Hummingbirds are fascinating birds that are known for their ability to hover in midair and sip nectar from flowers. Their ultra-fast metabolism requires them to consume more than their weight in nectar each day. But which specific species actually drink the nectar from hummingbird feeders?
There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds, but only a handful are commonly seen at backyard feeders in North America. These include Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird. Here is a quick overview of the most common hummingbird species found at feeders:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in eastern North America. As the name suggests, adult males have a vivid red throat. Females and juveniles lack the red throat patch and are duller in color. Ruby-throats are one of the species most likely to visit backyard feeders.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are common visitors to feeders in the western United States. Adult males have a dark, iridescent purple throat with a black border below. Females and juveniles have a pale throat with dark speckles. This species breeds across much of western North America.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its spectacular coppery-orange coloration. Adult males are especially bright, with an orange throat and belly. Females and juveniles are greener overall with small orange spots on the throat. This species is a long-distance migrant, breeding in northwestern North America and wintering in Mexico.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbirds are common along the Pacific Coast, especially from California to Oregon. Adult males have a reddish throat, green back, and rufous tail. Females and juveniles are colored grey-green overall with faint orange speckles on the throat. Allen’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents along coastal California.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbirds are increasingly common backyard visitors in the western United States. Adult males have a rose-pink head and throat, with grey underparts. Females and juveniles lack the pink coloration. This species does not migrate, and some birds are now even overwintering as far north as Canada.
Calliope Hummingbird
The tiny Calliope Hummingbird is North America’s smallest bird species. They have a green back, white underparts, and tend to lack any vivid coloration on the throat. Calliope Hummingbirds breed in mountainous areas of western North America and are uncommon visitors at most feeders.
So in summary, the most frequent hummingbird visitors to backyard nectar feeders in North America are Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, Rufous, Allen’s, and Anna’s Hummingbirds. The males of these species have brightly colored throats in red, orange, pink, or purple hues. Females and juveniles tend to be less colorful. Now let’s look at some more details on the diet and feeding behavior of these nectar-loving hummingbirds.
Typical Diet of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have specialized dietary adaptations to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. Here is an overview of the main components of their diet:
Nectar
The primary food source for hummingbirds is nectar from flowering plants. They use their long, slender beaks and tongues to drink the sugar-rich nectar which provides them with quick energy. Hummingbirds particularly favor bright, tubular flowers with abundant nectar. Backyard feeders attempt to mimic these flowers by providing a concentrated sugar and water solution.
Small Insects and Spiders
Hummingbirds get essential protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats from small insects and spiders. After consuming nectar, hummingbirds often hawk flying insects out of the air or glean them from leaves and branches. Common prey includes mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, aphids, and spiders.
Sap and Tree Nectar
In the wild, hummingbirds will drink sap from wells created by sapsuckers on tree trunks as well as nectar from species like locust and mimosa trees. The sap provides an additional source of sugars.
Pollen
While hummingbirds don’t deliberately eat pollen, they inevitably ingest small amounts of pollen grains while feeding on nectar. The pollen provides a minor source of proteins.
So in their natural habitat, hummingbirds obtain most of their nutrition from plant nectar supplemented with protein from insects/spiders. Backyard feeders aim to be a substitute nectar source using a concentrated sugar water solution that the birds eagerly drink.
What is in Hummingbird Nectar?
Given that hummingbirds are specially adapted to feed on flower nectar, what exactly is in natural nectar that makes it so beneficial for them? Here are the main components:
Sugars
Flower nectar consists mainly of sucrose, glucose and fructose – all simple sugars that hummingbirds can easily digest and convert to energy. The nectar may contain 15-25% or more sugar by volume. This provides the high-energy carbohydrates that fuel a hummingbird’s supercharged metabolism.
Amino Acids
Nectar also contains trace amounts of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. These amino acids support a hummingbird’s growth and development. Essential amino acids that can’t be synthesized by the body must be obtained from food sources.
Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to sugars, nectar provides hummingbirds with small quantities of vitamins like vitamin C and minerals like calcium and magnesium. These micronutrients have many functions, like bone health and enzymatic reactions.
Water
Water makes up the majority of natural nectar. This helps hummingbirds maintain fluid balance with their high metabolic rate. The water also dilutes the thick, sugary nectar so it can move through a hummingbird’s digestive system.
So in summary, natural flower nectar contains sugars for energy, amino acids for growth, vitamins/minerals for function, and water for hydration. This perfectly supports the nutritional needs of hummingbirds.
Best Nectar for Hummingbird Feeders
When setting up a backyard hummingbird feeder, it’s important to use a nectar solution that closely matches the birds’ natural food source. Here are some tips:
Use Refined White Sugar
White granulated sugar most closely mimics the simple sucrose in flower nectar. The birds can effectively utilize it for energy. Avoid raw, brown, or powdered sugars which may contain impurities.
Concentration of 20-25% Sugar
Dissolve 1 part sugar in 4 parts water by volume to achieve an appropriate sugar concentration. Higher concentrations may be dangerous for hummingbirds. Lower concentrations don’t provide enough calories.
Avoid Red Dye
Red dye is unnecessary and may even be harmful to hummingbirds. Making nectar with plain white sugar and water is perfectly fine.
No Honey or Artificial Sweeteners
Do not use honey, agave, or artificial sweeteners in nectar. Honey can grow bacteria harmful to hummingbirds. Artificial sweeteners provide no nutritional value. Plain sugar water has everything hummingbirds need.
Change Nectar Frequently
Replace nectar at least every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. This prevents fermentation and bacterial growth. Keep feeders clean as well.
So in summary, the ideal homemade nectar for hummingbird feeders is a 20-25% solution of plain white granulated sugar and fresh water. This supports the nutritional needs of visiting hummingbirds and provides them with a familiar, flower-like food source.
Behavior at Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbirds exhibit some interesting behaviors when visiting backyard nectar feeders. Here are some things you may observe:
Aggressive Defense of Feeders
Hummingbirds are territorial and will aggressively defend “their” feeder from intruders. You may witness spectacular aerial fights and chases as one bird tries to chase off another.
Feeding in Brief Bursts
Hummingbirds can’t suck nectar like longer-billed birds. They briefly hover in front of the feeder and dip their tongue into the nectar. Feeding sessions last only a few seconds.
Perching Nearby
Look for hummingbirds perching on branches or wires within view of the feeder, waiting for a chance to dart in when the feeder is free.
Aerial Displays by Males
Watch for males performing courtship displays for females that involve flying in loops and dive-bombs near the feeder location.
Chirping and Chattering
Hummingbirds make squeaking, chirping and buzzing sounds, especially when defending their territory. Listen for their vocalizations.
Skittishness
Hummingbirds startle easily. Moving too close to the feeder or making sudden noises may cause them to abruptly dart away. Let them feed in peace.
So in addition to drinking nectar, observing hummingbird behavior and antics at feeders can provide hours of entertainment! Just provide a good nectar source and enjoy the show.
Differences Between Species
The major species visiting backyard feeders in North America show some behavioral and dietary differences:
| Species | Behavioral Notes | Feeding Habits |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | Males aggressively defend territories. Females build nests on branches. | Drink from feeders early and late in day. Prefer nectar plants like bee balm. |
| Black-chinned | Nest in trees up to 40 feet high. Have complex courtship rituals. | Like open areas near water. Eat small beetles, flies, and ants. |
| Rufous | Migrate huge distances. Males gather in “flight courts.” | Drink from mountain wildflowers. Opportunistic feeders. |
| Allen’s | Females build nests as high as 25 feet up. Aggressive at feeders. | Prefer nectar from currants, bush anemone and paintbrush. |
| Anna’s | Adaptable to urban areas. Males perform dramatic climb flights. | Generalists taking nectar, tree sap, and insects. Drink rainwater. |
As seen above, behaviors like breeding habits, migration patterns, courtship displays, and aggression levels differ between the species and reflect their evolutionary histories. There are also subtle differences in the flowers and feeders each type prefers, as well as their insect prey. Getting to know your visiting hummingbird species helps provide insights into their lives.
Attracting Hummingbirds to a New Feeder
It takes some patience to start attracting hummingbirds to a brand new feeder location. Here are some tips:
Set Up Feeders in Early Spring
Get feeders in place before hummingbirds arrive from migration in your region. This gives them a ready food source.
Use Red Feeders
Hummingbirds are visually attracted to the color red. Use red feeders or add red accents, ribbons, or flowers nearby.
Hang Multiple Feeders
Starting off with 2-3 feeders in the same vicinity improves your odds of hummingbirds finding them.
Keep Feeders Fresh and Full
Birds will return to locations with a reliable, abundant nectar source. Maintain fresh nectar at all times.
Add Drippers and Misters
Hummingbirds are drawn to the sight and sound of dripping or misting water. Include a mister or drippers.
Have Patience
It may take days or weeks for hummingbirds to discover new feeders. Persist through the initial period and word will spread!
The ruby-throated hummingbird is most likely to find new feeders first. Other species will follow once they see birds feeding there. With strategic setup and patience, you can succeed in attracting these flying jewels!
Potential Problems at Feeders
While hummingbird feeders provide an excellent nectar source, there are a few potential problems to watch out for:
Bee Infestations
Bees are strongly attracted to sugar. Change nectar often to avoid bees overrunning the feeders. Consider moving feeders farther away from dense flowers.
Fermentation and Mold
Leave nectar in warm weather too long and it can spoil. Always dump and clean dirty feeders and replace nectar frequently.
Nectar Concentration
If concentration is too high, birds can choke. Too dilute and it lacks nutrition. Carefully mix nectar for proper sugar content.
Swarming Ants
Ants will crawl into feeders and can quickly swarm the nectar. Use ant moats or other deterrents to keep them away.
Nectar Contamination
Dirt, bugs, and other contaminants can make birds sick. Keep areas around feeders clean.
Bacterial Growth
Dirty feeders can result in dangerous bacterial growth. Thoroughly clean and replace nectar regularly.
With some basic maintenance and cleaning, most problems can be prevented. Always provide birds with fresh, clean food in a sanitary feeding environment.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have an innate drive to seek out nectar, their primary natural food source. By providing these specialist birds with an optimal artificial nectar solution, we can successfully attract them to feeders and observe their behaviors up close. With a basic sugar water mix, red feeders, and proper care, you can bring these energetic, shimmering birds into your garden. Enjoy forging relationships with these feathered jewels visiting your own backyard ecosystem. The positive interactions between species can be a profound learning experience and bring more beauty and vitality to your outdoor space.
