When it comes to feeding hummingbirds, two of the most popular feeder options are clear and red feeders. Both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to attracting hummingbirds, keeping the nectar fresh, and ease of use. In this article, we’ll look at the key factors to consider when choosing between clear and red hummingbird feeders.
Do hummingbirds prefer clear or red feeders?
Many people believe that red feeders will attract more hummingbirds because they associate the color red with the tubular red flowers that hummingbirds pollinate. However, most experts agree that the color of the feeder has little effect on how many hummingbirds will visit your yard. Hummingbirds use their excellent eyesight and memory to locate reliable food sources, not color alone.
The shape of the feeder is much more important than the color. Tubular feeders that resemble flower tubes will attract more hummingbird attention than spherical or basin-shaped feeders. So both clear and red tubular-shaped feeders can effectively draw in hummingbirds, assuming they are adequately filled with fresh nectar solution.
If you already have hummingbirds trained to feed at your yard, switching from a clear to red feeder, or vice versa, should not impact the number of visitors. The hummingbirds will remember the location as a food source. However, red does make the feeder more visually obvious to newcomers. So a new red feeder may attract attention faster than a clear one in a yard that doesn’t have an established feeding routine.
Benefits of clear hummingbird feeders
Here are some of the benefits that clear feeders offer:
Allows you to monitor nectar levels and freshness
One of the biggest perks of clear feeders is that you can easily see how much nectar is left and when a refill is needed. It’s also easy to spot if the nectar has gone bad, turned cloudy, or has debris or insects in it. This allows you to maintain a fresher nectar supply.
Helps avoid mold and bacteria
The transparent construction makes it harder for mold and bacteria to grow in a clear feeder. Sunlight helps inhibit microbial growth, and the clear plastic or glass does not obstruct UV rays. This gives the nectar solution longer freshness than in a red feeder, where the coloring blocks more sunlight.
Lets you monitor bee and wasp activity
Bees and wasps are attracted to the sugar in nectar. With a clear feeder, you can easily spot if these pests are invading so you can take steps to deter them. The red coloring of a typical feeder can disguise bee and wasp activity.
Allows you to see feeding activity patterns
Hummingbirds can feed up to every 10-15 minutes in the day. With transparent feeders, you can sit back and discreetly watch their feeding patterns from inside the house. This is part of the joy for many backyard birding enthusiasts. An opaque red feeder blocks the view of the hummingbirds in action.
Benefits of red hummingbird feeders
While clear feeders have some advantages, there are also good reasons many people opt for traditional red hummingbird feeders:
High visibility attraction
Vibrant red is thought to be one of the most eye-catching colors for hummingbirds. The theory is that a crimson feeder will stand out best against green foliage, helping attract more winged visitors. This may lead to a slight edge over clear feeders in drawing hummingbirds to a new location.
Protects nectar from sunlight
While sunlight helps inhibit mold growth, too much direct exposure can also cause the nectar to ferment faster. The darker tint of a red feeder can help block some excess sun exposure and keep the sucrose-based nectar fresher for a bit longer.
Provides shade for small birds
In hot climates, the colored plastic or glass of a red feeder can cool the interior by several degrees compared to the temperature outside. This can help provide welcome shade for small birds on scorching days. A clear feeder exposes them more directly to the heat and UV radiation.
Fun, decorative element for gardens
Red feeders tend to be more ornamental and can add a burst of energizing color to outdoor spaces. For many people, they liven up gardens and patios more effectively than plain clear plastic or glass feeders. The red tint adds aesthetic value whether birds are present or not.
Maintenance considerations
Keep these maintenance factors in mind when choosing between clear and colored hummingbird feeders:
Cleaning needs
Clear feeders make it easier to see dirt, mineral deposits from water, and grime buildup from feeding activity. However, both styles need periodic complete cleanings with hot water and vinegar to prevent dangerous mold growth. At least monthly thorough cleaning is recommended, more often in hotter climates.
Nectar replacement
No matter what style you choose, nectar should be replaced every 2-3 days at minimum, or daily in hot weather. The sugars can quickly spoil, and the nectar will ferment. Mold can grow rapidly in old solution. Frequent nectar replacement is essential for any feeder.
Bee and wasp prevention
Bees and wasps are attracted to the sugar content. Both clear and colored feeders will need strategies to keep them away or remove them. Adding cotton swabs soaked in vegetable oil helps block bees, or DIY trap solutions like wine bottles attached underneath.
Ant moats
Ants will take advantage of any dripping or spilled nectar. Installing ant moats is recommended for both styles. These are filled with water to block ants from scaling the feeder.
Key differences between clear and colored hummingbird feeders
| Clear Feeder | Red Feeder | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility of nectar levels and freshness | Excellent | Poor |
| Rate of nectar spoilage | Slower | Faster |
| Visibility of activity | High | Low |
| Attraction for newcomers | Moderate | Very high |
| Decorative aspect | Low | High |
| Shade and cooling provided | Minimal | Moderate |
| Ease of cleaning | High | Moderate |
Conclusion
Both clear and red hummingbird feeders can be excellent options for supplementing the diets of these special backyard visitors. Clear feeders provide the ability to better monitor freshness and activity. Red feeders offer decorative value for gardens and slightly better nectar protection from sunlight.
For most homeowners, the decision between clear vs red comes down to personal preference. As long as you provide fresh nectar and clean the feeder regularly, hummingbirds will visit either style. Consider your own needs and tastes when choosing colors. The most important thing is to enjoy watching these iridescent beauties feed to fuel their endless flight.
