Hummingbirds are popular backyard birds that delight people with their beauty and interesting behaviors. An important way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is by providing a steady source of water for drinking and bathing. Determining the best hummingbird watering method requires some knowledge about hummingbird needs and behaviors. With a quality feeder, clean water, and proper placement, you can successfully hydrate hummingbirds visiting your yard.
Why Do Hummingbirds Need Water?
Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and rapid heart rates. To support their high energy lifestyles, they must consume more than their weight in nectar each day. Along with food, hummingbirds require large amounts of water to avoid dehydration. Water comprises about 65 percent of a hummingbird’s total weight. Hummingbirds use water for the following important functions:
- Drinking – Hummingbirds sip water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
- Bathing – Hummingbirds bathe daily to keep their feathers in optimal condition.
- Regulating Body Temperature – Bathing helps hummingbirds cool down on hot days.
Because hummingbirds have small bodies with fast metabolisms, they can be prone to dehydration. Providing a clean water source in your yard gives hummingbirds the hydration and bathing opportunities they require for good health and comfort.
Types of Hummingbird Water Feeders
There are several common types of hummingbird feeders used to provide water:
Dripping/Dripper Feeders
Dripping feeders have a reservoir tank that drips or leaks water at a slow, steady rate from small holes or from the feeding ports. The dripping action attracts hummingbirds and allows them to drink and bathe in the falling drops of water.
Misting Feeders
Misting feeders have a reservoir tank equipped with a fine misting sprayer. When hummingbirds approach the feeder, their movement triggers the mister to release a short burst of water mist. The mist provides drinking and bathing water for the hummingbirds.
Waterfall Feeders
Waterfall feeders have a reservoir at the top with a ramp or channels that the water flows down like a waterfall before collecting in a basin at the bottom. The moving waterfall stream entices hummingbirds to fly through and drink while also creating a bathing area in the basin.
Fountain Feeders
Fountain feeders have a pump that makes the water flow up through a central tube and out small openings, creating arcing streams and droplets that fall back into a collecting basin. Hummingbirds drink while hovering under the fountain and bathe in the basin below.
Bowl/Basin Feeders
Simple bowl or basin feeders are shallow containers filled with water, sometimes with stone pebbles or glass marbles added for stability. Bowl feeders allow open access for hummingbirds to drink and splash in the water.
Important Features of Hummingbird Water Feeders
When selecting a hummingbird water feeder, look for the following desirable features:
Easy to Clean
Because stagnant water can breed bacteria and mold, the feeder should be easy to disassemble and clean. Choose simple, wide-mouthed designs that provide full access to all water contact surfaces for thorough cleaning.
Ant Moats
Ant moats are built-in water chambers that physically block ants from accessing the nectar. Look for feeders with an ant moat between the reservoir and the feeding ports or basin.
Leakproof
The feeder should seal tightly so water does not drip or leak out and make a mess. Silicone, rubber, or plastic sealing rings around reservoirs, tubing, and feeding ports help prevent leaks.
Rustproof
Hummingbird feeders are exposed to weather. Choose feeders made with rustproof materials like plastic, silicone, or stainless steel to maintain durability.
Bees Guard
Some feeders have bee guards in the form of integrated mesh screens or feeding ports sized to accommodate hummingbird beaks while excluding bees.
Durable Construction
Look for sturdy thick plastic or glass construction that can stand up to daily use without cracking or leaking. Metal parts should be made with rust-resistant materials.
Capacity
The reservoir capacity should be at least 32 oz to minimize refilling frequency. Larger capacity is better for busy feeders.
Perches
Built-in perches allow hummingbirds to conveniently rest near water sources.
Where to Place Hummingbird Water Feeders
Proper placement of hummingbird water feeders helps make the water source appealing for hummingbirds:
- Hang the feeder about 3-5 feet above ground so hummingbirds have convenient access while flying.
- Choose shaded locations protected from direct sun to keep water cool.
- Avoid positioning near busy areas or paths to minimize disturbances.
- Place in view of windows or seating areas so you can observe visiting hummingbirds.
- Cluster with flowers, hummingbird feeders, and other landscaping to create an attractive habitat.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Hummingbird Water
Hummingbirds are highly sensitive to impurities in their drinking and bathing water. Stagnant water can quickly accumulate harmful mold, fungi, and bacteria. Follow these tips to keep your hummingbird water clean and fresh:
- Change the water at least every 2-3 days in hot weather or every 5 days in cooler temperatures.
- Wash the feeder with mild soap and water before refilling. Use bottle brushes to scrub inside hard-to-reach spots.
- Soak feeders weekly in a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water) to remove mineral deposits and sanitize.
- Never use chemical cleaners or bleach, which can leave behind toxins.
- Water should have no discoloration, debris, scum, or algae growth.
- Regularly trim back shrubbery around feeders to increase sun exposure and reduce mold growth.
Best Water Types for Hummingbird Feeders
Use fresh, clean water inside your hummingbird feeders. The ideal water types include:
Filtered or Bottled Water
Using filtered or bottled spring water avoids minerals and impurities that can leave behind scale buildup. Avoid distilled water, which lacks beneficial minerals.
Rainwater
Collecting rainwater from roofs in clean containers provides a natural source of pure, soft water.
Well Water
Well water is fine to use if it is tested and verified safe for drinking. The minerals present typically will not harm hummingbirds.
Tap Water
Tap water from public systems is acceptable to use if it tastes and smells normal. But allow tap water to sit uncovered for a day before using so chlorine and chemicals can dissipate.
Adding Supplements to Hummingbird Water
In most cases, plain water is perfectly fine in hummingbird feeders. However, you can consider adding the following optional supplements:
Sugar
Adding 1-2 tablespoons of white granulated sugar per cup of water provides an extra energy boost. Use no more than 10% sugar concentration.
Electrolytes
Electrolyte packets formulated for birds support hydration and mineral intake. Add according to package dosing instructions.
Vitamins
Small amounts of vitamins made for birds can provide nutritional enhancement. Liquid vitamins usually only require a few drops per cup of water.
| Supplement | Benefits | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | Extra energy source | Can spoil quickly |
| Electrolytes | Supports hydration | May alter taste |
| Vitamins | Adds nutrition | Improper dosing risky |
Troubleshooting Common Hummingbird Water Problems
Use the following troubleshooting tips if you notice any issues with your hummingbird water feeder:
Cloudy Water
- Clean the feeder thoroughly and replace the water with fresh clean water.
- Use filtered or distilled water to prevent cloudiness.
- Change water more frequently, especially in hot temperatures.
Green Algae Growth
- Clean the feeder with a vinegar solution to kill algae.
- Rinse with clean water before refilling.
- Add fresh water daily or every other day to limit algae growth.
- Relocate feeder away from direct sun exposure.
Black Mold
- Scrub feeder with soap and water, then soak in vinegar solution for 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly before refilling with clean water.
- Change water more often to restrict mold growth.
Ant Infestations
- Use feeders with integrated ant moats or surround pole mounts with petroleum jelly.
- Elevate feeders further from ground.
- Regularly clean to remove any residues attracting ants.
Leaking Water
- Check for cracked containers or split hoses. Replace damaged parts.
- Clean mineral deposits off basins interfering with seals.
- Tighten threads and junctions that connect components.
- Replace old sealing rings and gaskets.
Conclusion
Providing a clean, fresh water source is one of the most important things you can do to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Use a quality hummingbird feeder with handy features like ant moats, perches, and bee guards. Place it in a shady convenient spot for easy access. Change the water frequently, clean with vinegar regularly, and scrub away any algae or mold buildup. Filtered or distilled water is ideal to minimize mineral deposits. Consider adding small amounts of sugar or electrolytes for extra appeal. Following these tips will help you successfully hydrate hummingbirds visiting your yard.
