Ruby-throated hummingbirds are found throughout eastern North America and are the only breeding hummingbird species east of the Mississippi River. These tiny birds have high metabolism and need to eat frequently to maintain their high energy level. When taking care of ruby-throats in your backyard, it’s important to provide the right types of nectar and food to keep them nourished.
What do ruby-throated hummingbirds eat?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from drinking nectar and eating small insects and spiders. Their diet consists of:
- Nectar – Ruby-throats prefer a 20% sugar solution made from white granulated sugar and water. Do not use honey, raw sugar, artificial sweeteners, or red food dye.
- Insects – They eat small insects like gnats, fruit flies, aphids, and small spiders.
- Tree sap – Ruby-throats will drink sap from holes drilled by sapsuckers.
- Pollen – They get essential nutrients from licking pollen that sticks to their heads and bodies as they move between flowers.
Nectar
Ruby-throated hummingbirds rely on nectar as their main food source. To make homemade nectar:
- Use a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Do not make the solution stronger as it can harm the birds.
- Bring water to a boil to dissolve the sugar completely. Let cool before filling feeders.
- Store unused nectar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Discard old nectar to prevent mold.
- Avoid adding red food dye. The dye provides no nutritional benefit and can be harmful.
Nectar gives the birds carbohydrates and some minerals. However, it lacks proteins and other nutrients, so ruby-throats also need to eat insects and pollen.
Insects
Ruby-throated hummingbirds get essential amino acids and fat from eating small soft-bodied insects like:
- Mosquitoes
- Fruit flies
- Gnats
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Spider mites
They use their forked tongues to catch insect meals on the fly. You can supplement their diet with commercially available dried insects or powdered protein products. Do not use insecticides near hummingbird feeders that could be harmful if consumed.
Flower nectar
Ruby-throats drink nectar from a variety of spring and summer flowers. Some of their favorites include:
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Columbine
- Delphinium
- Foxglove
- Gladiolus
- Hibiscus
- Hosta
- Impatiens
- Petunia
- Salvia
- Trumpet vine
- Zinnia
Choose a variety of tubular and bell-shaped flowers with plenty of nectar to attract ruby-throats to your garden. Avoid pesticides on flowering plants that could be harmful if ingested.
What are the best hummingbird feeders?
Choosing the right hummingbird feeder can help attract and nourish ruby-throats in your yard. Here are some tips for selecting a good feeder:
- Choose a feeder with bright red parts to attract the birds.
- Select a style that keeps the nectar shaded and protected from insects.
- Look for a design that’s easy to clean and fill.
- Get a size that holds at least 8 ounces of nectar.
- Make sure there are enough feeding ports for multiple birds.
- Consider a squirrel-proof style if needed.
The three main types of hummingbird feeders are
Saucer feeders
Saucer-style feeders are wide, shallow reservoirs with multiple feeding ports around the edges. Pros:
- Allow access for multiple birds
- Easy to clean and refill
Cons:
- Nectar exposure can promote mold
- Prone to insect infestations
Tube feeders
Cylindrical tube feeders have built-in perches and feeding ports. Pros:
- Protect nectar from mold and insects
- Fun to watch birds feed
Cons:
- Typically only 1-2 feeding ports
- Can be tricky to clean
Bottle or jug feeders
Bottle-shaped feeders hang inverted and have a single feeding port. Pros:
- Glass or plastic won’t degrade in sunlight
- Easy viewing of nectar level
Cons:
- Only one hummingbird can feed at a time
- Must be taken down to refill
See the comparison table below for an overview of the different feeder types.
Feeder | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Saucer | Allows access for multiple birds, easy to clean and refill | Nectar exposure can promote mold, prone to insects |
Tube | Protects nectar, fun to watch birds | Limited feeding ports, can be tricky to clean |
Bottle/Jug | Durable materials, easy to view nectar level | Single feeding port, must take down to refill |
Where should I place hummingbird feeders?
Proper feeder placement can increase hummingbird visits to your yard. Follow these tips:
- Hang feeders in a shady spot to keep nectar cool and fresh.
- Choose a location with some protection from wind and rain.
- Make feeders visible from indoor viewing areas.
- Place feeders near flowers, trees, and shrubs to provide perches.
- Set up multiple feeders around your yard to reduce competition.
- Position feeders 5-10 feet apart to allow territorial birds their own space.
- Hang feeders using nylon cord or wire for easy repositioning.
- Set feeders at an accessible height for easy refilling, such as eye-level.
Avoid areas where predators like cats could ambush hummingbirds. Change the feeder placements seasonally to match the direction of sunlight and provide variety.
Other feeding tips
Here are some other tips for successfully feeding ruby-throated hummingbirds:
- Clean feeders every 2-3 days with a bottle brush, mild soap and water. Rinse well.
- Discard old nectar and make a fresh batch every 2-4 days, more often in hot weather.
- Check for insect nests inside feeders and scrub with a bottle brush to remove.
- Wash feeders with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) at least monthly.
- Have feeders ready out in early spring for returning migrants.
- Take down feeders in fall after hummingbirds have migrated south.
- Consider leaving feeders up through first frost for late-departing birds.
Conclusion
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have very specific dietary needs. By providing homemade nectar, flowering plants, feeders, and insects, you can create an ideal backyard habitat for them. Give them a variety of feeding stations spaced comfortably apart. Maintain cleanliness to encourage health and visitation. With the right feeding techniques, you’ll be rewarded with amazing hummingbird encounters all summer long.