Red sugar water is a common offering given to hummingbirds by people who want to attract these beautiful birds to their yards and gardens. The ruby-red liquid seems to appeal to hummingbirds’ color vision and sweet tooth. However, some questions have been raised about whether dyed sugar water may actually pose risks to hummingbird health. In this article, we’ll look at the evidence behind whether red food coloring could negatively impact hummingbirds.
What is red sugar water?
Red sugar water is simply regular white sugar water that has had red food coloring added to it. The ratio is usually four parts water to one part sugar, creating a nectar-like solution. Red food dye is then added until the liquid achieves a bright, cardinal red color.
This red-hued nectar is provided to hummingbirds via specialty feeders designed to accommodate the birds’ hover-and-sip feeding style. The vibrant color is intended to attract the hummingbirds and entice them to return frequently to the feeder.
Why is red sugar water given to hummingbirds?
There are a few reasons why red sugar water is commonly offered to hummingbirds:
Attraction
Hummingbirds are visually oriented and attracted to the color red, which they associate with natural food sources like tubular flowers and red trumpet vine. Red feeders grab the attention of passing hummingbirds and signal that there is food available.
Vision
Hummingbirds can see color better than humans. They have four types of cone cells in their eyes, allowing them to perceive ultraviolet light and a wide range of colors. Red is thought to be particularly vivid and stand out to a hummingbird’s enhanced color vision.
Preference
In side-by-side experiments, hummingbirds visited red feeders much more frequently than uncolored sugar water feeders. This suggests that when given an option, hummingbirds favorably select reddish food sources.
Mimicry
Red dye makes the sugar water better mimic the natural nectar found in many hummingbird-pollinated flowers and blooms. Hummingbirds are drawn to red because it instinctively signals food in the wild.
Are there risks to red food dye for hummingbirds?
While red sugar water is extremely popular, there are some potential risks associated with artificially coloring hummingbird nectar.
Safety unknowns
Very little research has specifically looked at the effects of food dyes on hummingbirds. The physiological impacts are largely unknown. Small amounts are likely safe, but it’s unclear if larger amounts or long-term use could be detrimental.
Dyes made for humans
Manufactured food dyes are produced and tested for human consumption. The effects on a tiny, three-gram hummingbird may be entirely different. What humans can tolerate may harm a hummingbird.
Possible toxicity
Some dyes themselves could be directly toxic to hummingbirds. Red dyes like Allura Red AC (Red 40) have raised health concerns when tested in high doses in rodents, dogs, and other animals. Impacts on hummingbirds are unstudied.
Cumulative effects
Over weeks and months of exposure, even small amounts of food dye may accumulate within a hummingbird’s body or have unintended effects. Long lifespans and very high metabolisms make hummingbirds potentially vulnerable.
Color preference
Hummingbirds visit red feeders more based on color preference, not nutritional need. Studies show equivalent growth, reproduction, and survival whether birds fed from red or clear nectar.
Evidence that red dye is harmful
While no direct experimental evidence yet exists, there are some indications that using red food coloring in hummingbird nectar may pose risks:
Cases of illness
There are anecdotal reports of hummingbirds becoming ill and dying shortly after feeding extensively from dyed nectar. Necropsies have sometimes revealed red dye in the birds’ livers and tissues.
Banning by organizations
Out of precaution, several hummingbird-focused conservation groups strongly discourage or outright ban providing dyed nectar at their feeders. This includes the Audubon Society and multiple wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Carcinogenicity
Some red food dyes (like Red Dye No. 3) have been found to be carcinogenic when fed long-term to rodents. While inconclusive, this raises concerns that carcinogens could endanger hummingbirds as well.
Dye previously discouraged
In the 1970s, many experts advised against using red dyes in hummingbird nectar due to health concerns. This recommendation changed over time despite limited new evidence that dyes were safe.
| Year | Organization | Recommendation on Dye Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Many hummingbird experts | Avoid dye |
| 2022 | Audubon Society | Avoid dye |
Evidence that red dye is safe
While long-term studies are still needed, there are some reasons to believe using small amounts of red food coloring in hummingbird nectar is likely safe:
Lack of observed problems
Millions of homeowners have been coloring their nectar red for decades without reporting large-scale issues or mortality among hummingbirds. This suggests acute toxicity is unlikely.
Small dye amounts ingested
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms. The tiny bit of dye consumed during occasional feeding is likely not enough to reach concerning dosages before it is excreted.
Lab studies
At least one laboratory study found providing high-dye test diets (up to 1% dye) resulted in no ill effects over a short timespan in captive hummingbirds. Higher doses may still be problematic.
E162 less risky
Potentially harmful synthetic dyes like Red Dye No. 3 are no longer recommended. Safer vegetable-based dyes like E162 carry lower risks based on existing toxicity data.
Anecdotal reports
Many individual homeowners report dyeing nectar red for years with no noticeable adverse effects on the hummingbirds that feed at their feeders.
| Evidence Type | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Observational | No large-scale die-offs reported |
| Experimental | No harm in short lab study |
Alternatives to red food dye
To provide hummingbirds with safely colored nectar, experts recommend avoiding artificial dyes altogether and using natural alternatives instead:
Flower nectars
Nectars collected directly from red flowers like cardinal flower, red clover, and trumpet vine provide pigments and nutrition without risks of toxicity.
Fruit juices
Natural fruit juices from berries, cherries, grapes, or cranberries can safely tint nectar while providing antioxidants and nutrients.
Flower essences
Non-toxic extracts from red flowers can add minimal color without artificially high dye levels.
Clear nectar
Plain sugar water is perfectly nutritious for hummingbirds. Lack of colorant will not deter hummingbirds from visiting feeders.
| Alternative | Source of Red Pigment |
|---|---|
| Cardinal flower nectar | Cardinal flower petals |
| Cranberry juice | Cranberries |
Recommendations on red dye use
Until more extensive toxicity testing is performed, most experts recommend erring on the side of caution and avoiding routine use of red food dye in hummingbird nectar. However, small amounts of safer dyes applied occasionally may pose little risk. General guidelines include:
Use safest dyes sparingly
Vegetable-based dyes like E162 are likely safer than synthetic petroleum-based dyes. Use only a tiny bit periodically rather than continually.
Never use banned dyes
Avoid proven-toxic dyes like Red Dye No. 3 or Red Dye No. 19 entirely. Look for “hummingbird safe” dyes.
Alternate colors frequently
Switch among colors like red, orange, yellow rather than dyeing nectar red every time. Varied colors prevent excessive buildup of any one dye.
Rinse feeders thoroughly
Ensure no residual dye is left behind on or in feeders to prevent accidental overdosing.
| Organization | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Audubon Society | Avoid dye entirely |
| American Birding Association | Dye sparingly and alternate colors |
Takeaways on red sugar water and hummingbirds
In conclusion, while the practice is extremely common, routinely dyeing nectar bright red does pose some quantifiable risks to hummingbirds that warrant caution. Safer natural alternatives exist that appeal to hummingbirds’ color vision without potentially toxic synthetic dye. However, occasional minimal use of safer dyes is unlikely to endanger hummingbirds. More research is still needed, but a degree of prudence is advisable when offering dyed nectar to hummingbirds based on existing knowledge. With sound judgment, we can provide healthy, colorful nectar that attracts these special birds while supporting their wellbeing.
