Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures. Their ability to hover mid-air and drink nectar while in flight is simply remarkable. As such fascinating birds, it’s no wonder that many people want to attract hummingbirds to their yards by setting up feeders. When caring for backyard hummingbirds, one of the most common questions is whether it’s okay to give them plain old tap water. This article will provide a thorough answer.
The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need a lot of energy to power their wings during flight. Their main sources of food in the wild are flower nectar and small insects like fruit flies, gnats, and aphids. The nectar provides a concentrated source of sugars for energy, while the insects deliver essential proteins, minerals, fats, and other nutrients.
It takes a lot of energy for a hummingbird to flap its wings up to 200 times per second! Without proper nutrition from nectar and insects, hummingbirds can quickly become malnourished. Their high activity levels also mean they need to refuel more often than other birds. Hummingbirds visit hundreds of flowers each day and may consume over half their body weight in nectar.
Why Tap Water is Not Suitable as a Nectar Replacement
Tap water by itself does not provide any nutritional value to hummingbirds. It lacks the critical sugars, electrolytes, and nutrients they need. Tap water is meant for human consumption, not for meeting the needs of delicate hummingbirds.
There are a few specific reasons why plain tap water is unsuitable as a nectar replacement:
Lack of energy
Tap water has no sugars or carbohydrates that hummingbirds can metabolize for energy. They need the concentrated sugar in nectar to power their rapid wing beats and active lifestyle. Tap water would be like giving them empty calories.
Improper electrolyte balance
The electrolyte balance of tap water is tailored to human physiology, not hummingbirds. It could cause electrolyte imbalances in the birds if that’s their sole water source.
No micronutrients
Tap water lacks all the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats that hummingbirds need to stay healthy. Relying only on water would lead to malnutrition.
Potential contaminants
Depending on the water source, tap water may contain harmful levels of contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, minerals, and pesticides that can gradually poison hummingbirds.
Dangers of Offering Only Tap Water
Without proper nutrition in their diet, hummingbirds face serious health risks such as:
Hypoglycemia
Hummingbirds need a constant supply of sugar to power their wings. Tap water has no sugars, so drinking only it could cause their blood sugar levels to crash dangerously low. This life-threatening condition is called hypoglycemia.
Muscle loss
With inadequate protein in their diet from insects and proper nectar, hummingbirds burn through their precious muscle mass. This loss of flight muscle mass impairs their flying ability.
Fatigue
Tap water provides no energy, so hummingbirds reliant on it would constantly feel tired and lethargic. Fatigue means they spend less time feeding and become weaker.
Organ damage
Certain minerals like calcium and iron are essential for healthy hummingbird organs and metabolic processes. Lacking these nutrients can lead to organ damage over time.
Death
Without sufficient food intake, hummingbirds can become so metabolically stressed and malnourished that they ultimately die. Their rapid metabolisms mean they often starve to death within hours if weak or ill.
How to Make a Proper Nectar Substitute
While plain tap water is not appropriate, an artificial nectar solution made with tap water can perfectly well sustain hummingbirds. Here’s how to make a nutritious nectar they’ll love:
Simple sugar-water solution
– 1 part white granulated sugar
– 4 parts water
Mix until the sugar fully dissolves. Never use honey, which can harbor deadly fungal spores dangerous to hummingbirds.
Optional electrolyte add-ins
For an electrolyte boost, add a pinch of salt or sodium-free electrolyte powder like Ultima Replenisher.
Keeping it fresh
Change the nectar every 2-3 days, or every 1-2 days in hot weather. Rinse the feeder thoroughly before refilling. Use tap water and proper white sugar each time.
Monitoring for black mold
Black mold easily grows in sugar solutions and can sicken hummingbirds. Always check for black mold and deep clean the feeder if any develops.
Additional Tips for Feeding Hummingbirds
Here are some extra pointers to give your backyard hummingbirds the best care:
Get a feeder made for hummingbirds
Specialized hummingbird feeders have optimal nectar reservoirs and perches designed for the birds’ feeding needs.
Use feeders with ant moats
Ant moats are water-filled bases that prevent ants from reaching the nectar. Ants can spread diseases between individual hummingbirds visiting the feeder.
Don’t add red dye
Red dye is unnecessary and may be unhealthy for hummingbirds if consumed regularly. Their color vision sees the feeder just fine without dye.
Give insects too
Try sprinkling dried mealworms or crumbled eggshell around your yard to supplement the birds’ protein intake.
Have multiple feeders
Hummingbirds are territorial, so having several feeders prevents bullying. Place them out of sight of each other.
Match nectar to flower type
Some species need more diluted nectar. Research the hummingbirds in your region for their preferred sugar concentration.
Plant native flowers
Flowers provide natural nectar sources. Plant tubular red flowers high in nectar to attract more hummingbirds to your yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use artificial sweeteners in the nectar?
No, avoid artificial sweeteners. Studies show they provide no energy and may even be toxic to hummingbirds. Only use plain white cane sugar.
What about vitamins in the water?
Vitamins designed for humans likely won’t help hummingbirds. Speak to an avian vet first before adding anything other than plain sugar and water.
Is mineral water okay?
The minerals in mineral water are geared for people, not hummingbirds. Stick to standard tap water and get minerals instead from a small amount of electrolyte powder.
Can I use well water?
Use caution with well water, which often has higher mineral content. If you suspect your well water might have heavy metals or contamination hazardous to hummingbirds, consider getting a filter or using bottled water instead.
What temperature water should I use?
Room temperature or lukewarm water is best. Ice cold water from the fridge may shock their systems. Never use hot water.
The Bottom Line
While plain tap water seems an easy solution, it truly does not meet hummingbirds’ nutritional needs. Without proper nectar or insects, hummingbirds quickly decline into malnutrition, lethargy, and even death. However, you can easily make healthy nectar using tap water, white granulated sugar, and optional electrolytes. This provides the carbohydrate energy, sugars, and electrolytes hummingbirds require. Supplement their diet with protein sources too, and stay vigilant about keeping feeders clean and mold-free. With the right artificial nectar and feeders, your yard can become a safe haven for these unique, delightful birds!
