When it comes to painting a hummingbird house, the most important consideration is choosing a color that will attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to the color red, so a red hummingbird house is always a safe bet. However, there are many factors to consider when selecting the perfect paint color for your hummingbird home. In this article, we will explore the significance of color for hummingbirds, the best paint colors to attract hummingbirds, and additional tips for making your hummingbird house appealing.
Why is color important for hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds see color differently than humans do. They have evolved to be particularly sensitive to the color red, which they associate with nectar-filled flowers. Red objects, like a bright red hummingbird feeder or house, grab a hummingbird’s attention from far away. Using red is an easy way to make a hummingbird home noticeable and attractive to these speedy birds.
In addition to red, hummingbirds can also see other colors on the spectrum like oranges, yellows, blues, greens, and ultraviolet light. They use their color vision to locate fruits, flowers, and even other hummingbirds. Female hummingbirds, in particular, are attracted to the iridescent and colorful plumage of male hummingbirds.
So when painting your hummingbird house, opt for bright, bold colors that stand out. Avoid dark, dull colors like blacks, browns, grays, and camouflage colors that won’t attract as much hummingbird attention. Bright red is best, but other colors like yellow, orange, pink, purple, and turquoise can also attract hummingbirds.
Best paint colors to attract hummingbirds
| Color | Details |
|---|---|
| Bright red | The universally top choice; eye-catching and irresistible to hummingbirds |
| Orange | Also highly visible to hummingbirds |
| Yellow | Another bright, appealing color for hummingbirds |
| Pink | Favored by some hummingbird enthusiasts |
| Purple | Recommended if you want a red alternative |
| Turquoise | Try this for a unique look |
As you can see from the table above, the top recommended paint colors for attracting hummingbirds are bright red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and turquoise.
Red is universally agreed upon as the most attractive color to hummingbirds. When male hummingbirds are trying to attract females, they often puff up their bright red throats. Using red for a hummingbird house replicates this color that signifies food and romance to hummingbirds. That’s why red is always the best bet for a hummingbird house or feeder.
If red isn’t your style, orange and yellow are also extremely visible colors to hummingbirds. Pink and purple can be good alternatives to red, as they share similar vibrant hues. Turquoise has gained popularity as a fun and unique way to attract hummingbirds too. Even though studies show red is their top color, hummingbirds will still feed from and use non-red houses, especially if they are conveniently located near natural food sources.
Additional tips for painting a hummingbird house
When planning the paint job for your hummingbird house, here are some more tips to maximize its appeal:
– Use exterior, weather-resistant paint so the colors don’t quickly fade in the sun and rain. Acrylic paint formulated for outdoor use is a good option.
– Avoid high-gloss paint, which can create too much glare. A flat or satin paint is best for minimizing shine.
– Paint all exterior surfaces – the roof, sides, perches, etc – in your chosen colors to attract the most hummingbird attention.
– Refresh the paint every 1-2 years to keep the colors looking bold and vibrant.
– Add some decorative paint details like stripes, polka dots, borders, or flowers to make your hummingbird house unique.
– Use natural wood for roof shingles, perches, and other accents so the wood grain shows through.
– Hang your freshly painted hummingbird house about 5-10 feet off the ground in a shady spot near natural food sources and shelter.
– Be patient – it may take a week or two for hummingbirds to discover a new house after you paint it and hang it outside.
Conclusion
Painting your hummingbird house is an exciting way to invite hummingbirds into your yard. Follow the guidance above about using bright, jewel-toned colors, focusing heavily on red paint details. Consider adding fun accents, patterns, or decorations with natural wood accents. Use high-quality, weatherproof exterior paint. And hang your artful new hummingbird home in an ideal spot to wait for your new hummingbird visitors to arrive. With a shiny, vibrantly colored hummingbird house that mimics the hues of the birds’ natural food sources, you are sure to have a yard filled with the buzzing, zipping, whirring wings of these lovable little birds. Happy painting and happy birdwatching!
