Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers everywhere. Their tiny size and incredible speed make them a delight to observe. Hummingbirds have some unique nutritional requirements, relying heavily on nectar for their diet. This has led many people to wonder if organic sugar is better suited as hummingbird food than plain white granulated sugar.
The Role of Sugar in a Hummingbird’s Diet
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and the tiny insects they eat. Since readily available flower nectar is not a reliable food source, supplemental feeding with hummingbird feeders has become a popular practice. The artificial nectar hummingbird enthusiasts make is essentially comprised of sugar and water. The sugar provides the carbohydrates these tiny birds need to power their hyperactive metabolisms.
Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of all birds. To put it into perspective, a hummingbird’s heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute and they take an estimated 250 breaths per minute while at rest. Even sleeping hummingbirds take breaths once every 10 seconds. Their wings can beat up to 200 times per second. It takes tremendous energy to power these functions. This is why hummingbirds seek out sugar-rich foods.
The Role of Sugar Type in Hummingbird Nutrition
People have strong opinions when it comes to the kind of sugar used to make homemade nectar for hummingbirds. Choices include:
- White refined sugar
- Brown sugar
- Raw sugar
- Organic sugar
- Agave nectar
- Honey
The most commonly recommended are white granulated sugar and organic white sugar. The National Audubon Society states plain white table sugar is perfectly fine for hummingbirds. Organic sugar is also acceptable, but provides no additional nutritional benefits. Here’s a look at some key considerations when it comes to sugar selection:
Nutritional Value
Hummingbirds do not benefit nutritionally from choosing one sugar over another. White sugar contains sucrose, which easily breaks down into glucose and fructose in hummingbird digestive systems. These simple sugars efficiently fuel their metabolisms. Nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals simply aren’t a factor.
Taste
Hummingbirds have a good sense of taste and show preferences for certain nectar flavors. However, taste tests indicate they are equally attracted to organic sugar and refined white sugar. Neither seems to be favored over the other. If flavor plays a role in selection, other additives like fruit juice are a stronger draw.
Safety
Questions about pesticide traces sometimes cause people to favor organic sugar over conventionally-grown sugar. However, refined white sugar essentially contains nothing but sucrose, with traces of minerals. Studies show pesticide residues and heavy metal content in white sugar are well within federal safety limits. Organic sugar provides no safety advantage.
Cost
One obvious difference between organic and conventional white sugar is cost. Organic sugar can cost two to four times more than regular granulated sugar. This provides no extra benefit for the hummingbirds.
Using Organic Sugar in Hummingbird Feeders
Organic sugar can be used to make hummingbird nectar if desired, despite the lack of any known advantage for the birds. Here are some usage tips:
Type of Organic Sugar
Look for organic white cane sugar rather than organic raw sugar or organic turbinado sugar. Raw and turbinado sugars do contain small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to completely refined white sugar. However, these trace nutrients are insignificant for hummingbirds. The coarse texture can cause problems in feeders.
Feeder Recommendations
Use caution when feeding organic sugar blends in some feeder models. Sugar sediment can clog the feeding ports in some feeder designs. Stick to liquid organic nectar products or make sure the feeder model you use tolerates any fine grit or sediment.
Mixing the Nectar
Dissolve the organic sugar thoroughly in warm water before filling feeders. Hummingbirds won’t drink from feeders containing undissolved sugar. Mix at a 4:1 ratio (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) which perfectly mimics natural flower nectar.
Cleaning the Feeder
Take care to thoroughly clean hummingbird feeders every time you swap out old nectar for fresh organic sugar nectar. Hummingbirds can get fungal infections from spoiled nectar.
Recommendations for Organic Sugar in Hummingbird Feeders
Here are some tips for using organic sugar in hummingbird feeders:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Choose finely granulated organic white cane sugar | Use organic raw sugar or turbinado sugar blends |
| Use feeders designed to resist clogging | Skimp on cleaning before refilling feeders |
| Mix organic sugar thoroughly into solution | Put out feeders with undissolved sugar |
| Mimic natural 4:1 nectar ratio | Over-concentrate sugar nectar |
Conclusion
Hummingbirds derive no specific benefits from organic white sugar over plain white granulated sugar. Both provide the carbohydrate energy source these tiny birds need. While organic sugar won’t harm hummingbirds, it also won’t enhance their health. The higher cost provides no extra nutrition. When it comes to hummingbird feeders, choose the affordable conventional white sugar and save the organic options for your own cupboard.
