Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures. Their ability to hover mid-air and drink nectar while flapping their wings up to 70 times per second is simply astonishing. Watching them buzz around from flower to flower in your garden is a joy. That’s why many people want to attract hummingbirds by setting up feeders full of homemade nectar.
What is hummingbird nectar?
Hummingbird nectar is a liquid solution made by mixing sugar and water together. It provides a calorie-rich food source that gives hummingbirds the energy they need to power their rapid metabolisms and enable their unique mode of flight. Here are some key facts about hummingbird nectar:
- The ideal ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. This creates a 20% sucrose solution which is the concentration found in natural flower nectars.
- Only plain white table sugar should be used, not honey, artificial sweeteners, or brown/raw sugars.
- Nectar needs to be mixed thoroughly to dissolve the sugar completely before filling feeders.
- Unheated tap water is fine since hummingbirds have no sense of taste.
- Nectar spoils quickly, especially in heat, so change it every 2-3 days.
The most convenient way to make nectar is to boil the water first to ensure the sugar dissolves fully when stirred in. Let the solution cool before pouring it into feeders. Making a larger batch and storing excess in the fridge allows for easy refilling as needed.
Does the color of hummingbird nectar matter?
When it comes to homemade hummingbird food, many people wonder if the color of the nectar matters. The short answer is no – the color of nectar does not affect hummingbird feeding. Here’s a more in-depth look at why it doesn’t matter:
- Hummingbirds do not have a strong sense of taste. Their taste receptors are located at the tip of their long tongues, which they extend into flowers to retrieve nectar. They can’t taste with their beaks.
- Their vision is their most important sense. Hummingbirds see colors on the visible spectrum as well as ultraviolet light which allows them to target flowers. However, they are attracted to the color red more than any other color.
- In nature, flower nectar can come in a range of colors depending on the pigments present. But that coloration is not for hummingbird benefit – it’s to attract different pollinators. So hummingbirds don’t rely on nectar color.
- As long as the sugar-to-water ratio is right, hummingbirds will readily feed on clear, artificially colored, or naturally colored nectar. The nutrition content is what matters.
With that said, adding red food coloring to homemade nectar can help make the feeder more visually stimulating and attractive to hummingbirds. But it’s not necessary for them to eat. Keep in mind that artificial dyes provide no nutritional value and may be problematic if consumed in large quantities. An occasional batch of colored nectar is likely fine but not recommended all the time.
Do hummingbirds have color preferences?
Even though taste and nectar color are not important factors, research shows hummingbirds do have visual color preferences when it comes to flowers and feeders. Here’s an overview of what we know about hummingbird color preferences from scientific studies:
- Multiple studies have shown hummingbirds are highly attracted to the color red. This draw to red seems to be innate rather than learned behavior.
- Red flowers produce no more nectar than other colored flowers, but receive over two times more hummingbird visits which aids pollination.
- Hummingbirds visited red artificial feeders more frequently than other colors, indicating an inclination for red.
- Besides red, hummingbirds are also preferentially attracted to orange and yellow flowers as well.
- Bright pink and purple flowers also receive a high amount of hummingbird attention, more so than blue or green.
- One study showed hummingbirds have an aversion to artificial feeders colored blue or black.
Researchers hypothesize that hummingbirds are naturally attracted to reddish hues because they resemble the color of many tubular flowers that ornithophilous (bird-pollinated) plants have evolved. The color red is also highly visible at a distance.
Tips for using color on hummingbird feeders
Based on what we know about hummingbird vision and color preferences, here are some tips for utilizing color when trying to attract hummingbirds:
- Use red if possible – Red is highly stimulating and will draw the most birds to your feeder. Red flowers around the feeder add to the attraction.
- Also try orange or yellow – These colors are also preferential and may attract birds when red is not available.
- Consider magenta/pink/purple – While less influential than red, these colors are still effective at attracting attention.
- Avoid blue or black feeders – Hummingbirds seem to actively avoid some hues such as blue or black.
- Use color in moderation – While color is useful for attraction, too much dye or food coloring can be unhealthy if consumed in excess.
- Move feeders around – Changing locations and putting out fresh colors incites curiosity and exploration.
In most cases, plain clear nectar in a red feeder will do the trick. But strategically using other colors and moving feeder locations can help keep hummingbirds interested throughout the seasons. The key is observing the birds’ behaviors and adjusting to their changing needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I add red food coloring to my nectar?
Adding a small amount of red food coloring to clear hummingbird nectar is optional. It will attract more hummingbirds but is not essential. Use no more than 1-part color per 4 parts water to avoid potential health risks.
Do hummingbirds prefer certain nectar flavors?
No, hummingbirds do not have a preference for flavored nectar. Their sense of taste is limited and they are drawn by the sugar content rather than taste.
Why are hummingbird feeders red?
Hummingbird feeders are often made red because it is an appetite stimulant and attractant for hummingbirds. Research shows hummingbirds are innately attracted to the color red, so a red feeder will attract more hummers.
Should I buy premixed colored hummingbird food?
Premixed colored hummingbird nectar solutions are not necessary and may contain unnecessary additives. It’s best to make homemade nectar using only sugar and water, adding red food coloring occasionally if desired.
Do hummingbirds eat anything besides nectar?
Yes, hummingbirds get protein and nutrients by eating small insects and spiders. They capture bugs mid-air or pick them off leaves and branches. Providing trees, shrubs, and plants that attract insects can help supplement their diet.
Conclusion
In the end, the most important factor for attracting hummingbirds is offering fresh homemade nectar with an optimal 20% sugar concentration, not color. But red feeders and decorative accents are useful for getting their visual attention. Strategically utilizing color can help invite more hummingbird activity around your yard.
A clean, well-maintained feeding station providing easy access to quality nutrition will be most beneficial to hummers throughout the seasons. By observing bird behaviors and patterns, you can create an ideal environment that caters to their natural preferences. With a little tweaking and experimentation, your garden can become a safe haven hummingbirds will return to year after year.
