Hummingbirds are amazing creatures known for their ability to hover in place and fly backwards. Their rapid wing beats and high metabolisms require that they eat often to fuel their busy lives. Providing food for hummingbirds in the form of nectar feeders allows us to observe these energetic birds up close. This raises questions about what kinds of feeders hummingbirds might prefer. Specifically, do hummingbirds like blue hummingbird feeders?
Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and rely heavily on visual cues when foraging. Their color vision includes seeing ultraviolet light which is invisible to humans. This means they can see a wider spectrum of colors than we can. The types of colors that appeal most to hummingbirds are reds, oranges and pinks which they associate with nectar-rich flowers. Blues and purples are less attractive to hummingbirds compared to these colors.
So when it comes to blue hummingbird feeders, research shows that color alone doesn’t dictate preference. While other colors like red are morestimulating, hummingbirds will utilize feeders of any color as long as the nectar itself is appealing. However, incorporating some red features into blue feeders can help make them more attractive. The color of the feeder should be chosen based on what works best for your own yard and visual appeal. Getting hummingbirds to use your feeder relies more on other factors besides just color.
What Attracts Hummingbirds to Feeders
While color plays a role in hummingbird feeder preference, there are other important factors that will attract these nimble flyers. Some key components to consider when setting up a hummingbird feeding station include:
– Location – Place your feeder in an open area where hummingbirds feel safe and have easy access. Near trees, shrubs and gardens is ideal so they have perches and shelter nearby.
– Nectar – Fill your feeder with homemade or commercial nectar that contains the proper ratio of sugar to water (1:4 is best). Don’t use food coloring, just plain white sugar. Replace nectar every 2-3 days to reduce spoilage.
– Flowers – Hummingbirds are attracted to red, orange and pink flowers. Having natural nectar sources nearby will increase visits to your feeder. Plant favorites like bee balm, fuchsia, petunias and columbine.
– Perches – Hummingbirds like to perch before and after eating. Have small branches, sticks or poles near your feeder that they can stop on.
– Cleaning – Keep your feeder clean to prevent mold and bacteria from developing. Change nectar regularly and clean thoroughly.
If these key attractants are in place, the color of the feeder becomes less important. Hummingbirds will find and use the nectar source.
Benefits of Blue Hummingbird Feeders
While it may not be the most visually stimulating color, using a blue hummingbird feeder has some potential benefits:
– Lower Temperatures – Dark colors absorb heat from sunlight which can cause nectar to ferment faster. Blue repels heat better than darker reds or purples which helps keep nectar cool. Less spoilage means less cleaning.
– Increased Visibility – Bright blue is easy to spot against green foliage so hummingbirds can see the feeder well. A red feeder might blend in more in some gardens.
– Coordinated Colors – Blue is complementary to reds and oranges. If you already have red flowers, an azure feeder can create a nice color scheme in your garden.
– Less Competition – Bees and wasps are also less attracted to blue. This reduces how often other pests will try to get your nectar, leaving more for the hummingbirds.
While blue won’t attract hummingbirds as quickly on its own, it can still be an excellent feeder color choice if these benefits match your needs.
Tips for Using Blue Hummingbird Feeders
If you opt for a blue hummingbird feeder, here are some tips to get the most success in attracting these energetic pollinators:
– Add some red accents like flower decals, an artificial red flower around the feeding ports, or a red top cap to increase appeal.
– Place the feeder near red, orange or pink flowers so hummingbirds get used to frequenting that area.
– Choose a location that provides natural cover like trees, shrubs or overhangs so hummingbirds feel safe stopping there while feeding.
– Keep feeders shaded from direct sunlight to prevent nectar heating up which can cause fermentation.
– Use reflective tape strips or a wire perch above the feeder to make it more visible and appealing. The reflective surfaces grab attention.
– Provide other enticements like a small water fountain or shallow bathing dish, additional flowers, and adequate small perches.
– When multiple feeders are used, vary the placement around your yard rather than clustering them together.
– Feeders on porches and patios may get more traffic than ones deep in the garden. Take advantage of high movement areas.
With some adaptations like these, even plain blue feeders can become hummingbird hot spots. The additional considerations help overcome any lack of appeal from the blue color alone.
Different Blue Hummingbird Feeder Styles
There are many styles of hummingbird feeders. While most come in standard red, there are some excellent blue options available to bring diversity to your yard. Popular blue feeder styles include:
Glass Bottle Feeders
| – Cylindrical bottle shape | – Nectar is visible which appeals to hummingbirds |
| – Plastic or glass construction | – Multiple feeding ports, often flowers shaped |
| – Can hold 16-64 ounces of nectar | – Drip-free, easy to fill and clean |
| – Cost ranges from $10-$30 | – Most common style of feeder |
Saucer or Dish Feeders
| – Round flat shape resembles a flower | – Multiple feeding holes around outer edge |
| – Shallow basin 1-2 inches deep | – Holds 4-16 ounces of nectar |
| – Plastic or glass with cover options | – Easy to clean |
| – $5-$20 price range | – Lower nectar capacity than other styles |
Tube or Bulb Feeders
| – Cylindrical tube shape with feeding holes | – Plastic, glass or metal construction |
| – Capacities from 5-20 ounces | – Single or multiple tubes |
| – Perching rods incorporated | – $10-$25 price range |
| – Good in windy areas | – Port holes can clog |
Window or Clamp-on Feeders
| – Attaches to windows, railings, poles | – Allows up-close viewing |
| – Plastic basins 2-6 inches diameter | – Holds 2-8 ounces of nectar |
| – $10-$30 price range | – Single or multiple ports |
| – Easy to fill and clean | – Position adjustments may be needed |
There are also hummingbird feeder kits that provide a variety of feeder types to try. This lets you find the style that works best for your specific setup. Kits range from $30-$60 for an assortment of 2-5 different feeders.
Choosing a Blue Hummingbird Feeder
With so many blue feeder types and price points available, here are some tips for selecting one:
– Feeding Capacity – Consider how many hummingbirds frequent your area. Larger capacity feeders like 16-40 oz reduce refilling frequency.
– Durability – Thick durable plastic or UV-resistant polycarbonate are good options for longevity. Look for leak resistance.
– Easy Cleaning – Choose feeders with wide openings or take apart designs so scrubbing out mold is simple. Avoid narrow crevices.
– Ant Moats – Models with ant moats can help deter crawling insects. Perches without access to nectar are best.
– Bees Proofing – Some feeders have long ports so only hummingbird tongues can reach the nectar. This minimizes bees.
– Sure-grip – Textured surfaces allow hummingbirds to cling while feeding without slipping. Angled perches also help.
– Easy Viewing – For enjoying their beauty, select clear styles or feeders with viewing windows.
Balancing your budget with the convenience, cleaning, and functionality features you prefer will ensure you get a great blue hummingbird feeder. Focus on usability over color alone.
FAQs About Blue Hummingbird Feeders
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about blue hummingbird feeders:
Do hummingbirds have a favorite color feeder?
While red is the best color for attracting hummingbirds, they will get used to and feed from any color given time. Different locations may see preferences for different hues.
Where should I hang my blue hummingbird feeder?
Near trees or shrubs so hummingbirds have a perch location and feel safe from predators. Avoid direct sun exposure or excessive wind. Place in a high traffic area of your yard.
How often should I change the nectar?
Nectar should be changed every 2-3 days in hot weather, or every 5 days if it’s cooler out. Look for signs of fermentation like slimy film, cloudiness or black mold.
What is the best homemade nectar recipe?
Mixing 1 part white sugar with 4 parts hot water is the ideal ratio. Avoid other sweeteners, food dyes and added red food color. Just plain white sugar provides best nutrition.
How much nectar will hummingbirds drink daily?
Up to 2-3 times their body weight per day! So larger capacity feeders require less frequent filling. Individual intake depends on factors like age, size and activity levels.
What’s the difference between a feeder and nectar?
The feeder is the physical device used to hold and access the nectar. Nectar is the energy-rich, sugar water solution that fills the feeder for hummingbirds to drink.
Conclusion
While hummingbirds prefer red feeders, they will readily adapt to feeders of any color – including blue options – especially if properly placed and filled with fresh energizing nectar. Blue’s lighter hue provides visibility against gardens, won’t overheat nectar as quickly, and deters bees. Adding red accents to a blue feeder like floral motifs or a red cap can increase appeal. Focus more on filling your feeder correctly with the right homemade nectar, keeping it clean, and positioning in an optimal spot. Do this consistently and hummingbirds will find your feeder, no matter if it’s blue, red or yellow. The goal is providing these energetic creatures with the fuel they need. With some patience, your blue hummingbird feeder is sure to become a favorite feeding hotspot.
