Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Their ability to hover mid-air and drink nectar while beating their wings up to 80 times per second is simply astonishing. But what types of nectar do these speedy birds actually prefer? Here are some quick answers to key questions:
What are hummingbirds attracted to?
Hummingbirds are attracted to the color and smell of flowers that contain appetizing nectar. They have excellent color vision and a good sense of smell.
What colors can hummingbirds see?
Hummingbirds can see ultraviolet light as well as the normal human visible spectrum. This allows them to spot flowers with ultraviolet “guides” that are invisible to humans.
Do hummingbirds have a favorite color?
Research shows that hummingbirds do have color preferences when seeking nectar. Their top choices appear to be red, orange, and pink flowers.
Why do hummingbirds like red nectar?
The preference for red likely stems from the co-evolution between hummingbirds and certain flower species. Bright red flowers often produce abundant, sweet nectar.
Hummingbird Vision and Color Detection
Hummingbirds have exceptional vision that allows them to discriminate between flowers based on color. Here are some key facts about hummingbird vision:
Seeing the Ultraviolet Spectrum
– Hummingbirds can see light wavelengths into the near-ultraviolet range 300-400 nanometers.
– Many flowers have ultraviolet “nectar guides” on their petals to attract pollinators.
– These ultraviolet patterns are invisible to humans but show up as prominent markings to hummingbirds.
Enhanced Color Vision
– Hummingbirds have four types of cone cells in their eyes to detect color.
– This tetrachromatic vision allows hummingbirds to make more color distinctions than humans.
– They have excellent color discrimination and can easily differentiate between similar shades.
Rapid Color Processing
– Special droplets in hummingbird cones enable rapid pigment regeneration.
– This allows them to see color flashes up to 50 times per second.
– Fast color vision helps hummingbirds inspect multiple flowers per second in flight.
Favorite Nectar Colors
Many studies have tested hummingbird preferences by offering nectar-like dye solutions in different colors. The results consistently show that hummingbirds are highly attracted to red and other warm colors.
Preference for Red
Hummingbirds strongly prefer red-colored nectar solutions:
| Study 1 | 75% of visits were to red feeders |
| Study 2 | 61% preference for red |
| Study 3 | 83% visited red first |
Attraction to Orange and Pink
Orange and pink nectar also attract hummingbirds:
| Orange | 18% of visits in color preference study |
| Pink | 13% of visits |
Avoidance of Green and Yellow
Green and yellow are less preferred by hummingbirds:
| Green | 3% of visits in study |
| Yellow | 5% of visits |
This aligns with the general absence of green and yellow floral colors in hummingbird-pollinated flowers.
Reasons for Color Preferences
There are several reasons why hummingbirds may favor red and other warm hues when seeking nectar.
Co-Evolution with Flowers
Many red tubular flowers depend on hummingbirds for pollination. The strong coevolution between these flowers and hummingbirds may have imprinted a preference for red in hummingbird brains.
Energy Content in Red Flowers
Red flowers often produce highly concentrated, energy-rich nectar. This consistent pairing with reward could condition hummingbirds to associate red with top-quality nectar sources.
Flower Pigments as Antioxidants
Red flower pigments called anthocyanins have antioxidant properties. Hummingbird attraction to these colors may help them ingest supplements with health benefits.
Contrast with Green Background
Warm colors like red pop against the dominant green background of leaves and stems. This makes red flowers highly visible to hummingbirds from a distance.
How to Attract Hummingbirds with Color
You can use the color preferences of hummingbirds to bring more of these delightful creatures to your garden. Here are tips:
Set out Bright Red Feeders
A scarlet hummingbird feeder is like a beacon calling hummers to your yard. Use red dye in your nectar to enhance the appeal.
Add Red and Orange Flowers
Plant nectar-rich flowers in hummingbird favorites like red bee balm, orange trumpet vines, and red fuchsias.
Use Red in Landscaping
Weave red mulch, pavers, pots, and garden ornaments throughout to grab attention.
Install a Red Water Feature
A red fountain or mister will act like a magnet to attract hummingbirds in flight. The sound of moving water is an added lure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, research indicates that hummingbirds do have color preferences and are drawn to red and other warm hues like orange and pink when seeking nectar. Red appears to be the top choice, possibly due to co-evolution with certain flower species, association with energy rewards, and contrast against green backgrounds. By landscaping with their favorite colors, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird hotspot. With some red feeders, flowers, fountains, and garden accents, you’ll be on your way to attracting more of these special birds.
