Hummingbirds are remarkable little creatures. Despite their small size, they are capable of flying thousands of miles every year during their migration. While most hummingbird species migrate south for the winter, some do overwinter in the southernmost parts of the United States. Providing food for these overwintering hummingbirds is crucial to their survival. But what exactly should you put in your hummingbird feeder during the winter months?
The Basics of Hummingbird Feed
The basic ingredients found in standard homemade hummingbird nectar are white refined sugar and water. White sugar is recommended over other types like brown sugar, raw sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners. The ideal sugar-to-water ratio is 1:4 which equates to 1 cup of sugar dissolved into 4 cups of water. This proportion best mimics the natural nectar that hummingbirds are adapted to. Any concentration stronger than a 1:4 ratio can be harmful to hummingbirds.
Here are some key considerations when making hummingbird food:
- Use plain white granulated sugar only
- Avoid using brown sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, etc.
- Mix at a 1:4 ratio – 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water
- Bring water to a boil first before adding sugar
- Let nectar cool fully before filling feeders
- Store unused nectar in the refrigerator
- Change nectar every 2-3 days in warm weather
Adjusting Feed for Colder Weather
The main change to make to hummingbird food during winter is adjusting the sugar concentration. In colder temperatures, hummingbirds need more energy to maintain their high metabolisms and keep their bodies warm. A higher proportion of sugar helps provide this energy. The ideal ratio for winter nectar is 1 part sugar to 3 parts water, or 1:3. This more concentrated formula compensates for the higher caloric needs of hummingbirds in cold weather.
Here are some tips for making winter hummingbird food:
- Mix at a 1:3 ratio – 1 cup sugar to 3 cups water
- Use cane sugar or plain white sugar
- Do not use any coloring, flavoring or sweeteners
- Bring water to a boil first before adding sugar to dissolve
- Let nectar cool fully before filling feeders
Boosting the sugar concentration provides essential energy, but take care not to make the ratio any stronger than 1:3. Too much sugar can be toxic to hummingbirds.
Other Feeder Tips for Winter
In addition to adjusting sugar levels, here are some other tips for maintaining winter hummingbird feeders:
- Clean feeders thoroughly before first use each season
- Discard old nectar and scrub feeders with a bottle brush
- Rinse well and let air dry fully before refilling
- Fill feeders only halfway to prevent nectar from freezing in cold
- Place feeders in sheltered spots out of the wind and snow
- Use ant moats or coat hangers to keep feeders from freezing
- Replace nectar often – every 2-3 days in winter weather
With a properly cleaned and consistently maintained feeder filled with energy-rich nectar, you can provide vital fuel for hummingbirds that linger through the cold months.
Avoid Using Food Coloring
When making either regular or winter hummingbird food, avoid adding red food coloring to the nectar. Here’s why:
- Artificial coloring provides no nutritional value
- Research shows it may be harmful to hummingbird health
- The red dye can damage hummingbird feathers
- Colored liquid may attract bees and wasps
- Plain sugar water is just as attractive to hummingbirds
The red color of feeders is enough to attract hummingbirds without adding food dye. Maintaining clean, fresh nectar is far more important than altering the color.
Choosing the Best Feeders for Winter
The optimal winter hummingbird feeder has the following features:
- Plastic or insulated glass construction – won’t crack in freezing temps
- Double-wall design – provides insulation to keep contents warmer
- Leakproof seal – prevents nectar from leaking and crystallizing
- Wide, bee-guard openings – allows easier access for hummingbirds
- Raised perches – keeps birds out of freezing nectar
- Large capacity – requires less frequent refilling
- Easy to disassemble and clean – removes buildup and mold
Plastic feeders are optimal for cold weather since glass can crack. Look for a double-walled, insulated design made from durable plastic that seals tightly and has large feeding ports. Adding multiple feeders in different areas provides more feeding opportunities for hummingbirds.
Best Winter Hummingbird Feeder Products
Here are some top-rated winter hummingbird feeders:
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Aspects 375 HummZinger HighView | Double-walled, leakproof, wide feeding ports, 12-14 oz capacity |
| Perky-Pet Glass Feeder | Borosilicate glass won’t crack, two feeder heads, 9 oz capacity each |
| Nature’s Way Bird Product Cedar Feeder | Cedar wood looks nice, plastic inner bottle, perches, 9 oz capacity |
| First Nature Hummingbird Feeder | Plastic, 10 feeding ports, raised perch, 16 oz capacity |
| More Birds Red Jewel Box Feeder | Glass feeder with insulation wrap, raised perches, 8 oz capacity |
Recipes for Homemade Winter Nectar
It’s easy to mix up homemade nectar for winter hummingbirds using basic pantry ingredients:
Basic 1:3 Ratio Hummingbird Food
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
- Bring water to a boil, stir in sugar until dissolved, let cool before filling feeders
Sugar and Boiling Water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 cups boiling water – stir to dissolve sugar
- Let cool to room temperature before use
Sugar and Hot Water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 cups very hot tap water – stir to dissolve sugar
- Allow to cool fully before filling feeder
Avoid honey, molasses, artificial sweeteners or other ingredients. Plain white cane or granulated sugar provides the best nutrition for hummingbirds.
Other Food Sources for Hummingbirds in Winter
In addition to homemade nectar in feeders, hummingbirds also get nutrition from natural food sources during winter, such as:
- Insects – provide protein
- Sap wells – drilled by sapsuckers provide sweet sap
- Manzanita – winter-blooming shrub rich in nectar
- Camellia – produces nectar-rich winter flowers
- Trees – sap, bark lichens, crevices attract insects
Providing a diversity of native plants that offer winter flowers, sap, or insects can supplement feeder nectar and help attract hummingbirds to your yard.
Maintaining Consistent Care
The key considerations for proper hummingbird care in winter are:
- Offer fresh nectar every 2-3 days at a 1:3 ratio
- Keep feeders clean, scrubbing weekly with hot water
- Use hot water for nectar to prevent freezing
- Thoroughly rinse and dry feeders before refilling
- Pick protected, non-windy spots to hang feeders
- Provide multiple feeder locations for more access
- Supply natural food sources with winter-blooming plants
With a bit of extra care and attention during the harsh winter months, you can create a welcoming environment with dependable food sources to help hummingbirds survive until spring.
Signs It’s Time to Take Down Feeders
How do you know when to stop feeding hummingbirds and take down your feeders for the winter? Here are some signs:
- No more hummingbird sightings or activity at feeders
- Nighttime temperatures consistently below freezing
- Daytime highs stay below 50°F
- Hummingbirds have migrated from your area
- Nectar is freezing overnight despite efforts
- You have not refilled the feeder for over a week
If daytime temperatures are frigid and no hummers have been spotted for weeks, it is likely time to discontinue feeding. Taking down feeders helps prevent freezing, fermenting and mold.
Preparing Feeders for Next Season
To ready feeders for next year:
- Take feeders down when temperatures drop and hummingbirds leave
- Discard any remaining nectar
- Thoroughly wash feeders with hot water and scrub brushes
- Rinse well and air dry completely before storing
- Store feeders in a dry spot until next season
- Check for damage and replace any parts if needed before reusing
Proper cleaning and drying prevents mold growth during storage. Next season, simply wash again before filling with fresh nectar and enjoy the returning hummingbirds!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in winter hummingbird food?
The basic ingredients are plain white granulated sugar mixed with water at a 1:3 ratio. This higher concentration of sugar provides vital energy for hummingbirds in cold weather.
Should I use organic sugar or cane sugar?
No, plain white refined sugar is recommended for hummingbird food. Organic, cane and other specialty sugars provide no extra benefits.
Can I use honey or artificial sweeteners?
No, honey and artificial sweeteners should be avoided. Honey can promote dangerous fungus growth. Artificial sweeteners provide no nutrition. Only plain white sugar should be used.
How often should I change winter nectar?
Nectar needs changing every 2-3 days in cold winter temperatures. Sugar water can ferment quickly in freezing and thawing conditions.
Is food coloring necessary?
No, adding red food dye provides no benefit and may actually be harmful to hummingbirds. Plain sugar water is just as attractive.
What is the best winter hummingbird feeder?
The best feeders have insulating double-wall construction, leak-proof sealing, wide feeding ports, and large capacity. Plastic feeders are better than glass since they won’t crack in freezing temperatures.
How do I store my feeder over winter?
Disassemble feeder components and thoroughly wash, rinse and air dry before storage to prevent mold growth. Store in a dry location until ready to use again next season.
Conclusion
Caring for hummingbirds that linger through winter takes a bit more effort, but is greatly rewarding. With proper ingredients, feeder maintenance, and recipe adjustments, you can provide the additional energy these tiny birds need to survive the cold. Following these tips will help ensure hummingbirds have a dependable food source as they brave the harsh winter season in your area.
