Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most colorful birds found in nature. Known for their ability to hover and fly backwards, hummingbirds have captured the fascination of people for centuries. An increasingly popular way for people to get a closer look at hummingbirds is through the use of specialized birdhouses called hummingbird feeders or hummingbird houses. But do hummingbirds actually use these man-made houses?
What are hummingbird houses?
Hummingbird houses are small, artificial birdhouses designed specifically to attract hummingbirds. They typically consist of a container to hold liquid nectar or sugar water, with openings for hummingbirds to access the nectar through their long, slender beaks. Many hummingbird houses have red or brightly colored parts, as hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. They also often have perches for the birds to rest on while feeding. Hummingbird feeders are hung outdoors in gardens, patios, or backyards during times of year when hummingbirds are active in the area.
The feeders allow people to observe hummingbirds up-close as they feed on the nectar substitute provided in the feeders. Some common types of feeders are:
- Saucer or pan feeders – open reservoirs of nectar with minimal perching areas
- Bottle or jug feeders – enclosed glass or plastic containers with feeding ports and perches
- Tube feeders – cylindrical tubes with feeding holes and perches on top
There are also more elaborate feeder designs such as fountains where nectar flows down for the birds to drink from.
Do hummingbirds use feeders?
The short answer is yes, hummingbirds will readily use feeders to supplement their natural food sources. Here are some key reasons why:
- Energy needs – Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and need to consume a lot of energy. The sugary nectar substitute provided in feeders gives them a concentrated source of energy.
- Food availability – Natural nectar sources can vary throughout the year, so feeders provide a consistent food source when flowers are not as abundant.
- Territoriality – Hummingbirds often return to and guard reliable feeding areas. A constantly full feeder in one spot becomes part of their feeding territory.
- Safety – Feeders allow hummingbirds to feed with minimal threats from predators.
- Comfort – Features like perches allow the birds to rest comfortably while feeding.
Numerous backyard birdwatchers report great success in attracting hummingbirds to feeders, especially during migration and nesting seasons when food needs are greatest. The abundance of hummingbird feeders available on the market demonstrates their popularity and effectiveness for supplementing natural food sources.
What do hummingbirds eat from feeders?
Hummingbird feeders are filled with either nectar or a sugar water solution intended to approximate the natural nectar that hummingbirds feed on. The nectar substitute is made by mixing white, granulated sugar with water at specified proportions. No other sweeteners or ingredients should be used.
Here is a typical nectar recipe:
- 1 part granulated white sugar
- 4 parts water
For example, mixing 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water. Organic, refined cane sugar is recommended over beet or raw sugars. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or flavorings, as these may be toxic to hummingbirds.
The nectar should be mixed until the sugar is fully dissolved to avoid clogging the feeder. It does not need to be boiled. The concentration should be about 20-25% sugar to best approximate flower nectar. Higher concentrations may not dissolve properly and can inhibit water absorption in hummingbirds.
This type of simple sugar water provides hummingbirds with their preferred energy source. The lack of complex nutrients in the mix is not an issue since hummingbirds get all other required nutrients from natural insect and plant sources.
Pros of using hummingbird feeders
There are many benefits to setting up a hummingbird feeder, both for the birds and their human observers:
- Consistent food source – Feeders provide a reliable supplemental food source during seasonal drops in natural nectar production or periods of migration.
- Access to observe – Feeders allow close-up views of hummingbirds that are often not possible when the birds are feeding on flowers.
- Increased diversity – Well-stocked feeders may attract less common hummingbird species in addition to abundant species.
- Admiration of beauty – The grace, colors, and behaviors of hummingbirds at feeders bring joy and serenity to those who watch them.
- Supporting populations – Providing clean, well-maintained feeders may contribute to higher reproductive rates andwinter survival.
- Learning about birds – Observing hummingbirds at feeders allows people to gain knowledge about their biology and behavior.
For many people, the simple pleasure of seeing these tiny, fast-moving birds up close and watching their fascinating feeding behaviors is a huge motivation for putting up feeders.
Potential downsides to feeders
While hummingbird feeders generally provide a benefit, there are some potential downsides to consider as well:
- Dependency – Relying too heavily on feeders may cause hummingbirds not to forage enough on natural sources for complete nutrition.
- Disease transmission – Unclean feeders may spread diseases between birds congregating closely together.
- Increased predation – Feeders may focus birds in one spot and make them more susceptible to predators.
- Reduced production – Easy access to feeders may result in reduced flower pollination and nectar production by hummingbirds.
- Discouraging plants – Neighbors may avoid planting flowers attractive to hummingbirds if there are abundant feeders nearby.
- Unwanted guests – Feeders may attract other birds and insects competing for the nectar.
These risks can be mitigated by proper feeder placement, maintenance, and monitoring. Allowing periods without feeders may encourage more diverse foraging.
Do hummingbirds nest in feeders or houses?
While they readily use feeders as a food source, hummingbirds do not typically nest or sleep in hummingbird feeders or houses.
Hummingbirds build very small, cup-shaped nests out of soft plant down, spider webs, and lichens. The nests are usually placed in trees, shrubs, or on branches, situated to protect the eggs and young from weather and predators.
Artificial nest structures or boxes are sometimes provided, but success in hummingbirds using them is limited. The majority of hummingbird species are most strongly motivated to construct their own specialized nests in natural locations. A few reasons hummingbird feeders are not used for nesting:
- Lack appropriate nesting materials – Feeders are made of plastic, glass, or metal, not soft down.
- Insufficient space – The feeder reservoirs are too small and shallow to accommodate a full nest.
- Vulnerability – Feeders hang openly and may attract predators.
- Lack stability – Movement from wind or refilling may disrupt nest building.
- Eggs may fall out – Smooth-sided feeders don’t keep eggs and chicks contained like a cupped nest.
Hummingbirds also do not sleep inside feeders or houses. At night they enter a hibernation-like torpor to conserve energy. They prefer to roostalone, in thick foliage or hidden nooks that provide cover.
Tips for attracting hummingbirds to your feeder
Here are some tips to follow when putting out hummingbird feeders:
- Fill with fresh nectar just before hummingbird season begins.
- Choose red or brightly colored feeders with perches.
- Situate near gardens, patios, or windows for viewing.
- Hang in shaded spots protected from direct sun and rain.
- Clean and disinfect feeders thoroughly every few days.
- Avoid using pesticides or herbicides nearby.
- Place feeders so hummingbirds can see predators approaching.
- Start with one feeder and add more if it is attracting many birds.
- Consider types designed to deter bees and wasps.
- Be patient, it may take a few weeks for hummingbirds to discover.
With a clean, well-maintained hummingbird feeder in a convenient spot, you are highly likely to have these energetic, colorful birds coming to partake soon!
Conclusion
In conclusion, research shows that hummingbirds will readily utilize feeders as a food source in addition to natural nectar from flowers. The sugary solution provided in hummingbird feeders approximates the composition of real flower nectar and delivers the carbohydrates hummingbirds need to meet their high energy demands. Well-placed and cleaned feeders can attract hummingbirds without posing substantial risks or disrupting natural behaviors. While hummingbirds do not nest or sleep in the feeders, the structures allow people to observe these tiny birds up close and gain enjoyment from their beauty and remarkable flying abilities. With a proliferation of commercial hummingbird feeders and widespread reports of hummingbirds flocking to them, especially during migration, it is clear these artificially-fed birds are a popular fixture in many gardens.
