Hummingbirds are tiny birds with fast beating wings that allow them to hover as they drink nectar from flowers. Their long slender beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for retrieving nectar from flowers, though you may wonder if these petite birds can or should eat other foods like watermelon.
Quick Answer
Yes, hummingbirds can eat watermelon. While nectar is their natural food source, hummingbirds can benefit from eating small amounts of fruit, including watermelon. The sugars in ripe watermelon provide quick energy, while the flesh and seeds offer much-needed protein.
Can Hummingbirds Digest Fruit?
Hummingbirds have evolved to get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and tree sap. Their digestive systems are uniquely suited to process sugars from these liquid foods. However, hummingbirds can and do eat small soft fruits in the wild, likely obtaining protein, fat, and other micronutrients their nectar diet alone cannot provide.
When hummingbirds eat solid foods like soft ripe fruit, they will swallow tiny pieces whole. Their muscular gizzard breaks the food into a liquid paste that can be digested and absorbed. So, while hummingbirds’ digestive systems are optimized for nectar, they are capable of obtaining nutrition from watermelon and other fruits when available.
Role of Fruit in Hummingbird Diet
In the wild, nectar alone provides adequate nutrition for hummingbirds. But providing supplemental fruit can support hummingbird health during periods of greater energy needs, such as migration or nesting when feeding young. Offering fruit to backyard hummingbirds also gives them a reliable food source alongside nectar feeders.
According to multiple studies, hummingbirds get the following nutrients from fruit:
- Sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose for quick energy.
- Amino acids and proteins for growth and development.
- Fatty acids for metabolism and insulation.
- Vitamins such as vitamin C and carotenoids like lutein.
- Minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Though flower nectar provides sufficient energy, the nutrients in fruit help round out hummingbirds’ nutritional needs for optimal health.
Watermelon Nutrition Facts
Watermelon is a hydrating, nutritious fruit that can provide key nutrients to hummingbirds when supplied in moderation alongside nectar.
The flesh of watermelon provides the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Per 1 cup diced watermelon |
|---|---|
| Calories | 46 |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0.23 g |
| Carbs | 11.5 g |
| Sugar | 9.42 g |
| Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Vitamin A | 569 IU |
| Potassium | 112 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 11 mg |
Watermelon seeds also provide protein, fat, and minerals. Overall, watermelon can supplement a nectar diet with energy from natural sugars as well as essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Can Hummingbirds Digest Watermelon?
A hummingbird’s digestive system is designed to process nectar and sugar water, not fruit. So can hummingbirds actually digest pieces of watermelon and benefit from its nutrients?
Fortunately, hummingbirds have a few anatomical adaptations that allow them to break down and digest small pieces of soft fruit like watermelon:
- A long, slender tongue to lap up fruit nectar and grasp tiny pieces.
- A crop where fruits are briefly stored before moving to the stomach.
- Enlarged salivary glands that begin to break down sugar and protein.
- A muscular gizzard that further liquefies food by contraction.
- Short intestines for rapid absorption of nutrients.
With these adaptations, hummingbirds can effectively digest small, soft bits of watermelon. The gizzard grinds the flesh, seeds, and juice into a paste, releasing the nutrients to be absorbed.
While they don’t rely on fruit for their regular nutrition, when periodically provided in the right portions, watermelon is an excellent supplemental food for hummingbirds.
How to Feed Watermelon to Hummingbirds
If you want to provide backyard hummingbirds with a treat of watermelon, here are some tips:
- Cut fresh ripe watermelon into 1/4 inch cubes, removing any rinds or strings.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to pierce individual cubes. Hold up near feeders or flowers where hummers can easily take them.
- Start with just 2-3 pieces per hummer. Too much can prevent them digesting their normal nectar diet.
- Offer watermelon once per week or less often. It shouldn’t replace nectar as their primary food source.
- Adjust quantity based on consumption. Provide more if hummers eagerly eat it up, reduce if fruit gets left behind.
- Rinse off toothpicks between uses since they may carry bacteria between feedings.
- Remove any uneaten watermelon within an hour to prevent spoilage or attracting other animals.
With a few small servings per week, watermelon can be a safe, nutritious supplemental food for hummingbirds alongside their regular nectar feedings.
Water Solutions
It’s also important to provide hummingbirds with a clean water source for bathing and drinking. Here are a couple ways to offer water:
- Use a hummingbird bath or mister attachment on a hose in the yard.
- Suspend a shallow bowl or pan of water near your feeder.
- Provide droplets on leaves and branches with a hand mister bottle.
Hummingbirds will use these water sources for bathing and preening. They may also drink small droplets if needed.
Signs Hummingbirds Like Watermelon
How can you tell if the hummingbirds coming to your yard enjoy the watermelon you offer? Watch for these signs of appreciation:
- Hummers hovering readily and eating the fruit.
- Increased activity and visits to the feeding area.
- Bold behavior and minimal startle response around people.
- Chirping vocalizations while eating.
- Returning and appearing to search for more fruit.
- Aggressive behavior to guard “their” melon from other hummers.
If you notice these behaviors when putting out watermelon, the hummers likely consider it a tasty treat! Continue providing small pieces periodically.
Signs Hummingbirds Don’t Like Watermelon
On the other hand, you may observe behaviors suggesting the hummingbirds are not interested in the watermelon, including:
- Avoiding the fruit and not attempting to eat any.
- Continuing to consume the same amount of nectar as before.
- Leaving the area or not changing behavior when watermelon is introduced.
- Appearing alarmed or distressed by the new food item.
- Eating very little and having fruit left uneaten.
If the hummingbirds don’t show interest, don’t force the issue. Stick to standard nectar feeders in your yard.
Benefits of Watermelon for Hummingbirds
Offering small amounts of watermelon along with nectar feedings can benefit hummingbirds in the following ways:
Provides Carbs for Energy
The natural sugars in watermelon give hummingbirds a rapid source of energy to fuel their high metabolisms and power their wings during hovering and in flight.
Supplies Essential Nutrients
While nectar provides sufficient energy, watermelon helps provide protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals hummingbirds need to thrive.
Aids Reproduction
The nutrients from fruit can support female hummingbirds’ higher energy requirements during egg production, incubation, and rearing young.
Offers Hydration
The high water content in watermelon provides useful hydration to supplement a nectar diet.
Provides Antioxidants
Watermelon contains antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C and carotenoids to combat free radicals and support immunity.
Overall, when served properly, watermelon makes an excellent supplemental food to a complete nectar diet for hummingbirds.
Potential Risks of Feeding Watermelon
While watermelon is safe for hummingbirds in moderation, there are a few potential risks to consider:
May Cause Digestive Issues if Too Much
Overfeeding watermelon could lead to diarrhea, upset stomach, or digestive problems, as hummingbirds aren’t adapted to fruit sugars and fiber.
Risk of Choking on Large Pieces
Feed only small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Mold and Bacteria if Left Out
Watermelon left in the heat can quickly grow mold, bacteria, and other pathogens, making it unsafe.
Unbalanced Diet if Replacing Nectar
Watermelon should not completely replace balanced nectar feedings long term but only supplement it.
With proper portion sizes and limited frequency, these risks can be minimized while allowing hummingbirds to benefit from extra nutrition.
FAQs
Should I avoid seedless watermelon for hummingbirds?
No, you don’t need to avoid seedless varieties. Hummingbirds can digest both types. Seedless offers a softer texture and flesh they can easily lap up and consume.
Can I feed other fruits besides watermelon?
Yes, hummingbirds can eat small pieces of soft ripe fruits like grapes, melon, banana, orange, and apple in moderation. Just introduce new foods gradually.
Do hummingbirds drink water?
Hummingbirds meet most of their hydration needs from nectar. But they will drink some water from droplets on leaves or bird baths, especially on hot days or when preparing to migrate.
Should I leave watermelon out at night?
No, it’s best to pick any leftover pieces of watermelon by dusk since they will spoil quickly and attract rodents, insects, and other animals at night.
Conclusion
Though nectar makes up the foundation of their natural diet, hummingbirds enjoy and benefit from small servings of watermelon once or twice a week. The nutrients and hydration from fruit supplement a nectar diet and support hummingbird health. Feeding watermelon gives hummingbirds a reliable food source in your yard while also giving you the chance to observe their interesting behavior!
