Hummingbird food that you can buy at stores is typically made up of three main ingredients: sugar, water, and dye or coloring. The ratio of these ingredients and the types used can vary between brands and products, but the goal is to create a liquid nectar that provides hummingbirds with the nutrients they need in a form that resembles natural flower nectar.
Sugar
Sugar is the most important ingredient in store-bought hummingbird food. Hummingbirds get most of their energy from consuming sugars, so an artificial nectar needs to contain enough sugar to provide sufficient calories. The main sugars used are sucrose and/or dextrose, which are types of simple sugars that are easy for hummingbirds to digest and metabolize. Some brands may use corn syrup or honey as well.
The ideal sugar concentration for hummingbird food is between 15-20%. This is similar to the natural nectars that hummingbirds feed on from flowers. If the mix is too dilute, it won’t provide enough energy. If it’s too concentrated, it can be difficult for hummingbirds to digest.
Typical sugar percentage in commercial nectars
| Brand | Sugar Percentage |
|---|---|
| Perky-Pet | 20% |
| Kaytee | 16% |
| Pennington | 15% |
| Nature’s Way | 25% |
As you can see, most commercial brands aim for a sugar content around 15-20%. Some experts recommend diluting any nectar that is very concentrated (like 25% sugar) to better match natural levels.
Water
The other main ingredient in hummingbird nectar is water. Since dry sugar alone would be too thick and difficult to consume, adding water thins out the nectar to a drinkable liquid consistency. Water comprises about 80-85% of natural flower nectars.
It’s important to use plain water without any additives. Tap water is fine in most cases, but filtered or bottled water may be recommended in some areas if the tap water has high mineral content or contaminants. The goal is a clear, pure water source.
Dyes and Colors
Many commercial hummingbird foods contain dyes or coloring agents. These are added to resemble the pigments found in natural flower nectars. Popular options include:
- Red dye – Provides a reddish color like a cardinal flower or trumpet vine
- Orange dye – Mimics the orange of birds of paradise and other tropical flowers
- Clear – No dye added allows a natural light golden color
Research has shown that hummingbirds are attracted to red, orange, and yellow flowers in the wild. While the dyes don’t provide any nutritional benefit, they can attract hummingbirds to the feeder. However, some people prefer to avoid dyes and use a plain, clear nectar.
Other Possible Ingredients
In addition to the main ingredients above, some commercial hummingbird nectars include:
- Preservatives – Used to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are common options.
- Thickening agents – Can help give the nectar a more natural, viscous texture. Guar gum and xanthan gum are examples.
- Artificial flavors – May be added for taste, but are not necessary and offer no benefit.
- Electrolytes – Extra minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Not usually needed if the birds have other food sources.
- Probionics – Supplemental probiotics or digestive enzymes. Unproven benefits.
While these extras are generally not harmful, plain nectar made from just sugar, water, and optional dye is sufficient. The other components provide little or no advantage.
Making Your Own Hummingbird Food
It’s easy to make DIY hummingbird food at home using just a few ingredients:
Simple Homemade Hummingbird Nectar
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Optional: clear corn syrup | 1-2 tbsp |
| Optional: food coloring | As desired for color |
Bring the water to a boil, then stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Add corn syrup for texture and food coloring as desired. Let cool before filling feeders.
This makes a basic 15-20% sugar nectar solution that provides natural nutrition for hummingbirds. You can experiment with different sugar ratios to achieve your desired sweetness and thickness.
Tips for Making Quality Homemade Nectar
- Use refined white sugar only. Other types like brown sugar or raw sugar have impurities.
- Avoid artificial sweeteners, honey, and fruit juices which can harm hummingbirds.
- Make a batch and keep refrigerated for 1-2 weeks. Reheat gently before reuse.
- Discard and remake after 2 weeks as it can grow mold.
- Clean feeders thoroughly before refilling to prevent contamination.
- Consider boiling the nectar mixture for 1 minute to further reduce microbial growth.
Key Takeaways
In summary, the primary components of commercial store-bought hummingbird nectars are:
- 15-20% dissolved white sugar for energy.
- 80-85% water for liquid base.
- Optional dyes or colors for visual appeal.
- Potential extras like preservatives, thickeners, flavors, electrolytes.
Making your own homemade nectar with just sugar and water is simple and cost-effective. Maintaining a hygienic feeding station and proper nectar concentration are the most important factors for hummingbird health. Following basic nectar guidelines allows you to successfully feed hummingbirds in your yard without relying on store-bought products.
Conclusion
The key ingredients in commercially available hummingbird nectar are sucrose-based sugars, water, and added dyes or colors. The ideal sugar concentration mimics natural flower nectar in the 15-20% range. Some products include extras like preservatives but these are not required for basic nutrition. Homemade nectars can be easily created with just white sugar and water. Maintaining cleanliness and an appropriate sugar-to-water ratio are most important when offering any hummingbird food. Following these simple nectar guidelines will help attract beautiful hummingbirds to your feeders.
