Hummingbirds have an incredibly strong sense of smell, which allows them to locate nectar sources like flowers and bird feeders. Their ability to detect scents is integral to their survival. This article will explore the science behind hummingbird olfaction and discuss whether they can actually smell sugary syrup from feeders. We’ll also provide tips on using scents to attract hummingbirds to your yard.
How is a hummingbird’s sense of smell adapted?
Hummingbirds have anatomical and physiological adaptations that allow them to detect faint odors with precision:
- Large olfactory bulbs in their brain process scent information.
- Their nasal cavity contains up to 5 million odor receptor cells.
- They have slit-shaped nostrils that allow odors to efficiently reach smell receptors.
- Rapid breathing exposes smell receptors to more odors.
- A portion of their brain is dedicated to processing smells.
These specializations equip hummingbirds to hone in on nectar sources by scent alone. Their sense of smell is so keen that they can distinguish differences in the composition of sugary liquids.
How do hummingbirds use scent when foraging?
Hummingbirds rely heavily on their sense of smell to detect and locate flowers and feeders:
- They can smell nectar from up to a quarter mile away.
- Scents guide them on foraging routes between food sources.
- They remember the scent of favorable feeding locations.
- Their brains associate floral scents with nutrition rewards.
- Unusual or strong new odors attract their attention.
Smell essentially puts hummingbirds on autopilot to productive nectar sources in their environments. It’s an essential navigation tool.
Do hummingbirds smell sugary syrup in feeders?
Yes, hummingbirds absolutely use scent cues to locate backyard feeders filled with sugary liquid. Here’s how their sense of smell guides them:
Feeder placement
Hummingbirds can detect the main components of homemade nectar, white granulated sugar and water, from up to a quarter mile away depending on wind conditions. Ideally, place feeders downwind from your property boundaries or areas where hummingbirds regularly fly. The breeze will carry the scent, drawing them towards your yard.
Nectar scent
The primary natural food source for hummingbirds is flower nectar, which has a subtly sweet aroma from sugars and organic compounds. Store-bought mixes and DIY nectar approximate this light fragrance. Keeping nectar fresh prevents it from taking on odd smells that could deter hummingbirds.
Sugar concentration
The ideal sugar ratio for hummingbird nectar is 1:4, or one part sugar dissolved in four parts water. This 20% concentration matches the average sugar density in natural blooms. Hummingbirds are sensitive to variations in sweetness and head for the correctly balanced familiar scent.
| Nectar Type | Sugar Ratio | Scent |
|---|---|---|
| Natural flowers | 20% | Lightly sweet |
| DIY recipe | 1:4 | Sweetly fragrant |
| Commercial mixes | Approx. 20% | Sweet smell |
Nectar additives
Some people add flavor extracts, essential oils, or fruit juices to their nectar mix, but this alters the scent profile. Stick to basic sugar water which has an aroma hummingbirds naturally associate with food.
Tips for using scent to attract hummingbirds
Here are some scent-based strategies to bring more hummingbirds to your feeders:
Add fragrant flowers
Plant brightly colored tubular blossoms with sweet scents near your feeder setup. Scented annuals like petunias, nicotiana, and cosmos are good choices. Let native wildflowers flourish as well.
Remove odor sources
Humidity and high temperatures can cause nectar to ferment, giving off unpleasant odors. Discard old liquid and clean feeders regularly to eliminate unwanted smells.
Skip fragrance devices
Avoid using scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or air fresheners near feeders. Unnatural strong aromas may repel hummingbirds.
Don’t handle nectar
Refrain from touching nectar with bare hands since your scent could transfer. Use a dedicated spoon or small ladle to fill feeders.
Limit insect attractants
Items like fruit scraps and exposed compost piles draw flies, wasps, and bees which may intimidate delicate hummingbirds. Minimize competing scents from rotting food or garbage.
The role of color in attracting hummingbirds
While scent cues lead hummingbirds to general areas, color seals the deal. Here’s how hummingbirds use vision along with smell:
- Scarlet, orange, and yellow flowers catch their eye from afar.
- Iridescent Feeders sparkle and reflect colors they like.
- Seeing food inside gives reassurance to land and investigate further.
- Up-close, they confirm sweet scents before drinking.
The combination of sensory inputs guides hummingbirds to dine. Scent brings them near sources of food, while color and visuals stimulate them to stop.
Tips for using color
Follow these color guidelines to make your feeders more attractive:
- Choose bright solid or multicolor feeders over plain clear glass.
- Select red, purple, orange, yellow, or pink feeders.
- Dress feeders up with ribbons or strings of glittery beads.
- Place feeders near flowers in complementary colors.
- Move feeders around periodically so color catches their eye.
Conclusion
A hummingbird’s powerful sense of smell and their attraction to color play integral roles in how they locate nutritious nectar to fuel their high-energy lifestyles. By leveraging knowledge of their sensory capabilities, you can design your yard and feeder setup to appeal specifically to hummingbirds. A little time invested planning scent points and colorful feeding zones will increase visits from these flying jewels. With both sight and smell working on your side, you’re sure to see more of these captivating pollinators enjoying the banquet you’ve laid out.
