Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. These tiny creatures have extremely high metabolisms and must consume up to half their weight in nectar each day to survive. Because of their high energy needs, having access to nutritious food sources is critical for hummingbirds.
Why do hummingbirds need nutritious food?
Hummingbirds need nutritious food for several reasons:
- High metabolism – Hummingbirds have very fast metabolic rates. Their hearts can beat up to 1,200 times per minute. This rapid metabolism requires a lot of energy.
- Small size – Weighing only 2-20 grams, hummingbirds need nutrient dense foods to sustain their energy needs.
- Long migrations – Some hummingbird species embark on migrations spanning thousands of miles. Nutritious food provides fuel for these long journeys.
- Breeding and rearing young – Female hummingbirds need extra nutrition when producing eggs and feeding hatchlings. Nutrient requirements increase during breeding season.
Without access to high quality, nutritious food sources, hummingbirds can quickly become malnourished and weak. Providing food with adequate carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals is key to supporting their specialized nutritional requirements.
What do hummingbirds eat?
In the wild, hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and small insects like spiders and gnats. Their preferred food sources include:
- Flower Nectar – The main component of a hummingbird’s diet is nectar from flowers. They have specialized beaks and tongues adapted for accessing sugary nectar.
- Insects – Hummingbirds eat small soft-bodied insects for essential proteins and nutrients not found in nectar. Spider webs are a great source.
- Sap – Some hummingbirds supplement their diet by feeding on tree sap for an extra energy boost.
- Pollen – While feeding on flowers, hummingbirds ingest some pollen which provides protein.
In backyard feeders, the most common food provided is a liquid nectar substitute made from white refined sugar and water. Feeders may also offer edible dormant insects to provide essential amino acids.
How do you make nutritious hummingbird food?
The basic process for making nutritious hummingbird food is:
- Start with a nectar base of sugar and water.
- Fortify with nutritional boosters like electrolytes and vitamins.
- Use minimal processing and preservatives.
- Avoid food coloring or additives.
- Make fresh batches every 2-3 days.
- Clean feeders thoroughly before refilling.
Follow this process using high quality ingredients to maximize nutrition in homemade nectar. With some adjustments, store-bought mixes can also be enhanced for better nutritional quality.
What is the ideal sugar to water ratio?
The ideal concentration of sugar for hummingbird nectar is:
- 1 part sugar
- 4 parts water
This 1:4 ratio provides the right balance of energy from sugar while minimizing potential health risks from overly concentrated sugars.
Some key points on sugar ratios:
- Too dilute – increases risk of hypoglycemia
- Too concentrated – harder to digest
- Table sugar is best – avoid honey or artificial sweeteners
- Boil water first – kills mold and bacteria
- Use refined white sugar – minimally processed
Carefully measuring ingredients and maintaining the 1:4 dilution is key for healthy nectar.
What are the best sugar sources?
The best sugar source for hummingbird food is plain white refined sugar. Recommended types include:
- Granulated white table sugar
- Granulated cane sugar
- Plain white beet sugar
Avoid using the following sugar sources:
- Brown sugar – contains molasses which can harbor bacteria
- Raw sugar – not fully refined
- Honey – difficult to dilute properly and can grow bacteria
- Artificial sweeteners
- Agave nectar
- Sugar substitutes
Refined white sugar dissolves easily in warm water to create a smooth, liquid nectar attractive to hummingbirds.
What about nutritional enhancers?
Nutritional boosters like electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals can be added to basic sugar water to enhance the nutrition of homemade nectar:
- Electrolytes – Replace minerals lost through activity and sweating. Look for potassium, magnesium and sodium.
- Vitamin B – Important for metabolism. Add a B-complex supplement.
- Calcium – Necessary for bone health and egg production.
- Amino acids – Boost protein from insect sources. Use leucine, isoleucine or valine.
- Rose Hips – High in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
Research optimal levels before supplementing and aim for the minimum effective dose. Avoid over-supplementing.
Should you use food coloring?
Food coloring is not necessary in hummingbird nectar. Some considerations on food coloring include:
- Does not provide any nutritional value
- Can introduce potential toxins
- May cause allergic reactions in birds
- Can encourage bees and wasps
- Not proven to attract more hummingbirds
If choosing to use food coloring, look for natural vegetable-based dyes and use sparingly. Red is generally preferred by hummingbirds.
How often should nectar be changed?
To prevent spoilage, homemade nectar should be changed every:
- 2-3 days during summer heat
- 3-4 days in cooler weather
Bacteria and yeast can grow rapidly in sugar water, especially in higher temperatures. Discard old nectar and clean feeders thoroughly before refilling.
Signs that nectar has spoiled and should be discarded include:
- Cloudiness
- Visible mold
- Fermentation bubbles
- Sour smell
Regular nectar replacement helps keep feeders sanitary and healthy for hummingbirds.
What are the best flowers for hummingbirds?
Some of the best flower varieties that attract hummingbirds and provide nutritious nectar include:
Flower | Color | Bloom Time |
---|---|---|
Trumpet Vine | Orange, red | Summer |
Bee Balm | Red | Summer |
Cardinal Flower | Red | Summer |
Penstemon | Pink, purple, red | Spring – Summer |
Other good options include fuchsias, petunias, columbines and lobelia. Choose tubular flowers in the red color spectrum.
What plants provide food sources?
In addition to nectar flowers, include plants that attract hummingbird food sources like insects:
- Salvia – Provides nectar and attracts insects
- Butterfly bush – Draws flying insects that hummingbirds eat
- Clover and bee balm – Brings in bees to pollinate other flowers
Also provide spider silk by leaving spider webs intact near feeders. Hummingbirds use these as a natural source of protein.
Should you provide insects?
Providing insects can supplement a hummingbird’s diet with protein. Good insect food sources include:
- Mealworms – High in protein
- Flies – Readily eaten by hummingbirds
- Maggots – Soft-bodied larvae are easy to digest
- Aphids – Abundant in most gardens
Offer live insects in small batches every 2-3 days. Clean uneaten insects within 24 hours before they spoil.
Are fruit jellies effective?
Specially formulated fruit jellies can provide hummingbirds a source of quick energy along with some vitamins and minerals. Points to consider:
- Use minimally processed, all-natural jellies only
- Jellies lack the nutrients of flower nectar
- Not a substitute for flowers or feeders
- Should be no more than 10% of diet
- Can attract ants and wasps
Fruit jellies are an occasional supplemental food and should not become a hummingbird’s primary food source.
What are the risks of moldy nectar?
Spoiled, moldy nectar poses several health risks to hummingbirds:
- Mycosis – Fungal infections that can be fatal
- Aspergillosis – Respiratory illness from mold spores
- Candidiasis – Yeast infection of mouth and throat
- Poor nutrition – From contaminated nectar
- Digestive issues – From fermentation and bacteria
Promptly discarding old nectar and deep cleaning feeders helps reduce exposure to mold and bacteria.
How do you clean a hummingbird feeder?
Cleaning hummingbird feeders properly involves these steps:
- Mix 1 part bleach to 9 parts hot water
- Remove old nectar and disassemble feeder
- Soak feeder parts in bleach solution for 2-3 hours
- Scrub interior and exterior with bottle brush
- Rinse all parts thoroughly
- Air dry fully before refilling
Deep clean feeders every 2 weeks with this bleach solution. Rinse daily before refilling.
Conclusion
Providing adequate nutrition is crucial for hummingbirds’ health. Use a base of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, avoid food coloring, and change nectar every 2-3 days. Look for sugar water enriched with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals for enhanced nutrition. Include nutritious flowers, plants that attract insects, and clean feeders. With thoughtful choices, you can create an optimal diet to attract and nourish hummingbirds.