Hummingbirds are drawn to certain colors more than others. Their color preferences are based on the colors of the flowers they pollinate. Here’s a quick overview of what colors attract hummingbirds the most:
Red
Red is by far the most attractive color to hummingbirds. The birds are naturally drawn to the color, which mimics the red tubular flowers they feed on. Red flowers like trumpet vine, fuchsia, and cardinal flower rely on hummingbirds for pollination.
Orange
Orange is another warm color that appeals to hummingbirds. Orange flowers like lantana, trumpet honeysuckle, jewelweed, and coral honeysuckle attract these tiny birds. The bright orange color stands out and signals to hummingbirds that nectar is available.
Purple
Purple and magenta flowers also attract hummingbirds. Examples include petunias, passionflowers, sage, phlox, and bee balm. The cool color provides good contrast against green foliage for the birds to spot.
Pink
Many tubular pink flowers depend on hummingbirds for pollination. Popular pink flowers that hummingbirds are attracted to include fuchsia, impatiens, and coral bells. Pink is essentially a lighter version of red, also mimicking the color of many natural food sources.
Yellow and White
Hummingbirds will visit yellow and white flowers, but they aren’t as attracted to these lighter colors as they are to red, orange, pink, and purple blooms. Still, they do feed on some yellow and white flowers, including honeysuckles, columbine, and lilies.
Blue
Blue flowers tend to attract bees more than hummingbirds. But the birds will occasionally feed on blue blooms as well, especially if the shape and size of the flower is suited to a hummingbird’s beak and tongue.
What Are the Most Attractive Flowers for Hummingbirds?
Here are some of the best flower varieties and plants for attracting hummingbirds to a yard or garden:
| Flower | Colors |
|---|---|
| Trumpet Vine | Red, orange |
| Fuchsia | Pink, purple |
| Lantana | Red, orange, yellow |
| Cardinal Flower | Red |
| Petunias | Pink, purple, red |
| Bee Balm | Red |
| Zinnias | Orange, red, pink, purple |
| Coral Honeysuckle | Orange |
| Impatiens | Orange, red, pink |
| Salvia | Red |
Why Are Hummingbirds Attracted to Certain Colors?
Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to red, orange, pink, purple, and magenta flowers because they have evolved to pollinate them. The birds and blooms have a symbiotic relationship. The colors and tubular shape of the flowers signal to hummingbirds that they are a good food source.
Red in particular stands out against green foliage, making it easier for hummingbirds to spot from far away while foraging. And flowers in the red spectrum appear dark to hummingbirds, similar to the color inside a flower where the nectar is. So it’s an instinctual color association.
In addition, hummingbirds have excellent color vision compared to other birds. They can see into the ultraviolet spectrum, detecting colors that humans can’t even perceive. This allows them to zero in on flowers with high UV reflectance.
Other Color Associations
While red and other warm, bright colors attract hummingbirds, research shows that the birds tend to avoid blue and green flowers. Blue and purple are common colors seen on bee-pollinated flowers, suggesting an instinct that steers hummingbirds away.
Green is also ignored, most likely because green blends in with foliage, making the flowers harder to spot. So hummingbirds associate green with leaves, not flowers.
Tips for Using Color to Attract Hummingbirds
Here are some tips for using flower colors that hummingbirds find attractive in order to bring more of these magical little birds to your yard:
- Plant clusters of tubular red flowers, such as bee balm, fuchsia, and trumpet vine to create a high-energy feeding zone.
- Include orange blooms like lantana and honeysuckle for variation.
- Add in softer pink and purple flowers like petunias, impatiens, and sage to fill in the spectrum.
- Focus on flowers native to your region, as hummingbirds co-evolved with those species and recognize them.
- Avoid blue, green, and white flowers, as these are not hummingbird favorites.
- Provide a continuous bloom throughout spring, summer, and fall to attract and keep hummingbirds coming to your garden.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage re-blooming. Hummingbirds are attracted to fresh blossoms.
- Plant flowers in sunny spots where the colors will be vivid. Shade washes out the bright colors.
Other Attractants
While flower color is important, it’s not the only consideration when attracting hummingbirds. Other factors include:
- Flower Shape – Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular and funnel-shaped blooms where they can easily access nectar with their long beaks and tongues.
- Nectar – Energy-rich sugar water in flowers is the primary food source hummingbirds seek. The nectar content is more important than color.
- Water – Hummingbirds will stop at water sources like misters, drippers, and fountains to drink and bathe.
- Feeders – Specially designed hummingbird feeders with sugar water are excellent supplements, especially for migrating birds.
- Habitat – Hummingbirds favor gardens with diverse flowering plants and natural areas with native vegetation.
Conclusion
In their constant quest for nectar from colorful tubular flowers, hummingbirds have evolved an attraction to reddish-orange hues, as well as purple, pink, and magenta. By planting clusters of the right flower varieties, you can create an enticing habitat that says “welcome” to these energetic, colorful birds. The addition of hummingbird feeders and running water can make your garden even more inviting. With a habitat designed around their needs and preferences, you’ll be rewarded with up-close views of these captivating creatures all season long.
