Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to many people who enjoy watching them feed. Their tiny size and delicate nature, however, can sometimes lead them into sticky situations – literally! Grape jelly in particular poses a risk for hummingbirds becoming trapped.
Why do hummingbirds get attracted to grape jelly?
Hummingbirds are drawn to the sweet nectar inside certain flowers, which they sip through their long slender beaks. Grape jelly happens to resemble flower nectar in color and consistency. The bright purple hue and thick, sugary texture tricks hummingbirds into thinking grape jelly could be a tasty treat.
In addition, many people intentionally put out grape jelly to try to attract hummingbirds. The birds quickly learn that grape jelly can provide them with the quick burst of energy from sugars that they need to rapidly flap their wings. Once they discover a grape jelly feeder, they will return to it frequently.
How do hummingbirds get stuck?
A hummingbird’s bill did not evolve to feed from jelly. Their bills are designed to carefully sip liquid through two thin tubes that run along the edge of their long beaks. This allows them to draw nectar from flowers without getting covered in pollen.
When a hummingbird tries to feed on the thick, sticky grape jelly, the texture causes problems. As they dip their beaks in to feed, the jelly can adhere to the exterior of their bills. With a large glob stuck on the end of their bill, hummingbirds often have trouble flying away.
The more they move their bills trying to lick the jelly off, the more entangled they become. Unlike thin flower nectar, the gummy grape jelly tends to stick and tack on. This leaves hummingbirds helpless and trapped.
Dangers of entrapment
When a hummingbird gets its bill fully coated in grape jelly, it cannot free itself on its own. The heavy jelly weighs down and immobilizes their bills. Without the ability to feed normally or groom themselves, hummingbirds can face grave threats to their health and safety if left stuck.
Some of the dangers include:
- Starvation – Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to feed frequently. They can starve in just a few hours if they cannot reach nectar sources.
- Exposure – Being stuck leaves hummingbirds vulnerable to predators, harsh weather, and insects that may swarm or bite them.
- Infection – The sugary jelly left on their bills can promote bacterial or fungal growth that makes them ill.
- Self-injury – In a panic, they may thrash dangerously or peck at the jelly which can cause injury.
Hummingbirds caught in jelly require immediate gentle intervention for their best chance of survival. Without help, they are likely to die within a day or less.
Preventing entrapment
The safest way to enjoy hummingbirds is to avoid using grape jelly feeders entirely. Instead, consider using a nectar formula made for hummingbirds. You can purchase premixed nectar or make your own by mixing 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes and let cool before filling your feeder.
This liquid nectar more closely matches what hummingbirds sip from flowers. The thinner consistency allows hummingbirds to lick it up without their bills getting trapped. Feeders made for hummingbird nectar also have specialized ports that accommodate their bills.
If you want to use jelly, switching to a smooth, low-sugar jam variety can reduce the risk of entrapment. Diluting the jelly with water also helps. Avoid thick, sugary grape jelly which can too easily coat their bills in sticky goo.
Check your feeders frequently for any hummingbirds in distress. Rescue any trapped hummingbirds immediately and properly clean the feeder to prevent it happening again.
Rescuing a trapped hummingbird
If you spot a hummingbird with its bill encased in jelly, it needs help right away. With care and patience, you can free the bird to give it a chance to survive.
Here are some tips for safe rescue:
- Do not pull on the bird or yank the jelly off. This can damage its delicate bill.
- Gently soak the area in a sugar-water solution to loosen and dissolve the jelly.
- Use a soft toothpick, cotton swab or gentle stream of water to gently remove remaining sticky jelly.
- Watch for signs of stress and let the bird rest if needed. Safety is more important than speed.
- Once freed, give the hummingbird diluted sugar-water to drink before releasing it.
With slow patient care, you can successfully rescue a hummingbird from a sticky jelly trap. Just be sure to rethink your feeding practices to avoid endangering hummingbirds going forward.
Conclusion
Grape jelly may seem like a tasty treat to draw in hummingbirds, but it can quickly turn into a trap for the tiny birds. The thick, sugary consistency adheres to their slender bills, leaving hummingbirds stuck and vulnerable. Jelly traps pose serious health risks and can be fatal if the birds are not rescued in time.
Luckily, there are safer feeding options for enjoying hummingbirds up close. Nectar formulas designed for hummingbirds have a thinner consistency that makes it easy for them to sip and feed. With the right feeders and food sources, you can attract hummingbirds without the risk of entrapment and enjoy their beauty and activity safely.
