Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers across North America. With their iridescent feathers and incredible flying abilities, it’s no wonder that people love seeing them visit their feeders and gardens. While the standard homemade nectar of white sugar dissolved in water is perfectly fine to feed hummingbirds, there are some other options to provide these energetic birds with a diverse diet.
Why is it important to feed hummingbirds more than just sugar water?
Sugar water is an excellent source of quick energy for hummingbirds. The sucrose in the sugar allows them to rapidly gain calories to power their wings during flight. This high-energy food source is crucial for hummingbirds because of their incredibly high metabolisms and the need to eat frequently throughout the day. Adult hummingbirds visit 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day!
However, relying solely on sugar water does not provide a complete nutritional profile for hummingbirds. While the carbohydrates in sugar water give them energy, hummingbirds also need other nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and even some fats in their diet. Variety is key when it comes to hummingbird feeders. Here are some of the nutrients that hummingbirds need in addition to sugar water:
- Protein – Necessary for growth and muscle development
- Amino acids – The building blocks of proteins
- Vitamin A – Important for vision, growth, and immune function
- B vitamins – Help metabolize energy from sugar
- Vitamin C – Boosts the immune system
- Calcium – Critical for bone health
- Magnesium – Used in energy production
- Antioxidants – Protect cells from damage
By offering a diverse buffet at your hummingbird feeding station, you can help provide a balanced diet and ensure the birds are getting all the nutrients they need for good health and development, not just empty calories from sugar alone.
Natural food sources for hummingbirds
In the wild, hummingbirds meet all their nutritional requirements by feeding on plant sources. Here are some of the natural foods hummingbirds seek out:
- Flower nectar – The primary energy source from flowers contains sucrose as well as some fructose and glucose.
- Pollen – A rich protein source that also provides antioxidants, minerals, and B vitamins.
- Tree sap – An alternative carbohydrate source with some minerals.
- Insects – Provides essential protein, fat, and nutrients like iron, zinc, and magnesium.
- Spiderwebs – An unusual source of protein and minerals.
The natural diet of hummingbirds is mainly composed of sugars from flower nectar supplemented by vitamins, minerals, proteins and antioxidants from pollen, tree sap, and insects. This varied combination provides the ideal nutritional balance. The ultimate goal when feeding backyard hummingbirds is to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible. Let’s look at some feeding options that can help achieve this goal.
Homemade nectar substitutes
If you want to steer away from plain white sugar, there are recipes for more natural homemade nectars using alternative sugar sources. Here are some options:
Fruit juice nectar
Instead of table sugar, you can substitute unsweetened fruit juices like apple, grape, or orange juice. Mix 1 part juice with 4 parts water. This adds some natural fructose and glucose for carbohydrates, plus some extra vitamins. Make sure to avoid juice blends with added sweeteners.
Honey nectar
Honey has a slightly higher concentration of fructose compared to sucrose in sugar. Use 1 part honey to 4 parts water. Honey also contains beneficial trace nutrients like antioxidants. Be sure the honey hasn’t been pasteurized which removes many of the nutrients.
Agave nectar
With its very high fructose content, agave nectar is an excellent alternative to sucrose-based nectar. Use 1 part agave nectar to 4 parts water. Agave nectar also provides some vitamins and minerals.
Brown sugar nectar
For a more natural cane sugar, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar. The molasses in brown sugar adds a small amount of minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Follow the same 1:4 ratio of sugar to water.
The above solutions provide carbohydrate sources that better mimic the natural nectars hummingbirds feed on. Making your own nectar allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in many commercial nectars.
Additional feeder foods
To supplement carbohydrate-rich nectars, you can also offer treats containing protein, vitamins and minerals at your feeding station. Here are some easy options:
Fruit
Try cutting up small wedges of banana or melon and spearing them onto a feeder. The fruit flies attracted will also provide an insect source. Other fruits like grapes, apples, and berries can be offered in a shallow dish. Just be sure to remove any fruit before it spoils.
Fruit juice
Instead of diluting juice for nectar, you can also just pour some pure fruit juice into a small shallow dish or an ornamental flower pottery dish with embedded marbles to give easy access. Use 100% natural juices like orange, grape or cranberry which provide natural sugars and Vitamin C.
Oats
Dry oats sprinkled on a platform feeder or tray are great for boosting protein. The carbohydrates in oats also provide fiber and energy. Just be sure they don’t get soggy in rain.
Mealworms
Chopped up mealworms are an excellent source of protein, fat, and essential amino acids. You can spread them on a tray feeder or mix into a paste with fruit juice to spread on marbles. Canned crickets can also be used.
Nut butter
Protein-packed nut or seed butters like peanut butter are perfect for smearing into the grooves of pinecones or onto tree bark. Hang these treats and watch the birds slurp up the nutritious, fatty goodness. Non-salted, no-sugar-added varieties are best.
Hard boiled egg yolk
For a protein and fat boost, press some boiled egg yolk through a mesh strainer to create small crumbs to sprinkle onto a platform or tray feeder. The yellow color will help attract the hummingbirds.
Pollen
Collecting fresh pollen from flowers and sprinkling it near nectar feeders mimics a natural feeding scenario. Pollen provides protein and micronutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium and antioxidants.
In addition to homemade nectar solutions, providing any combination of these food options creates a balanced menu that gives hummingbirds more than just sugar water. Switch them up to see what your local hummers like best!
Commercial nectars
If making your own nectar mixes seems daunting, there are some good commercial options available:
- HummZinger High Energy Formula – Contains sugars, protein, vitamins and minerals
- Perky Pet Pro-Nectar – Fortified with vitamins, minerals, probiotics
- Kaytee More Than Sugar – Has added protein and vitamins
- Pennington Super Sweet Plus – Enriched with electrolytes and vitamins
When choosing a commercial nectar, read the ingredients list and nutrition label closely. Avoid ones with red dyes, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Also be sure to prepare them properly at the correct dilution ratios.
Feeder setup tips
Here are some tips for creating a diverse feeding station that hummingbirds will flock to:
- Offer 2-4 feeders with different nectar options to give variety.
- Clean feeders every 2-3 days to prevent mold and bacteria.
- Use shallow dishes for fruit and add fresh daily.
- Replace oats, mealworms and other solid foods daily.
- Suspend dishes and feeders for safety from other animals.
- Use red components to attract the birds.
- Avoid letting anything ferment or spoil before eating.
- Water should always be available in a small birdbath.
- Placing feeders near bright flowers makes an appealing spot.
Dangerous foods to avoid
While hummingbirds can benefit from varying their diet beyond just sugar water, there are some foods that should be avoided in backyard feeders. These include:
- Honey – Risk of fungal spores that can cause a deadly respiratory disease.
- Artificial sweeteners – Lack nutritional value and may harm health.
- Plain milk – Can quickly spoil and grow bacteria.
- Raisins – Contain too much iron and may cause liver damage.
- Overripe fruit – Risks dangerous fungal or bacterial contamination.
The key is to stick to fresh, natural foods that closely match a hummingbird’s wild diet. Avoid anything artificial or overly processed. When in doubt, look to nature as a guide for the best feeding practices.
FAQs
Is it okay to feed hummingbirds plain white sugar?
Yes, mixing plain white granulated sugar with water to make nectar is perfectly fine and provides the carbohydrates hummingbirds need. However, supplementing their diet with additional proteins, vitamins and minerals found in natural foods can be beneficial.
Do I need to buy special hummingbird feeders?
While specialized hummingbird feeders with red coloring and built-in ant moats are ideal, you can also use small shallow dishes suspended away from birds and insects. The key features are easy access and the ability to keep the food clean.
How often should hummingbird food be changed?
Nectar and fresh fruit should be replaced every 2-3 days. Solid foods like mealworms, oats and nut butters should be replaced daily. Any moldy, fermented or insect-covered food should be discarded right away.
What ratio of sugar to water should be used?
A 4:1 ratio is best, mixing 1 cup of sugar per 4 cups of water. This approximates the natural nectar concentration that hummingbirds feed on. Avoid stronger concentrations which may be dangerous.
Can I use organic or raw sugar?
Yes, you can substitute organic cane sugar or raw sugar in place of regular white sugar. Just maintain the same 4:1 ratio. These unrefined sugars contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Is food coloring needed in nectar?
Red food dye is not necessary and carries some health risks. Hummingbirds will be attracted by the red feeders themselves. However, cloudy, dull or brown colored nectar should be avoided.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have unique nutritional needs thanks to their diminutive size, high activity levels, and supercharged metabolism. While they thrive on the carbohydrates in nectar, providing supplemental proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in natural foods can help round out their diet.
Lucky for us, hummingbirds are not picky! They will happily feast on homemade nectars, fruit juices, pollen, insects, and nutritious treats at your feeders. Mimicking their natural diet as closely as possible ensures good health in these special little birds that bring so much joy to gardens and yards.
