Hummingbirds are incredible creatures, known for their ability to hover in midair and fly backwards. They have extremely high metabolisms and must consume large amounts of energy to survive. Hummingbirds get most of their energy from flower nectar and tree sap, along with small insects. In the wild, they visit hundreds of flowers each day to get enough to eat. When hummingbirds visit your yard, providing nectar in feeders is a great way to supplement their natural diet.
What do hummingbirds eat?
In the wild, hummingbirds eat primarily flower nectar and tree sap. They use their long bills and tongues to lap up the sugary liquid from flowers and sap wells made by sapsucker woodpeckers. Hummingbirds also eat small insects, which provide protein and fat. Some favorites include fruit flies, aphids, gnats, mosquitoes, spiders, and tree sap insects.
At artificial feeders, hummingbirds will readily consume liquid “nectar” made by dissolving table sugar in water. The sugar provides carbohydrates for energy, allowing the birds to quickly refuel. But relying solely on artificial nectar does not give hummingbirds the full nutrition they need. While feeding, they also forage for tiny insects that hover around the feeders.
Can you make hummingbird food with honey?
Yes, you can make homemade hummingbird nectar using honey rather than plain white sugar. Honey has some advantages over sugar:
- It contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids.
- It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it does not ferment or spoil as quickly.
- It provides quick energy from natural sugars and carbohydrates.
Honey made by bees from flower nectar is an excellent substitute for plain table sugar. Be sure to use regular honey, not flavored or artificial honey. For best results, look for raw, unfiltered honey from a local source.
Hummingbird food recipe with honey
Here is an easy recipe to make homemade hummingbird food using honey:
Ingredients:
- 1 part honey
- 4 parts water
Instructions:
- Mix 1 part honey with 4 parts water. For example, use 1⁄4 cup honey with 1 cup water.
- Heat the mixture briefly until the honey is dissolved and well blended.
- Allow the nectar to cool fully before pouring it into feeders.
- Refrigerate unused portions for up to 1-2 weeks.
This basic 1:4 honey-to-water ratio mimics the sugar content of natural flower nectar. Avoid using too much honey, as very sugary nectar can overwhelm hummingbirds’ digestive systems.
Pros and cons of using honey
Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of making hummingbird nectar with honey rather than plain white sugar:
Pros:
- Honey has trace amounts of nutrients including antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
- It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties to inhibit spoilage.
- The taste may attract more hummingbirds.
- It provides a more natural source of energy than refined white sugar.
Cons:
- Honey can foster mold growth more than sugar water.
- It is more expensive than plain sugar.
- The taste and nutrition content depends on the bees’ nectar sources.
- It does not dissolve as easily and can clog feeders.
With proper cleaning and maintenance, the pros generally outweigh the cons for using honey in hummingbird feeders. Honey gives hummingbirds a more natural, nutritious nectar source than plain white sugar alone.
Tips for using honey in hummingbird feeders
Follow these tips to get the most out of using honey for hummingbird nectar:
- Use raw, unfiltered honey – This provides more nutrients and natural enzymes.
- Avoid added flavors – Plain honey has the closest flavor profile to flower nectar.
- Heat it briefly first – This helps the honey dissolve fully in water.
- Cool before filling feeders – Hot nectar can harm hummingbirds.
- Clean feeders frequently – Change nectar every 2-3 days to avoid spoilage.
- Rinse with hot water – Use a bottle brush to remove sticky residue.
- Use a nectar guard – Attach a guard to deter bees, wasps, and ants.
- Refrigerate extras – Store unused portions up to 1-2 weeks.
Following these best practices will help keep your hummingbird nectar fresh and avoid potential issues when using honey instead of plain sugar.
FAQs
Is honey better for hummingbirds than sugar?
Honey is generally better than plain white sugar since it provides small amounts of nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, and natural antibacterial benefits. But both can be used to make effective homemade hummingbird nectar.
Do hummingbirds prefer honey or sugar water?
Most hummingbirds will readily drink either honey nectar or sugar water from feeders. Some people report getting more hummingbird traffic with honey, perhaps due to the pleasant aroma. But offering either honey or sugar water will attract hummingbirds to your yard.
Can you use artificial honey for hummingbird food?
No, artificial honey made from corn syrup should not be used. Real honey provides trace nutrients and enzymes that benefit hummingbirds. Artificial honey lacks these and may also contain preservatives unsafe for hummingbirds.
What ratio of honey to water should be used?
Most experts recommend using a 1:4 ratio of honey to water. This dilutes the honey to a natural nectar concentration. For example, mix 1⁄4 cup honey with 1 cup water. Too much honey can be harmful.
Do you have to boil the honey and water?
It’s not necessary to boil it, but briefly heating helps the honey dissolve and mix thoroughly with the water. Just don’t let it get too hot before pouring it into feeders.
How often should you change honey hummingbird nectar?
Change the nectar every 2-3 days during hot weather to prevent spoilage. Refrigerating unused portions can extend this to 5-7 days. Rinse feeders well each time you refill.
Conclusion
Using honey to make homemade hummingbird food is a great way to provide these special birds with a nutritious, natural energy source. The trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in honey offer benefits over plain white sugar. With proper ratios and care, honey can be an excellent nectar substitute.
To review, key tips include using a 1:4 honey-to-water ratio, heating it briefly to blend, filling clean feeders, and changing the nectar regularly. The honey will attract hummingbirds while providing a delicious, nutritious supplement to their diet.
So if you want to offer something flavorful and healthy in your hummingbird feeders, honey is an ideal choice over plain white sugar. The hummingbirds will appreciate the extra nutrition and sweet taste.
