When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to a feeder, every little detail matters. Hummingbirds are visual creatures who are instinctively drawn to the colors found in flowers where they get their nectar. So it makes sense that the color of a hummingbird feeder would impact how likely they are to visit.
Do hummingbirds have color preferences?
Hummingbirds can see colors on the spectrum that humans cannot. Their eyes havefour types of color receptors compared to only three in human eyes. This allows them to see into the ultraviolet spectrum.
Because of their excellent color vision, hummingbirds do have preferences when it comes to flower and feeder color:
- Red – This is a favorite, attracting the most hummingbirds
- Orange – Also highly attractive to hummingbirds
- Yellow – A moderately attractive color
- Green – Less attractive to hummingbirds compared to other colors
- Blue – The least attractive color, but will not deter hummingbirds
- Purple – Somewhere in the middle in terms of attractiveness to hummingbirds
- Pink – Attracts some species of hummingbirds
Research has shown that red feeders in particular get over five times as many visits from hummingbirds compared to green or yellow feeders. The color preferences of hummingbirds are linked to the colors found in tubular blossoms where they naturally feed on nectar.
Why are hummingbirds attracted to certain colors?
There are a few theories as to why hummingbirds gravitate towards red feeders and flowers:
- Red flowers stand out amongst green foliage, making them easy to spot.
- Red signifies an energy rich food source, as the pigments that produce red color, anthocyanins, require a lot of energy to create.
- Hummingbirds may have a psychological association between red and the taste of nectar.
Research has shown that hummingbirds have an innate preference for red, as hand raised birds with no prior experience still showed attraction to red feeders and flowers. Their excellent color vision and ability to see into the ultraviolet spectrum also allow red colors to really stand out.
Do all hummingbird species have the same color preferences?
Most hummingbird species in North America are attracted to red feeders. However, some species have slightly different color preferences:
| Hummingbird Species | Color Preferences |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Red |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Red and orange |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Red and orange |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Red and pink |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Red, purple, pink |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Purple, pink |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | Yellow, orange, red |
As seen above, red seems to be the most universally attractive color to hummingbirds. Specialist feeders made just for certain species like Calliope Hummingbirds may be designed to be pink or purple rather than red.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds
The most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in Eastern North America is the ruby-throated hummingbird. This species exhibits a very strong preference for red flowers and feeders. Having a red hummingbird feeder in your garden is the best way to attract them.
Rufous hummingbirds
The feisty Rufous hummingbird is brightly colored with beautiful coppery red plumage on the males. They are attracted to red and orange flowers and feeders. An orange feeder can attract these energetic hummingbirds that migrate huge distances each year.
Allen’s hummingbirds
Found along coastal California and into the Pacific Northwest, Allen’s hummingbirds regularly visit both red and orange colored flowers. They are also attracted to tubular red blooms. An orange or red feeder will attract them in the regions they inhabit.
Anna’s hummingbirds
Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents along coastal and southern California as well as western Arizona. They will visit both red and pink flowers and feeders. A pink feeder can help draw these shimmering green and gray hummingbirds to your yard.
Black-chinned hummingbirds
The Black-chinned hummingbird has a wide range through western and southwestern states. Their color preferences include red, purple and pink flowers. Put up a purple feeder if you want to target these hummingbirds in your yard.
Calliope hummingbirds
The smallest bird species found only in western North America is the Calliope hummingbird. Their top choice for flowers and feeders are purple, magenta and pink. A pink feeder can help bring these tiny hummingbirds into view.
Costa’s hummingbirds
With their stunning purple head and throat plumage, Costa’s hummingbirds are a southwestern species. They visit blooms in a range of colors including orange, red and yellow. An orange colored feeder will attract them in desert regions.
Do hummingbirds use other senses to find feeders?
While sight is the primary sense hummingbirds rely on, they also use their other senses to locate food sources:
- Hearing – Hummingbirds hear the high frequency sounds emitted by blooming flowers. Feeders can produce visual and audio cues.
- Smell – They can detect the sugary smell of nectar which helps lead them to flowers and feeders.
Even though color is the strongest attractant, consider placing your feeder where hummingbirds regularly fly through, such as near gardens or flowering bushes. The sight, sounds, and smells will pique their interest.
Should you choose a single color or multi-color feeder?
For the widest appeal and to attract the most hummingbirds, a feeder with red components is best. However, many new feeder designs incorporate multiple bright colors like yellow, orange, purple and pink:
- Single color – A feeder made entirely of red plastic, glass or metal is simple and attractive to most species.
- Multi-color – With red as the primary color and accents of others can appeal to broader group.
A red feeder with yellow or orange flowers painted on can combine the top visual cues. There are also colorful glass feeders that may capture more attention.
Tips for multi-color feeders
- Choose red as the main color if going for multi-color.
- Select colors known to attract species in your area.
- Try introducing more purple/pink for orioles and insects too.
- Don’t overdo it, aim for 2-3 colors max for visual appeal.
The color spectrum you choose also depends on what other backyard birds you want to entice. For example, orioles and butterflies enjoy purple and orange.
Do neutral colors work for hummingbird feeders?
While bright and bold colors attract the most hummingbirds, neutral color feeders will still entice them. Here are some points on how they compare:
- Clear – Made of glass or plastic, they blend into their surroundings which can make it tough for hummingbirds to notice.
- White – More visible than clear options, especially against colorful backdrops.
- Green – Blends into foliage so can be harder to spot, but hummingbirds will still find the nectar source.
- Black – Darker color stands out well in most settings. May absorb heat from sunlight.
While paler and translucent feeders will work, the most important factor is the bright colored nectar inside. Place neutral feeders near red plants and flowers to get noticed faster.
Tips for neutral colored feeders
- Hang in brightly lit spots to stand out.
- Paint stripes or patterns in red, yellow, orange on outside.
- Use red flower accents if possible.
- Pair with red blooms or a red feeding station.
- Move locations if one spot seems ineffective.
With strategic placement and additions, you can still attract hummingbirds with a more subtle feeder. But the most eye-catching results come from vivid colors they instinctively recognize as food sources.
Do design and placement also impact effectiveness?
Aside from color, the design and placement of hummingbird feeders influences how well hummingbirds can use them:
Design factors
- Size – A larger capacity feeder means less frequent refills.
- Type – Dish or basin-style feeders allow more access versus tube/bottle feeders.
- Exposed nectar – Visible nectar will help attract their attention.
- Perches – Perching area near feeding ports gives them a place to rest.
Placement factors
- Visibility – Hang feeder where hummingbirds can clearly see it.
- Access – Don’t obstruct area around the feeder with dense foliage.
- Protection – Shelter from wind helps hummingbirds drink steadily.
- Height – Hang 5-10 feet off ground, out of reach of other wildlife.
Optimizing these factors along with color means your feeder will be easier for hummingbirds to use regularly.
Tips for design and placement
- Select brightly colored basin-style feeders which are easy to use.
- Look for a capacity of 20oz or more to avoid frequent refilling.
- Perches allow hummingbirds to comfortably feed.
- Hang on a tree branch, hook, pole or stand in an open area.
- Keep out of reach from deer, squirrels and climbing critters.
- Avoid dense cover that will block access to feeder ports.
Do you need more than one hummingbird feeder?
During peak hummingbird season, a single feeder may not be enough to meet the high demand, depending on traffic volume. Some tips on meeting the needs of all your visitors:
- Monitor usage – Keep an eye on how quickly nectar depletes.
- Refill diligently – Don’t let the feeder go empty which may discourage hummingbirds.
- Use larger capacity – A 32oz+ feeder requires less refilling.
- Add feeding stations – Consider a cluster of 2-3 feeders in one area.
- Separate feeders – Space multiple feeders around yard to reduce crowding.
Ensuring a consistent nectar supply will keep your yard buzzing with active hummingbirds. Place extra feeders 15-20 feet apart to minimize squabbling.
What problems can occur with colored plastic feeders?
Plastic feeders may degrade over time with sun exposure leading to some potential issues:
- Fading color – Vivid reds and other colors fade to pale shades.
- Brittleness – Heat and UV rays make plastic brittle and prone to cracks.
- Mold – Cracks allow organic matter to get trapped and promote mold growth.
- Leaching – Chemicals from plastic can leach into the nectar.
To maximize the lifespan of plastic feeders:
- Select UV stabilized, BPA-free plastic.
- Look for those with long warranties against defects.
- Place in shaded spots away from extended direct sun.
- Clean and sanitize feeder thoroughly every couple weeks.
- Replace cracks feeders so they don’t harbor mold.
Conclusion
Does the color of a hummingbird feeder matter when it comes to attracting these special birds? The answer is absolutely yes. Research shows hummingbirds have an instinctual preference for red and other bright tubular flowers. By mimicking their coloration with feeders, you are essentially creating a visual signal flag.
Red feeders attract the most hummingbirds, but multi-color feeders incorporating orange, yellow, purple and pink can also entice them. Neutral colored feeders work too but are less eye catching. Optimal design and placement also play key roles in getting hummingbirds to visit and regularly feed.
If sustaining visits from these energetic, colorful birds is your goal, make color a priority when selecting hummingbird feeders. When paired with a fresh nectar supply and ideal setup, the right feeder color can help turn your yard into a bustling hummingbird magnet.
