Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that dart around flowers and feeders. Their fast metabolism requires them to consume nectar frequently throughout the day. While you can purchase pre-made nectar mixes, many people enjoy making their own homemade nectar to provide food for hummingbirds visiting their yards. When making homemade nectar, you may want to add coloring so that it is easier to see. However, not all food colorings are safe for hummingbirds. It is important to use colorings specifically made for hummingbird food.
Should You Use Food Coloring in Hummingbird Nectar?
Adding food coloring to homemade hummingbird nectar is optional. The birds will not have a preference for colored or uncolored nectar. However, there are a few potential benefits to using dye:
– It makes the nectar more visible. This helps attract hummingbirds to the feeder. It also lets you easily see how much nectar remains in the feeder so you know when to refill it.
– In hot weather, the dye may help inhibit bacterial growth. The sugar content of nectar makes it prone to growing mold if left out too long, especially in high temperatures. The dye may have some antimicrobial effects to slow this process. However, you should still change the nectar frequently.
– It allows you to make red nectar. Some people believe that red nectar is more attractive to hummingbirds, since red flowers are popular food sources. However, this is not scientifically proven.
So while the coloring is not necessary, it can provide some advantages. Just make sure any dye you use is specifically intended for hummingbird nectar and is non-toxic.
Dyes Safe for Use in Hummingbird Nectar
If you want to add color to your homemade hummingbird food, make sure you use a dye that is approved for this purpose. Here are some safe options:
Liquid Food Colors
Liquid food colorings are a good option for coloring hummingbird nectar. Make sure to use food-grade dyes that do not contain any toxic chemicals. Some good choices include:
– McCormick food colors – Widely available and specifically labeled as safe for bird nectar.
– Americolor – Food-grade dyes made from all FDA-approved ingredients. Avoid their “neon” colors as they may contain coal tar.
– Wilton food colors – Popular food coloring brand but check the label to make sure it is approved for use in nectar.
When using liquid dyes, follow the package directions. Typically only a very small amount is needed to adequately color nectar.
Powdered Drink Mixes
Some powdered drink mixes marketed for hummingbird feeding are colored and completely safe. Two good options are:
– Perky-Pet Powdered Nectar Concentrate – Comes in red, yellow, and orange colors.
– Kaytee Perfect Rainbow Nectar – Offered in red, yellow, pink, purple, and orange hues.
These powdered mixes provide both the sugars/nutrients as well as color in one product. Just mix with water according to package instructions.
Red Food Coloring
While research has not shown red dye attracts more hummingbirds, many people still prefer to make red nectar. When using liquid food dyes, look for those labeled as “no taste red” as they tend to mix the best in nectar. Popular options include:
– McCormick Red Food Color and Egg Dye – Specifically recommended for use in backyard bird nectar.
– Winthrop Red Food Coloring – A natural-based dye made from strawberries.
Make sure to pick a true red shade rather than orange/pink for a bold red nectar color.
Food Colorings to Avoid in Hummingbird Nectar
It’s crucial to use only colorings specifically made for hummingbird food. Many common food dyes are toxic if consumed by the birds. Here are some food colorings to avoid:
Neon/Pastel Food Gel Dyes
The vibrant neon and pastel shades of some food gels and jells may appeal to us, but these dyes often contain chemical compounds that can be harmful. It is safest to avoid any extremely bright or unnaturally colored dyes.
Food Colorings with Coal Tar
Some food dyes are made using petroleum-derived coal tar. Any products labeled FD&C Blue #1 or Blue #2, Green #3, Red #3 or Yellow #6 contain coal tar and should not be used.
Unsafe Commercial Brands
Examples of popular food coloring brands that are not safe for hummingbirds include:
– Wilton Icing Colors
– Betty Crocker Icing Colors
– Assorted Neon Food Gels
Always vet the brand and type of food coloring before use in nectar. When in doubt, it’s best to avoid it.
Homemade Dyes from Fruits/Plants
Making your own homemade natural dyes might sound appealing, but it is not recommended. The amount of dye needed and potential toxicity levels when concentrated make it unsafe. Only use pre-made dyes sold specifically for hummingbird nectar.
Food Colorings Not Labeled “Bird-Safe”
Unless the packaging specifies a food coloring is approved for bird or hummingbird use, do not risk it. Even basic food dyes could contain unsafe additives or concentrations for hummingbirds.
Amount of Dye to Use in Hummingbird Food
When using an approved, bird-safe dye, you only need a very small amount to color hummingbird nectar. Follow the exact package recommendations for mixing ratios. But here are some general guidelines on dye amount per 1 cup of nectar:
Liquid Food Dyes
– Slight Tint: 1-3 drops
– Light Color: 4-5 drops
– Medium Color: 6-8 drops
– Bold Color: 8-10 drops
Any more than 10 drops of dye per cup of nectar is not necessary and may risk toxicity if concentrated too much.
Powdered Nectar Mixes
The powdered concentrates provide the appropriate amount of dye for the nectar when mixed according to package directions (usually 1/4 cup concentrate per 1 cup water). Do not add extra dye.
Tips for Coloring Hummingbird Nectar
Here are some additional tips for successfully coloring your homemade hummingbird food:
– Use a small whisk or spoon to thoroughly dissolve powdered mixes or blend in drops of liquid dye.
– To prevent over-coloring, start with fewer drops of dye and add more one drop at a time until desired shade is reached.
– Do not make an extremely large batch of colored nectar at one time since the dye may lose effectiveness if stored too long. Make only what will be used within a week.
– Consider alternating between different colors (red, yellow, orange) in your feeder to provide variety.
– Clean your feeder thoroughly before switching dye colors to prevent muddy color mixing.
– Refrigerating unused portions of colored nectar will help the dye last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the dye affect the taste?
No, an approved dye should not have any detectable taste to hummingbirds. Always use a tiny amount of dye so it does not overpower the nectar.
Do different dyes attract different hummingbirds?
There is no scientific evidence that different dyes will attract different hummingbird species or sexes. The color is more for our benefit than the birds. However, having multiple feeders with different colors may attract more hummingbirds to your yard.
Is it okay to mix brands of dye together?
It’s best not to mix multiple types or brands of dyes together. This could result in unknown effects. Choose one approved hummingbird dye and stick with it.
Does dye help the nectar stay fresher longer?
Some limited research shows red dye may have antimicrobial properties that could slightly inhibit nectar spoilage. However, you should still change nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather, even if dyed. Do not rely on it to significantly extend nectar life.
Do I have to add more sugar if adding dye?
No, the small amount of dye needed does not affect the sugar ratio. Use your normal nectar recipe of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water along with dye.
Conclusion
While entirely optional, many people enjoy dyeing their homemade hummingbird nectar with safe, bird-approved dyes. This can help attract the birds, allow you to monitor fill levels, and create red nectar. Just make sure to use a tiny amount of high quality, non-toxic dye specifically made for hummingbirds. With the proper type and amount of dye, you can safely add color to your hummingbird feeding routine.