Hummingbirds are known for their iridescent feathers and rapid wing beats. They are the smallest birds found in North America, with most species measuring between 2 to 5 inches long. Hummingbirds get their name from the characteristic humming sound created by their beating wings which flap at high frequencies audible to humans. These tiny birds have extremely high metabolisms and must feed frequently to fuel their high energy lifestyles. Their diet consists mainly of nectar, a sweet liquid found in many flowers. While hummingbirds visit many brightly colored flowers, they have preferences when it comes to the blossoms they frequent.
What Colors Attract Hummingbirds the Most?
When it comes to colors that attract hummingbirds, red, orange, and pink shades tend to draw in these nectar feeders the most. This is because hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are naturally drawn to flowers in these warm color spectrums that advertise sources of food. Here is a quick overview of the top colors that attract hummingbirds:
- Bright Red – A classic, high visibility color that appeals to hummingbirds. Red flowers or feeders are like beacons calling to hummingbirds from a distance.
- Vibrant Orange – Another warm, high energy color that appeals to hummingbirds. Especially attractive to species like orioles.
- Hot Pink – While paler pinks may go unnoticed, vivid hot pinks grab attention. A favorite among hummingbird species like blue-throated hummingbirds.
- Purple – Rich purple hues are also popular with some hummingbird species, like the magnificent hummingbird.
- Yellow – While less attractive than red or orange, bold yellows will entice hummingbirds.
Rich, jewel-tone colors in the red color family are consistently the top colors used by hummingbird enthusiasts to attract these energetic little birds. When choosing or making hummingbird feeders, opting for bright, primary shades of red, orange, hot pink, or purple will provide the maximum visual appeal.
How Do Hummingbirds Perceive Color?
Hummingbirds are extremely visual creatures and see colors differently than human beings. Here’s an overview of hummingbird color vision:
- Hummingbirds see ultraviolet light – they have a fourth cone type in their eyes that allows them to perceive ultraviolet wavelengths.
- They have excellent color vision – hummingbirds can distinguish slight variations in color better than humans.
- Their eyes detect rapid motion better than human eyes.
- Hummingbirds rely on vision for essential tasks like finding food, avoiding predators, and communication.
- Their color vision helps them locate nectar sources among dense foliage.
In addition to seeing ultraviolet light, hummingbirds perceive more red shades than humans. As a result, vibrant red or orange blossoms stand out vividly and attract their attention from distances. Warm, bright colors against green foliage provides helpful color contrast that appeals to a hummingbird’s exceptional eyesight.
Do Hummingbirds Have a Favorite Color?
Research suggests that hummingbirds do indeed have preferences when visiting flowers and feeders of different colors. Their top favorite colors include:
- Red – Numerous studies have shown the strongest preference and longest visiting times at red flowers and feeders. Red is an ideal nectar-bearing color.
- Orange – Another attractive warm hue, especially vivid oranges with a reddish tint.
- Pink – Pink comes after red and orange as a preferred color, especially hot pink tones.
- Yellow – While less popular than red/orange/pink, clear yellows will still attract hummingbird attention.
- Purple – Deep purples and wine-colored blooms hold appeal for some hummingbird species.
Red wins hands down as the overall favorite color based on extensive research. No matter the hummingbird species, providing food sources in vibrant shades of red and orange will result in excited visitors at your feeders.
How Do Other Flower Colors Compare?
To highlight hummingbird color preferences, here’s a comparison of how other flower color shades compare to their top choices:
| Color | Hummingbird Interest |
|---|---|
| Red | Very High Interest |
| Orange | High Interest |
| Pink | Moderate to High Interest |
| Purple | Moderate Interest |
| Yellow | Low to Moderate Interest |
| Blue | Little Interest |
| Green | No Interest |
As seen above, warm red, orange and hot pink shades garner the most attention and longest visits. Blue and green flowers go virtually ignored. This is why most hummingbird enthusiasts use red feeders – they are scientifically proven to attract the most birds.
Specific Color Recommendations for Hummingbird Feeders and Flowers
Ready to fill your yard with beautiful blossoms and feeders for hummingbirds? Here are some specific color shades known to attract hummingbirds:
Best Red Colors for Hummingbirds
- Scarlet
- Crimson
- Ruby
- Cardinal
- Fire engine red
Deep, rich variations of red with a strong, vibrant appearance work best to attract hummingbirds from a distance. Dark matte reds are preferred over light, neon varieties.
Top Orange Colors for Hummingbirds
- Coral
- Dark orange
- Neon orange
- Sunset orange
- Fire orange
Warm, vibrant orange tones help mimic the tubular red flowers that hummingbirds favor. Both light and dark oranges will get attention.
Best Pink Colors for Hummingbirds
- Fuchsia
- Hot pink
- Neon pink
- Magenta
- Flowering plum pink
Deep, saturated hot pinks rather than light baby pinks attract the most interest. Fuchsia or magenta blooms are also recommended.
Top Purple Colors for Hummingbirds
- Vibrant orchid
- Royal purple
- Lilac
- Eggplant
- Wine
Aim for rich, vivid purple blossoms that provide a bold pop of color. Darker variations tend to appeal more than pale lavender hues.
Best Yellow Colors for Hummingbirds
- Sunflower yellow
- Gold
- Lemon yellow
- Zinnia yellow
- Marigold orange-yellow
Clear, bright yellows attract the most interest from hummingbirds. Soft pastel yellows are less effective at getting a hummingbird’s attention.
When Are Hummingbirds Most Active?
In addition to choosing the right colors, optimizing your hummingbird spotting opportunities depends on understanding when they are most active. Here are some tips:
- Early Morning – Hummingbirds are very active first thing in the morning as they refuel after fasting overnight.
- Late Afternoon – Food-seeking activity increases again in late afternoon near dusk as they load up on calories.
- Mid-Day – Some downtime in food-seeking occurs midday during the hottest hours when flowers may be less productive.
- Summer Months – Peak hummingbird activity runs from spring through mid-summer when most species are present before migrating.
Focus your hummingbird watching during the most active times in morning and evening for best results. Having feeders and preferred flowers available during mid-day lulls and hot weather will also help attract them.
Tips for the Best Hummingbird Colors
Follow these tips when picking colors and flowers to attract hummingbirds:
- Choose vibrant, saturated shades over soft or pale hues – deep colors attract the most interest.
- Red, orange, pink and purple cluster blooms provide a bullseye target guiding hummingbirds.
- Select flowers with tubular or bell shapes which provide easier access to nectar.
- Plant clumps of the same brightly colored flowers together for high visual impact rather than single plants.
- Deadhead faded flowers to encourage new blooms which provide better color.
- Avoid pesticides which can poison hummingbirds visiting for nectar.
- Match feeder colors to flowers for a cohesive look.
- Clean feeders frequently to prevent mold and bacteria which can harm hummingbird health.
Combining Colors for Maximum Effect
Layering flowers and feeders in a variety of colors will provide hummingbirds choices and create an attractive habitat. Here are suggested color combinations:
- Red flowers with orange feeders
- Pink and purple flowers with red feeders
- Red and yellow flowers
- Orange, pink and red blooms
- A mix of different colored feeders
Using complementary colors that contrast like red and orange or placing feeders near same-toned flowers creates visual harmony. Avoid combining hummingbird favorites like red with ineffective colors like blue or green.
Best Flower Choices to Attract Hummingbirds
In addition to choosing the most appealing colors, select flowers specially adapted to attract hummingbirds. Here are some top options:
Annuals
- Zinnias
- Petunias
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Sages
- Verbenas
Annuals like vibrant red or orange zinnias are easy to add to gardens and containers year after year.
Perennials
- Bee balm
- Columbines
- Foxgloves
- Coral bells
- Sages
- Cardinal flowers
Perennials like columbines offer the reward of frequent returns and will thrive for years in the garden.
Vines
- Trumpet vines
- Scarlet runner beans
- Cypress vines
Vining plants add vertical color and are magnets for hummingbirds to feed as they climb and flower.
Shrubs and Trees
- Fuchsias
- Crabapple trees
- Lilacs
- Weigelas
- Bottlebrush plants
Including shrubs with tubular or bell-shaped flowers ensures seasons of blossoms to attract hummingbirds.
Ideal Garden Layouts to Attract Hummingbirds
Strategically planning garden spaces maximizes the appeal for visiting hummingbirds. Consider these tips:
- Place feeders and preferred flowers near trees and shrubs where hummingbirds often perch.
- Focus clusters of the brightest, boldest blooms right by windows so you can observe activity.
- Have a continuous sequence of plants flowering from spring through fall.
- Include flowering vines on fences, trellises and arbors.
- Allow colorful self-sowing annuals and perennials to fill any gaps.
- In borders, mass plant in hummingbird favorite colors for a bold statement.
- Use hanging baskets of trailing nectar-rich plants like petunias or fuchsias.
By thoughtfully planning beds, borders, containers and vertical spaces you can create an ideal habitat that hummingbirds won’t want to leave!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are hummingbirds attracted to the color red?
Hummingbirds gravitate towards red because it is a warming, high energy color that signals a food source. Red flowers advertise ready supplies of sweet nectar to fuel hummingbirds. Their excellent color vision also allows red blooms to stand out brightly.
What is the best red for hummingbird feeders?
Deep, rich reds like scarlet, crimson and ruby red work best on hummingbird feeders. Matte finishes help the color shine. Avoid lighter reds which may blend with backgrounds. Red glass feeders are also very attractive.
Should hummingbird feeders be red?
While feeders don’t have to be red, this color is highly recommended to get the most bird visits. Studies consistently show red feeders have the highest level of hummingbird interest and activity.
What color attracts hummingbirds besides red?
Orange and hot pink are also excellent color choices. Vibrant shades of orange and fuchsia or magenta pink help mimic the red tubular blossoms hummingbirds favor. Clear yellows and some purples will also attract interest.
What scent attracts hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds have a poor sense of smell so scented flowers or oils don’t help attract them. Instead they rely on vision seeking out bright, vividly colored blooms and feeders that signal a nectar source.
Conclusion
Providing the magic of hummingbirds in your own yard comes down to inviting these energetic birds with their preferred visual cues. Choosing flowers, shrubs and feeders in their favorite shades of red, orange, pink or purple will get their attention every time. By understanding what makes hummingbirds tick and focusing on their key color attractions like red tubular blossoms, you’ll gain loyal visitors all season long. A little planning for maximum color impact can bring amazing hummingbird action right to your window!
