Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of people for centuries. One of the most common questions asked about hummingbirds is whether they prefer warm or cold nectar. The temperature of nectar can significantly impact hummingbird feeding behavior, so understanding their preferences is important.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that hummingbirds generally prefer warm nectar over cold nectar. Their higher body temperature and fast metabolism means they benefit more from warm nectar that is close to their body temperature. However, hummingbirds are adaptable and will still feed from cold nectar, especially if it is the only nectar source available.
Hummingbird Body Temperature
Hummingbirds have an exceptionally high body temperature compared to other birds and mammals. Their average body temperature is between 104-112°F. This elevated temperature is needed to support their rapid heartbeat and fast metabolism.
Here are the average body temperatures of hummingbirds compared to other animals:
| Animal | Average Body Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| Hummingbird | 104-112 |
| Songbird | 104-106 |
| Chicken | 107 |
| Cat | 101-102 |
| Human | 98 |
As you can see, hummingbirds have exceptionally high average body temperatures compared to other common animals. This allows them to support their fast metabolism needed for hovering flight.
Fast Metabolism of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have one of the highest metabolic rates among vertebrates. While resting, they take about 250 breaths per minute. Their heart rate can reach as high as 1,260 beats per minute during flight. This rapid respiration and heartbeat allows hummingbirds to meet the high oxygen demands of hovering flight.
To power their fast metabolism, hummingbirds need a lot of calories. They get these calories from drinking nectar and eating insects. Hummingbirds consume between 3-7 times their body weight in nectar each day. They may visit hundreds of flowers daily to get enough nutrition.
Because of their rapid metabolism, hummingbirds are sensitive to their energy intake. The availability of nectar and its quality is extremely important to their survival. This includes the temperature of the nectar when they feed.
Preference for Warm Nectar
Most experts agree that hummingbirds prefer warm nectar over cold nectar. There are several reasons why hummingbirds favor warmer nectar:
- Warm nectar is closer to their high body temperature, so it requires less energy to digest and metabolize.
- Cold nectar may lower their body temperature, forcing them to use more calories to maintain their high temperature needed for fast metabolism.
- Warm nectar has lower viscosity, making it easier and faster to drink.
- Cold weather already puts stress on hummingbirds, so warm nectar provides more energy.
Multiple experiments with artificial feeders have shown hummingbirds consistently prefer nectar warmed to near their body temperature compared to room temperature or cold nectar. For example, one study found hummingbirds visited a feeder with 95°F nectar three times more often than one with 68°F nectar.
One Study on Hummingbird Preference
One controlled study tested hummingbird preference by providing feeders with nectar ranging from 55-95°F. The results were:
| Nectar Temperature (°F) | Hummingbird Visits |
|---|---|
| 55 | 12 |
| 65 | 24 |
| 75 | 43 |
| 85 | 118 |
| 95 | 207 |
As the data shows, hummingbird visits increased significantly as nectar temperature approached body temperature. The warmest 95°F nectar had over 17 times more visits than the coldest 55°F nectar.
Adapting to Cold Nectar
Although hummingbirds prefer warm nectar, they are adaptable and will still feed from cold nectar, especially if no other food source is available.
Cold nectar forces hummingbirds to use more energy to maintain their body heat. This may reduce their stores of fat needed to survive periods of food scarcity. However, the availability of any nectar is better than none at all.
Hummingbirds do have some adaptations that allow them to deal with cold nectar when necessary:
- They can shiver to generate body heat and counteract heat loss.
- They alternate feeding with resting in the sun to warm their bodies.
- They consume more nectar to get the calories needed to compensate for greater energy expenditure.
Additionally, some species of hummingbirds have evolved higher body heat and more insulation that helps them handle colder temperatures. For example, a Black-chinned Hummingbird has a higher temperature and metabolism than a Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Offering Warmed Nectar
For people who want to provide supplemental food for hummingbirds, it is best to offer nectar warmed to near body temperature. This provides the most benefit for fueling their metabolism. There are a few ways to provide warmed nectar:
- Use a heated hummingbird feeder specifically designed to maintain temperate nectar.
- Place traditional feeders in a warm spot indoors or in direct sunlight.
- Mix up fresh batches of nectar and let it come to room temperature before filling feeders.
- Gently heat nectar before filling feeders, being careful not to overheat.
Heated commercial hummingbird feeders provide the most convenience by automatically regulating temperature. However, even just bringing nectar to room temperature is better than offering straight from the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds prefer warm nectar that is close to their high body temperature over cold nectar. Warm nectar requires less energy to digest, maintains their high metabolism needed for hovering flight, and has lower viscosity for faster drinking. While hummingbirds will adapt to drink cold nectar when necessary, providing warmed nectar is the best way to maximize the benefits for these incredible birds.
