properly accommodates their specialized feeding needs. Use a shallow, brightly colored cup filled only 1/4 full with the appropriate 4:1 white sugar water solution. Maintain the cup and nectar regularly to ensure clean fresh access. Position the cup strategically to attract birds and limit pests. With a properly configured cup, hummingbirds will eagerly stop by for repeated nourishment. Providing nectar in a specialized cup minimizes maintenance and maximizes convenience for both hummingbirds and the homeowner.
