Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard visitor, with their iridescent plumage and mesmerizing hovering flight. Many people put up feeders to attract hummingbirds to their yard, filling them with sugary liquid “nectar”. But given that hummingbirds evolved to drink nectar from flowers, an important question arises – do hummingbirds actually prefer the artificial nectar from feeders compared to natural nectar from flowers?
Quick Answers
– Hummingbirds will readily use feeders as a food source, but they still rely on flowers for nutrition.
– Feeders provide a concentrated source of energy in the form of sucrose-rich nectar. Flowers provide more nutrients than just sucrose.
– Some studies show hummingbirds prefer higher concentrations of sucrose, like those found in feeders, while others show a preference for more diluted nectar or no preference.
– Other factors like feeder design, dilution, and cleanliness may influence feeder preference.
– In most cases, feeders supplement but do not replace the need for flowers in the landscape to provide a balanced diet.
The Appeal of Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders have several properties that may make them attractive as a food source compared to flowers:
Concentrated Sucrose Solution
The “nectar” in hummingbird feeders is typically comprised of 1 part table sugar to 4 parts water. This creates a 20-25% sucrose solution that is higher in sugar concentration than most natural flower nectars. Higher sugar concentrations provide more metabolic energy. As birds with very high metabolism, hummingbirds seek out sweeter solutions when possible to meet their energy needs. This may explain why they readily flock to feeders.
Reliable and Predictable
Hummingbird feeders provide a consistent and dependable source of energy. The sugar water does not run out like a flower, and feeders are refilled regularly. Birds can return to the same location over and over and expect the reward of sweet nectar. Flowers, on the other hand, bloom and fade on their own schedule.
Designed to be Convenient
Many feeders, such as those with perches, are designed with the bird’s needs in mind. Bright colors attract them, and the openings accommodate their long tongues and beaks. The sweet liquid is readily accessible and birds spend minimal effort feeding. Flowers require the bird to hover and probe into each blossom.
The Drawbacks of Feeders
Despite their appeal, feeders have some drawbacks compared to flowers:
Lack Nutritional Value
The sucrose-only nectar lacks the wider array of sugars, proteins, and antioxidants found in flower nectar. This may mean birds cannot get a balanced or complete diet from feeders alone.
Risk of Fermentation and Contamination
The concentrated sugar water risks fermentation or growth of mold and bacteria. This can occur rapidly in hot weather if the feeder is not cleaned regularly. Contaminated nectar could potentially expose hummingbirds to pathogens not found in flowers.
Unnatural Feeding Behaviors
In some cases, feeders may promote aggressive territorial behaviors that are rarely seen at flowers. Some males may stake claim to a feeder and chase off other birds. Competition can deprive less dominant birds of access to food.
Preference Studies Comparing Feeders and Flowers
Several scientific studies have tested whether hummingbirds show an innate preference when given the choice between feeders and flowers:
Preference for Higher Sugar Concentrations
Multiple studies show hummingbirds prefer higher sugar concentrations typical of feeders when directly compared to more dilute solutions typical of flowers:
- A 1978 study showed hummingbirds preferred 0.5 to 1.0 M sucrose solutions over 0.25 M solutions that better matched flower nectar concentrations1.
- Another study in 1980 demonstrated broad-tailed hummingbirds preferred 0.7 to 1.0 M sucrose concentrations2.
- In a 2011 study, freelivingAnna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds were observed to prefer concentrations of 25% sucrose or higher comparable to feeders3.
Preference for Dilute Solutions
However, some experiments found the opposite – an innate preference for more dilute nectar concentrations, even when unrestricted access to higher concentrations was available:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds preferred 15% sucrose similar in concentration to flower nectar over 30% in one 1976 study4.
- In another study, male Anna’s hummingbirds preferred 10% sucrose solution while female and juvenile birds showed no preference5.
No Strong Preference
Other researchers found no strong sucrose concentration preference when birds were exposed to choices between dilute and concentrated nectar6.
Factors Besides Sugar Concentration
The concentration of sucrose in nectar may not be the only factor that drives hummingbird preferences between flowers and feeders7. Other aspects to consider:
Taste
In addition to varying sugar contents, flower nectar contains combinations of sugars like glucose, fructose, and complex carbohydrates. The taste profile may be more appealing than plain sucrose in feeders.
Micronutrients
Flowers provide other micronutrients like amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and pigments that may have positive effects on hummingbird health andbreeding success7.
Feeder Design
Shapes, perch types, height, and color of feeders influence how attractive and accessible feeders are to different hummingbird species and ages.
Nectar Volume
Flowers often produce more total nectar per plant than a small feeder, reducing competition.
Maintenance
Dirty or fermented liquid in a feeder is unappealing, while flowers provide fresh nectar daily.
Meeting Both Energy and Nutritional Needs
To balance the dietary needs of hummingbirds, experts recommend:
– Providing clean, well-maintained feeders to supplement energy needs.
– Landscaping with diverse, blooming flowers and flowering trees to provide balanced nutrition.
– Avoiding dependence on feeders alone, especially during migration and nesting seasons that have high nutritional demands.
– Monitoring bird activity and health and adjusting approach if issues appear.
– Strategically placing feeders to attract birds but not deter them from seeking flower nectar.
Key Takeaways
- Hummingbirds readily use feeders, likely due to the high sucrose content and convenience, but they still rely heavily on flowers.
- Preference for feeders versus flowers depends on many factors, including sugar content, micronutrients, taste, feeder design, nectar availability, and maintenance.
- In most cases feeders supplement, but should not replace, flower nectar in hummingbird health and diet.
- Balancing feeders with abundant flowering plants attracts hummingbirds while supporting their nutritional needs.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds’ preference for feeders versus natural flowers is complicated, with competing evidence under different conditions. But overall both food sources play an important role. Thoughtfully used feeders provide easy energy, while flowers offer a more balanced source of nutrition. By landscaping with diverse blooms and properly maintaining feeders, we can create an optimal habitat to support hummingbird populations. The convenience of feeders helps draw in these special birds, but they still rely on flowers to truly thrive.
