It’s a common question for hummingbird enthusiasts – is it okay to serve pre-made nectar straight from the refrigerator to hummingbirds? While hummingbirds have a high metabolism and can generate a lot of internal body heat, serving ice-cold nectar to these tiny birds may not be ideal. In this article, we’ll look at the key considerations around optimal nectar temperatures for hummingbirds.
Do hummingbirds prefer warm or cold nectar?
Hummingbirds evolved drinking nectar from flowers in tropical and subtropical climates, where daytime temperatures are often quite warm. As such, they likely prefer nectar that is at least at room temperature. Providing nectar that is too cold may be off-putting and discourage hummingbirds from feeding.
Several observations indicate that hummingbirds prefer warmer nectar:
- Hummingbirds are more attracted to feeders placed in sunny rather than shady spots.
- Hummingbirds feed more readily in the warmth of the day rather than early morning or at night.
- Hummingbirds reject nectar that is chilled by rain or irrigation.
So while they can tolerate cold nectar thanks to their rapid metabolism, room temperature or slightly warm nectar seems to be most appealing to hummingbirds.
Does cold nectar affect hummingbird health?
Drinking extremely cold nectar may force a hummingbird to use more energy to warm up again. This diverts energy away from important processes like egg production, molting, and migration.
However, moderate chilling of nectar down to typical refrigerator temperatures (35-40°F or 2-4°C) is not considered overly problematic. As long as ample nectar is available, hummingbirds can compensate for the extra energy expenditure required to warm cold nectar in their crop.
So while cold nectar is not ideal, it won’t directly cause health issues unless the hummingbird is already compromised or stressed in some way. The main downside is that the hummingbird may reject the nectar source and have to expend energy looking for a warmer alternative.
What’s the ideal temperature for pre-made nectar?
The optimal temperature for store-bought, pre-made nectar is likely between 70-80°F (21-27°C). This corresponds to typical warm daytime temperatures.
Nectar warmer than 80°F (27°C) may risk bacterial or fungal growth. So it’s best not to intentionally serve hot nectar.
As long as pre-made nectar is between room temperature and 80°F, hummingbirds will readily accept it. If the nectar is refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before filling feeders.
When can cold nectar be tolerated?
There are some contexts where offering cold pre-made nectar to hummingbirds may be okay:
During hot weather
On extremely hot summer days, hummingbirds may benefit from slightly chilled nectar from the refrigerator. As long as it’s not icy cold, they will appreciate the cool drink on scorching afternoons. The cold nectar may also be less likely to spoil in the heat.
For short-term supplemental feeding
If you only plan to offer nectar for a short period, like during a migration stopover, the temperature is less critical. The hummingbirds will get the quick energy they need from the cold nectar even if they don’t prefer it.
When bird health is not compromised
Healthy, robust hummingbirds in good condition are able to handle cold nectar without ill effects. It’s mainly baby hummingbirds, stressed individuals, or birds already weakened by illness that may suffer from the extra energy expenditure.
So if the birds at your feeder are active and healthy, cold nectar once in a while won’t significantly hurt them. It just may mean fewer visits to your feeder.
Tips for serving nectar at ideal temperatures
Here are some tips to ensure pre-made, store-bought nectar is an appealing temperature for hummingbirds:
- Read labels and only make up what you will use in 3-5 days. Don’t serve old nectar.
- Refrigerate unused nectar and pour into feeders as needed. Do not store nectar at room temp.
- Before filling feeders, take nectar out of fridge and allow it to warm up for 30-60 minutes.
- Consider a nectar warmer sleeve or other warming device for the feeder.
- Place feeders in sunny spots rather than deep shade.
- Swap out nectar more frequently on hot days if it heats up too much.
Taking some simple steps to control nectar temperature will help attract more hummingbirds to your feeders.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds prefer nectar that is room temperature or slightly warm, but they can tolerate chilled nectar for short periods. Allow refrigerated pre-made nectar to come to room temp before filling feeders. Ideal serving temperature is 70-80°F. Take care to properly store and change nectar frequently to avoid spoilage. With some small adjustments, you can provide an appealing nectar feeding station that hummingbirds will flock to.