Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved and fascinating birds that visit backyard feeders. With their vibrant plumage, energetic personalities, and amazing flying abilities, it’s no wonder why people love seeing these tiny birds stop by for a drink. Attracting hummingbirds to your yard is relatively easy with the right techniques and equipment. The keys are providing their preferred nectar, having the proper feeders, and positioning them in optimal spots around your home. Follow these tips and you’ll be rewarded with up-close views of these flying jewels all season long.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds live on flower nectar and small insects. Their extremely high metabolism requires them to consume around half their body weight in sugary nectar each day. While they’ll get some of this naturally from flowers and blooms, providing nectar feeders allows them easy access to the fuel they need.
The easiest and most effective nectar to use in your feeders is basic white granulated sugar dissolved in water. The ideal ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use honey, molasses, artificial sweeteners or food coloring, as these can be harmful. Boil the water first to ensure the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool before filling your feeder. Store unused nectar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Be sure to clean and refresh feeders every few days to prevent spoilage.
What about fruit?
While commercial hummingbird “nectars” may contain fruit pulp or other added ingredients, plain white sugar water has everything hummingbirds need. Fruit spoils more quickly than sugar water and can promote microbial growth. A basic nectar of one part sugar boiled in four parts water is the best way to feed your hummingbirds.
Do they eat insects too?
Yes, hummingbirds get essential proteins, fats and other nutrients by eating small insects and bugs. Providing plants that attract insects can help supplement their diet. Tubular flowers like honeysuckles, trumpet vines and columbines attract hummingbird pollinators and insects they can snatch up. You can also add mesh bags of live mealworms or other larvae to your feeders. Just make sure to remove them at night so they don’t rot.
Choosing your feeders
The style and setup of your hummingbird feeders can make a big difference in how often these speedy birds visit your yard. Here are some tips for selecting effective feeders:
- Choose feeders with a red base or components – this color attracts hummingbirds.
- Look for wide feeding ports to accommodate hummingbird’s long tongues.
- Select transparent nectar chambers so you can monitor fill levels.
- Go for feeders with built-in perches, as hummers prefer to sit and sip.
- Consider models that can hang or cling via suction cups for placement flexibility.
- Buy a few different feeder styles to accommodate more birds at once.
The most important factor is that your feeders are easy to disassemble and clean. Moldy, dirty nectar can make hummingbirds sick. Clean feeders thoroughly with hot water and vinegar every few days, especially during summer heat.
How many feeders will I need?
A good rule of thumb is to start with 2-3 feeders in your yard, then increase the number based on how quickly they empty. Hummingbirds are territorial and may guard feeders, so provide enough spots to reduce squabbles. Having 6-8 feeders gives plenty of feeding opportunities. Place them around your yard 10-15 feet apart so multiple birds can feast at the same time.
Where to place your feeders
Proper placement of your feeders is key to attracting hummingbirds. Here are some tips:
- Hang feeders from tree branches, porches, or other structures around your yard.
- Choose sheltered spots away from heavy winds and rain.
- Avoid direct sunlight which can cause nectar to spoil faster.
- Place very near flowering plants, bushes, and gardens that hummers frequent.
- Position 5-10 feet from windows, fences or walls so birds have a clear flight path.
- Hang some feeders high, others low, to attract both tree and ground birds.
- Aim for minimal disturbance – birds feel safest away from pets and humans.
Be sure to periodically reposition feeders around your yard to provide new spots for territorial birds. Pay attention to where hummingbirds tend to feed most naturally, then place feeders in those areas.
Where not to place feeders
Avoid these common feeder placement mistakes:
- Do not hang too close to noisy areas which startle hummingbirds.
- Do not position directly above ground level, where cats can pounce.
- Do not cluttered, tight spaces that impede hummingbird flight.
- Do not mount on metal poles or wires, which heat up in sunlight.
- Do not situate near dense shrubs or vines where predators lurk.
With a little strategic placement around your yard, you can create an enticing, safe feeding zone hummingbirds will flock to.
When to put out your feeders
Timing is key for attracting hummingbirds migrating through your area. Here are some guidelines per region:
- Southern states: Hang feeders as early as late January – February
- Midwest/Northeast: Begin early-mid April in time for spring migration
- Western states: Start late April – early May before western species arrive
- Canada: Mid-late April, or when night temperatures consistently above freezing
- Mountain regions: Early May once snow melts and flowers start blooming
The most important factor is avoiding freezing temperatures which can damage nectar and feeders. Get feeders up and filled a couple weeks before hummers arrive so curious migrants find your yard right away.
How long should I leave feeders up?
Keep feeders up as long as hummingbirds are in your area. In warmer regions, leave them up year-round as some birds never migrate south. Further north, keep feeders up through late summer/early fall until most hummingbirds have passed through on their return migration. This is usually sometime in September, but can vary by region. The birds will let you know when it’s time by decreasing visits to your yard.
Additional strategies to attract hummingbirds
Supplementing your feeders with some additional strategies can help make your yard even more appealing to hummingbirds.
Add hummingbird-friendly plants
Fill your garden beds, pots and baskets with nectar-producing annuals, perennials, vines and shrubs that hummingbirds love. Some top plant picks include:
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Trumpet vine
- Petunias
- Hostas
- Fuchsias
- Salvia
- Verbena
- Gladiolus
- Columbine
- Morning glory
- Foxglove
- Delphinium
- Lantana
- Coral honeysuckle
- Sage
Choose red, orange, pink and purple blooms which hummingbirds find most attractive. Grow a variety of flower shapes to suit different hummingbird species’ preferences.
Add a water feature
Hummingbirds bathe and drink while flying, so a mister, dripper, or water fountain provides a perfect spot to do so in your yard. Position it near feeders and flowering plants so hummingbirds can easily utilize all areas. The sound of moving water also helps attract these inquisitive, social birds.
Provide perches and nesting spots
Hummingbirds like to perch and rest between feeder visits. Place branches, twigs or shepherd’s hooks around your yard for them to stop on. Also appeal to their nesting instincts by leaving up dead leaves, twigs and branches so they can gather nest materials. Some species may even build nests on hooks, wreaths or wind chimes on your porch.
Let insects flourish
As mentioned previously, hummingbirds relish small soft-bodied insects for protein. Allow some dead leaves and debris to remain undisturbed in your gardens and beds so insect larvae and spiders can thrive. You can also add mesh bags of live mealworms to your feeders for easy snacking. Just remove the bugs at night so they don’t rot.
Use strategic placement
As territorial creatures, hummingbirds tend to prefer feeding alone. Placing feeders and enticements at different heights, spots and distances around your yard allows multiple birds to occupy their own desired spaces. Broad spacing reduces competition so more hummingbirds will visit.
Common problems and troubleshooting
Here are some common issues that arise with hummingbird feeders and how to address them:
Problem: Cloudy, smelly nectar
Cause: Spoiled nectar due to inadequate cleaning, old nectar, hot weather, etc.
Solution: Clean feeders thoroughly, change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather, store unused nectar in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Problem: Black mold in feeder
Cause: Yeast and bacteria growth when nectar sits too long, especially in heat.
Solution: Clean feeder with hot water and vinegar. Use diluted bleach solution if severe mold persists.
Problem: Ants on feeder
Cause: Nectar attracts ants who can drown hummingbirds.
Solution: Coat feeder hanger with petroleum jelly, hot pepper spray or other non-toxic repellents ants avoid.
Problem: Bees overrunning feeder
Cause: Bees are also attracted to sugar nectar.
Solution: Move feeder farther from beehives/flower beds, try a bee-proof model with built-in ant moats.
Problem: Leaky feeder
Cause: Cracked plastic, loose gaskets, separated parts, etc.
Solution: Discard cracked/damaged feeders, replace gaskets and parts, adjust loose connections.
Problem: Hummingbirds not visiting
Cause: Improper placement, old nectar, competition from bees, etc.
Solution: Relocate feeders closer to flowers/bushes, change nectar, clean feeders, use multiple feeder placement.
With a little tweaking and maintenance, you can resolve most common hummingbird feeder issues that pop up. The birds will reward your efforts and keep coming back to your lush and healthy backyard habitat.
Conclusion
Attracting beautiful, feisty hummingbirds to your feeders and garden is one of the joys of warmer weather. Follow this guide and you’ll be enjoying up-close views of these energetic birds all season long. Paradoxically, providing constant nectar actually reduces dependency, as birds continue seeking diverse natural food sources. Done right, feeding hummingbirds is a mutually beneficial and fascinating experience. So get your feeders prepped and planted – the magic of hummingbirds awaits!
