What do you feed wild hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are beautiful, fascinating creatures that capture the imagination. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and ability to hover like helicopters make them a joy to watch. Many people enjoy attracting hummingbirds to their yards by setting up feeders full of sweet liquid nectar. But what is the best way to feed wild hummingbirds without harming them?

What do hummingbirds eat in the wild?

In the wild, hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and the small insects they eat. Their diet consists of:

• Flower nectar – Hummingbirds use their specialized long, tube-like tongues to reach nectar at the base of tubular flowers. Nectar provides them with carbohydrates and sugars for energy.
• Insects – Hummingbirds eat small insects like fruit flies, mosquitoes, gnats, aphids, and spiders. Insects provide them with protein, vitamins, minerals, and fat.
• Tree sap – Hummingbirds will occasionally supplement their diet by drinking sap from holes created by sapsuckers.

A hummingbird’s daily dietary requirements depend on its size. But on average, they need to consume approximately half their weight in sugar (from nectar) and hundreds of tiny insects each day. Because of their extremely fast metabolism, hummingbirds must eat frequently throughout the day to maintain their high energy level. They visit hundreds or even thousands of flowers per day to acquire enough food.

What is the best nectar for hummingbirds?

The ideal homemade nectar for hummingbirds should try to replicate the natural nectar they feed on in the wild. Here are some guidelines:

• Sugar-water ratio – Use a 4:1 ratio of water to white, refined sugar. This proportion best matches the average sugar concentration in natural flower nectars.
• Sugar type – Use plain white granulated cane or beet sugar. Never use brown sugar, raw sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners which can harm hummingbirds.
• Water – Use plain water without any added colors, flavors, or nutrients which could be problematic.
• Boiling – Boil the sugar-water mixture for 1-2 minutes to dissolve sugar and kill any mold spores. Let cool before filling feeders.

Here is a simple 4:1 sugar-water recipe for hummingbird nectar:

What feeders work best?

When choosing a hummingbird feeder, look for the following features:

• Bright red color – Attracts hummingbirds
• Narrow, tapered openings – Best replicates a flower; limits damage from bees
• Built-in yellow bee guards – Prevents bees from robbing nectar
• Small perches – Allows hummingbirds to rest and feed comfortably
• Wide top – Makes filling and cleaning easy
• Leak-proof seal – Prevents nectar from dripping and attracting pests
• UV-stabilized plastic – Helps prevent cracking and fading

Here are some top-rated hummingbird feeder options:

Consider getting multiple feeders and spreading them around your yard to prevent crowding of hummingbirds. Clean and disinfect feeders every week with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 9 parts water. Rinse thoroughly before refilling.

Where to place hummingbird feeders

Carefully consider feeder placement to create an attractive feeding station for hummingbirds:

• Hang near flowers, trees, and shrubs to provide natural cover and perches.
• Place in a shady area protected from direct sun to prevent nectar from fermenting.
• Position at least 5 feet off the ground and not directly beneath branches to deter ants.
• Hang in a quiet spot away from barking dogs, wind chimes, etc. that could startle birds.
• Clear away foliage and obstructions so hummingbirds can access the feeder.

Other feeding tips

Here are some other tips to support wild, free-roaming hummingbirds:

• Plant plenty of native nectar flowers and plants that attract pollinators.
• Avoid using pesticides that could poison hummingbirds or the insects they eat.
• Only use red food coloring in nectar if bees are an issue; skip it otherwise.
• Change nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather, to avoid bacterial growth.
• Clean feeders thoroughly inside and out before refilling to prevent mold.
• Check that no insects or debris have fallen into the nectar reservoir.
• Remove feeders if they attract bees, wasps or ants; move to a new spot after a week.

What about migration and winter care?

Hummingbirds are migratory birds that fly south for the winter. Here are tips for supporting them during seasonal migration and winter months:

• Keep feeders up year-round if you live in an area with winter hummingbirds or migrating birds passing through.
• Switch to a 2:1 sugar-water ratio in cold weather when higher sugar concentrations don’t spoil as quickly.
• Bring feeders inside at night to prevent nectar from freezing then place back out in morning.
• Add a single Christmas light over or near the feeder to prevent freezing.
• Consider using grape jelly feeders when flowers are scarce in winter. Spread a thin layer on plates, tree bark, or special feeders.

Avoiding problems at hummingbird feeders

With proper care, you can avoid common issues that may arise with hummingbird feeders and nectar:

Preventing bee and wasp invasions

• Use feeders with built-in yellow bee guards that exclude larger insects.
• Add citrus scent or extracts to the nectar – bees dislike citrus smells.
• Move feeders farther away from structures where bees and wasps nest.
• Use an upside down feeder style which bees and wasps find harder to access.

Discouraging ants

• Place feeders on a pedestal or hook well above ground level.
• Coat feeder hanger with petroleum jelly, heavy grease, or slippery tape.
• Spray area around feeder with natural ant repellents like cinnamon, cloves, or citrus.

Preventing mold

• Empty, clean and completely dry feeders every week.
• Make fresh nectar weekly and don’t top off old nectar.
• Store unused nectar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Rinse feeders with a vinegar solution before refilling.

Conclusion

Feeding hummingbirds is an enjoyable way to help sustain these special wild birds. Using proper feeders, fresh nectar mixes, and smart placement will help attract them to your yard. Be sure to clean and maintain feeders regularly to keep hummingbirds healthy and safe from harm. Follow these tips to successfully feed wild, free-roaming hummingbirds.