Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers. Their rapid wing beats and aerial acrobatics are a delight to observe. Hummingbirds have some unique feeding requirements that must be met in order to attract them to your yard.
Do hummingbirds eat fruit?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from drinking flower nectar and tree sap. They do sometimes eat small insects for essential proteins. However, hummingbirds do not typically eat fruit in the wild.
Some backyard bird watchers report seeing hummingbirds nibble on very soft fruit like bananas, watermelon, and oranges. But this is rare behavior and not their normal diet. So do not try to attract hummingbirds by putting out fruit.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy due to their super fast metabolism. They get their energy from drinking high sugar liquids like nectar and tree sap.
Here are the main components of a hummingbird’s diet:
- Flower nectar
- Sugar water (from bird feeders)
- Tree sap
- Small insects
The best way to supplement their diet is by providing them with a hummingbird feeder filled with homemade nectar. This high calorie sugar water helps provide the energy they need.
Best hummingbird food
You can buy pre-made hummingbird food (nectar) from most grocery stores and bird supply shops. But it is very easy to make your own homemade nectar recipe:
- Use a 1:4 sugar to water ratio – 1 part white granulated sugar dissolved in 4 parts water.
- Bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar fully then let cool before filling feeders.
- Do not add red dye, honey, brown sugar, or any other ingredients.
This simple sugar water approximation of flower nectar is the healthiest and safest food for hummingbirds. Feeders should be cleaned and refilled every few days to prevent spoilage.
Fruit may attract bees and wasps
Another reason not to put fruit out for hummingbirds is that the fruit may end up attracting unwanted pests like bees, hornets, and wasps. These aggressive insects often like overripe fruit and can be territorial around feeders.
This can create an unpleasant and potentially dangerous environment for the hummingbirds. The sweet nectar in hummingbird feeders is meant to specially appeal to the hummingbirds without attracting as many competitors.
Can fruit harm hummingbirds?
There is no evidence that occasional nibbling on soft fruit will directly harm hummingbirds. However, rotting fruit can grow mold, fungi, and bacteria that may indirectly affect their health.
A hummingbird’s digestive system is not designed to efficiently process fruit sugars and fiber. So even though they may snack on fruit, it is not providing good nutritional value for them.
It is best not to encourage fruit feeding and instead provide them with regular access to proper hummingbird nectar from clean feeders. This will help meet all their dietary needs.
Best way to feed hummingbirds fruit
The one possible exception where fruit may benefit hummingbirds is fermented fruit. There are some specialty feeder recipes involving fermented fruit juice or pulp that can provide an extra boost to their diet during migration when high energy is crucial.
This fermentation process turns the natural fruit sugars into more easily digestible glucose and fructose. The fruit is mashed and mixed with water and yeast then allowed to ferment for a couple weeks before straining out the solids. Only fresh fruit should be used and proper fermentation storage is important.
When done correctly, small amounts of this fermented fruit juice can be provided to hummingbirds through special feeders in early spring and late fall when migrations occur. But even this supplementary technique is still controversial among experts.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds may occasionally nibble on soft fruit, especially if their normal food sources are low. But fruit does not provide good overall nutrition for hummingbirds. Their diet is best supported by drinking high sugar nectar.
Fruit often attracts undesirable insects that may intimidate hummingbirds from feeders. And rotting fruit can expose them to health risks from mold and bacteria.
The best way to reliably feed hummingbirds is by providing clean nectar-style feeders filled with a simple white sugar and water mixture. This will safely satisfy their unique nutritional needs without relying on fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hummingbirds eat bananas?
Hummingbirds do not typically eat fruit. They may occasionally nibble on very ripe, soft fruit like bananas but this is rare behavior. Bananas do not provide good nutrition for hummingbirds.
Do hummingbirds eat berries?
No, hummingbirds do not eat berries. Their main food source is flower nectar and tree sap. They get needed proteins primarily from small insects, not fruits or berries.
What fruits can hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds are not well adapted to eat fruit. Their diet mainly consists of high sugar liquids – flower nectar, tree sap, and nectar feeders. They get proteins from insects. If they do eat fruit, very ripe, soft fruit like watermelon may be nibbled on but it is not nutritious for them.
Can I use fruit juice in hummingbird feeders?
No, do not use fruit juice in hummingbird feeders. It can spoil quickly and grow mold. Plain white sugar dissolved in water is the best nectar to use. Occasionally fermented fruit juice may be used as a small dietary supplement during migrations but this is still debatable.
Why do hummingbirds come to my fruit feeder?
On rare occasions, very hungry hummingbirds may sample fruit if their normal food sources are scarce. But fruit is not healthy for them and will not reliably attract hummingbirds. Maintaining nectar feeders is a much better way to consistently feed hummingbirds.
Ways to Attract Hummingbirds Without Using Fruit
Here are some effective methods to attract hummingbirds to your yard without relying on fruit:
- Set up nectar feeders – Use a ratio of 1 part sugar dissolved in 4 parts water. Boil to fully dissolve the sugar and fill feeders when cooled. Clean/refill feeders every 2-3 days.
- Plant native flowers – Choose tubular blossoms in red, orange, pink which provide nectar. Lilies, honeysuckles, trumpet vines are excellent options.
- Supply a water source – Dripping fountains or misters are enticing on hot days. Change water daily to avoid mosquito breeding.
- Offer insect feeders – Try sausage feeders with overripe fruit to draw small gnats, flies which hummingbirds will eat.
- Provide perches – Hummingbirds like to rest between feedings. Place branches or posts near feeders as landing spots.
- Avoid pesticides – Chemicals can reduce insects that hummingbirds rely on for protein and may be toxic.
- Consider feeder placement – Windows/cover give protection from elements. Avoid areas where bees and wasps congregate.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
Follow these top tips to create an enticing backyard habitat for hummingbirds without fruit:
| Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Nectar Feeders | Multiple feeders reduce dominance. Clean every 2-3 days to prevent mold. |
| Bright Flowers | Red/orange tubular blossoms are preferred. Cluster plantings to form corridors. |
| Insect Feeders | Try fruit fly traps or gnat feeders for essential proteins. |
| Dripping Water | Misters, fountains, or drippers help meet water needs. |
| Sheltered Location | Partial sun/shade protects from elements while allowing light to attract. |
Following these tips will provide hummingbirds with their dietary requirements – nectar, insects, water, shelter. This will encourage them to frequent your yard without needing fruit.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have specialized nutritional needs centered around drinking high sugar nectar and tree sap. They get essential proteins from eating small insects, not fruit.
While hummingbirds may occasionally sample ripe fruit, it does not provide good overall nutrition for them. Plus fruit often attracts stinging insects that can intimidate hummingbirds.
The best way to feed hummingbirds is by providing clean nectar-style feeders filled with white sugar water, not fruit juice. Planting bright tubular flowers also gives access to natural nectar sources.
By meeting all their food and habitat needs, you can successfully attract hummingbirds without relying on fruits.
Key Points
- Hummingbirds primarily eat flower nectar, tree sap, and small insects – not fruit.
- Fruit may occasionally be sampled if normal food is scarce.
- Fruit does not provide good nutrition for hummingbirds.
- Fruit often attracts aggressive stinging insects.
- Nectar feeders with sugar/water are the best supplemental food.
- Planting tubular flowers also provides natural nectar.
- Other habitat needs include water, insects, shelter.
- Meeting all requirements will attract hummingbirds without fruit.
Summary Table
| Why Not Use Fruit | Better Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Poor nutrition | Sugar water nectar |
| Risk of spoilage/mold | Proper nectar replacement |
| Attracts stinging insects | Feeder placement away from insects |
| May encourage dependence | Natural food sources like flowers |
| Difficult to digest | Easy energy from sugar water |
This table summarizes why fruit is not recommended for hummingbirds and what some healthier alternatives are that will provide for their dietary requirements.
The Best Course of Action
Based on all the information provided in this article, the best course of action to feed hummingbirds is:
- Set up clean nectar feeders with a 1:4 ratio of white sugar dissolved in water. Avoid food coloring or other additives. Change nectar every 2-3 days.
- Plant plenty of brightly colored tubular flowers such as lilies, honeysuckles, and trumpet vines to provide natural nectar sources.
- Supplement with additional protein by offering small insect feeders with fruit fly traps or overripe fruit to draw gnats and flies.
- Provide a clean water source such as a mister, dripping fountain, or bird bath. Change water daily.
- Give hummingbirds places to perch and rest near feeders by including branches, posts, or hammocks.
- Never put out cut fruit, berries, or fruit juice as these are inappropriate for a hummingbird’s diet and may cause more harm than good.
Following these steps will create a healthy, inviting habitat for hummingbirds to thrive. Be patient and they will find the food sources you provide without needing to rely on fruit.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are specialized nectar feeders that get most of their nutrition from sugar-rich flower nectar and tree sap. Fruit does not provide good sustenance for hummingbirds and can even introduce risks from mold or pest insects.
The best approach is supplying clean nectar feeders made with white sugar and water. Planting tubular flowers also provides natural nectar. Providing a protein source with insects and a fresh water source will complete their habitat needs.
If you meet all of a hummingbird’s nutritional and habitat requirements, they will be readily attracted to your backyard without having to rely on fruit. With a little patience, you can successfully draw these incredible birds using healthy food sources designed just for them.
