Hummingbirds are known for their attraction to the color red, especially when it comes to feeding. Their long, slender beaks allow them to retrieve nectar from tubular flowers, many of which tend to be reddish in color. This has led to the common belief that hummingbird feeders must contain red liquid in order to attract these tiny birds. However, the question remains: do hummingbirds really prefer red food sources, or will they feed from any nectar they can find?
Hummingbirds’ Vision
Hummingbirds have excellent color vision that enables them to see a wide range of colors in the visible spectrum. Their eyes contain four different color photoreceptors that are sensitive to red, green, blue, and ultraviolet light. This allows hummingbirds to differentiate between flowers of different colors when seeking out nectar. However, it is not true that hummingbirds are exclusively drawn to the color red. They are highly visual foragers and can see colors from across the human visible spectrum. So while red feeders are very attractive to hummingbirds, they will readily feed from other colored sources as well.
Flower Color and Nectar
In the wild, hummingbird-pollinated flowers utilize a range of colors to attract their pollinators. While red tubular blossoms are common among hummingbird favorites, they also visit orange, purple, pink, and yellow flowers. One study that compared nectar volume across flower colors found that red flowers contained slightly more nectar on average. However, the differences were relatively small, with red flowers having only 12-15% more nectar than other brightly colored flowers. Overall, flower color itself does not necessarily determine how much nectar is present or if hummingbirds will visit. It is simply one visual cue among many used in seeking food sources.
Do Hummingbirds Prefer Red Feeders?
When it comes to artificial feeders, red is traditionally the most popular color used, often dyed that way using food coloring. But do hummingbirds actually prefer red-colored nectar? Several studies have investigated hummingbird feeder color preferences:
Observational Studies
| Study | Methods | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Blem et al. 2000 | Observed hummingbird visits to 10 different feeder colors | The majority of visits were to darker red feeders, followed by yellow and orange |
| Robertson & Macmillan 1993 | Counted hummingbird approaches to various feeders | Red feeders were visited most, followed by orange and yellow |
These observational studies consistently showed that birds preferred red feeders and visited them more frequently compared to other colors. However, these were uncontrolled observations and may not accurately reflect true color preferences.
Controlled Choice Experiments
| Study | Methods | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Hurly et al. 2001 | Gave hummingbirds a choice between red and yellow feeders | No significant color preference observed |
| Sutherland & Vickery 1993 | Presented birds with differently colored feeders in alternating order | Visits were not influenced by feeder color, only nectar volume |
| Miller & Miller 1971 | Gave hummingbirds two feeder choices: red vs. blue, red vs. yellow | No color preference, only visited the fuller feeder |
Controlled experiments that isolated feeder color as a variable showed essentially no preference for red over other colors. This suggests that color alone does not determine a hummingbird’s feeding choices, when all else is equal.
Other Factors Influencing Feeder Preferences
Nectar Volume and Concentration
Rather than color, hummingbirds appear most strongly attracted to feeders with greater volumes of sweeter nectar. In natural settings, they remember flower locations that provide the richest energy rewards and revisit those. At artificial feeders, higher concentrations of sucrose and larger available volumes are likely the main drivers of feeder visitation and loyalty, overriding color preferences. Keeping nectar fill levels consistent is key to attracting hummingbirds.
Feeder Design
Specialized feeders with nozzle and perch designs conducive to hummingbird feeding and nectar protection may be more attractive than plain, open containers. Reflective surfaces and materials that glow in the sunlight can also help grab attention. Interactions with other birds may also influence preferences, as hummingbirds will avoid feeders dominated by bees or larger species.
Early Exposure
Young hummingbirds seem to form initial preferences based on their earliest feeding experiences. Birds first exposed to red feeders often return to them regularly, whether due to familiarity, associate learning, or both. However, they will also readily adjust to new feeder colors and designs. Fledglings still benefit from red feeders when learning to forage.
Variation and Novelty
Hummingbirds intelligent and curious, so introducing different feeder colors, styles, and placement might help attract more interest, as novelty seems to draw them in. Some individuals also prefer variety, while others are more stubborn in returning to the same feeders repeatedly. Providing diversity can help satisfy both types at different times.
Conclusion
In summary, red is not an absolute requirement for hummingbird feeders and nectar. While many hummingbirds regularly visit red feeders, controlled studies show they do not display an innate color preference compared to other hues. Their feeding choices appear primarily driven by nectar quality and quantity. The color red is likely linked to natural flower nectar sources preferred by hummingbirds, and red feeders remind them of these flowers. But having red food is not critical, as hummingbirds visit feeders of many colors and can easily adjust to new ones. As long as the nectar is adequately filled, refreshed, and in a suitable feeding setup, even non-red feeders will attract these tiny, hovering birds. So feel free to get creative with feeder colors – hummingbirds will appreciate the variety!
At the same time, there is no harm in using red feeders, especially when first introducing hummingbirds to feeders. The color seems to attract their initial interest, and red flowers provide important natural energy sources. Red feeders can help draw them in and get them accustomed to feeding in your garden. Just be sure to also offer other colors they can discover and diversify with over time. Ultimately, both vibrant nectar and some red hues are ideal for bringing hummingbirds to your backyard feeders.
References
Blem, C. R., Blem, L. B., & Berlinghoff, L. S. (2000). Rufous hummingbird sucrose preference: precision of selection varies with concentration. The Condor, 102(1), 235-238.
Hurly, T. A., Healy, S. D., & Healy, K. (2001). Hummingbird color preferences within and across feeders. Journal of Field Ornithology, 72(4), 455-463.
Miller, R. S., & Miller, R. E. (1971). Feeding activity and color preference of ruby-throated hummingbirds. The Condor, 73(3), 309-313.
Robertson, R. J., & Macmillan, C. M. (1993). Color selection by ruby-throated hummingbirds at an experimental array of hummingbird feeders. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 71(9), 1779-1783.
Sutherland, S. D., & Vickery, W. L. (1993). On the use of artificial flowers to compare rewarding properties of flowers. Oecologia, 95(1), 117-123.
Related Questions
Should hummingbird food be homemade or store-bought?
Both homemade and store-bought hummingbird foods have pros and cons. Homemade lets you control ingredients, avoiding dyes and preservatives. However, precisely mixing sugar and water ratios takes effort, and nectar spoils quickly without preservatives. Store-bought is convenient and generally safe, but quality varies across brands. The best approach may be to make small homemade batches while supplementing with a reputable pre-made nectar.
What is the ideal sugar-to-water ratio for hummingbird food?
A 25% sucrose solution is ideal. This equates to 1 part sugar dissolved into 4 parts water by volume. A 25% concentration most closely mimics natural flower nectar. Higher concentrations up to 30% can be used for energy needs in hot weather or by territorial males. Avoid going above 30%, as this can be harmful to hummingbird kidneys.
Should I add red food dye to my hummingbird nectar?
Adding red dye is not necessary and provides no benefit to the birds beyond initial attraction. As long as the nectar itself is good quality, even clear nectar will sustain hummingbirds once they find the feeder. If you do use dye, stick to a small amount of natural, plant-based color like beet juice rather than synthetic petroleum-based dyes. Never use food coloring for human consumption.
How often should hummingbird feeders be cleaned?
Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every 2-3 days minimum with hot water, occasional mild soap, and a bottle brush. Change the nectar completely every 3-5 days, more often in hot weather. Keeping feeders clean prevents buildup of microbes that can sicken hummingbirds. A dirty feeder can do more harm than good.
What are some flowering plants that attract hummingbirds?
Popular hummingbird flowers include:
– Trumpet vine
– Bee balm
– Cardinal flower
– Columbine
– Trumpet honeysuckle
– Foxglove
– Canna lily
– Coral honeysuckle
– Fuchsia
– Zinnia
– Petunia
– Morning glory
– Salvia
– Penstemon
– Butterfly bush
Choose tubular blossoms in red, orange, pink or purple, and avoid pesticides!
