When it comes to feeding hummingbirds, using a nectar that closely mimics the natural nectar found in flowers is important. The natural coloring of hummingbird nectar comes from plant pigments contained within the flowers that hummingbirds feed from. Understanding what gives flowers and hummingbird food its coloring can help bird enthusiasts make the best nectar for attracting hummingbirds.
What gives flowers their coloring?
Flowers contain a range of pigments that give them their vibrant colors. Some of the main pigments found in flowers include:
- Anthocyanins – These water-soluble pigments provide the blues, purples, and red hues in flowers.
- Carotenoids – Carotenoids provide vibrant yellow, orange, and red colors.
- Betalains – These nitrogen-containing pigments give some flowers, like cacti, their red-violet hues.
- Chlorophyll – The green pigment that helps plants photosynthesize.
- Tannins – These provide the browns in flower petals.
When a hummingbird drinks nectar from a flower, these pigments will infuse the nectar with color. The predominant pigments will depend on the flower species the hummingbird is feeding from. For example, lilies contain anthocyanins that give the flower blues and purples. Orange flowers like California poppies get their hue from carotenoids.
Why is natural coloring important in hummingbird nectar?
Using a nectar with natural coloring derived from edible flower pigments is important for a couple of reasons:
- Appearance – The vivid colors of the nectar will be attractive to hummingbirds and easier for them to spot in feeders.
- Safety – Pigments derived from flowers are safe if consumed by hummingbirds.
- Taste – The pigments can enhance the flavor of homemade nectars.
Artificial dyes or food coloring may be dangerous if consumed by hummingbirds. Lichens and petals from edible flowers make the safest natural sources of pigment.
Best natural sources for coloring hummingbird nectar
Some of the best natural sources to use when coloring hummingbird food include:
Flower petals
- Roses – Provide shades of red, pink, purple, orange, and yellow depending on variety.
- Pansies – Give nectar a blue, yellow, orange, or purple tint.
- Hibiscus – Red, pink, orange, or yellow depending on variety.
- Nasturtiums – Vibrant orange.
- Calendula – Yellows and oranges.
Petals should be from pesticide-free flowers. Remove the white bases before using as they can give the nectar a bitter taste.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Raspberries, strawberries, cherries – Reds
- Orange juice – Orange
- Blueberries – Purple
- Beets – Pink
Juice or puree the fruits/vegetables and strain before mixing into the nectar.
Lichens
- Red – Roccella tinctoria
- Orange – Xanthoria parietina
- Yellow – Caloplaca flavovirescens
- Blue-gray – Umbilicaria crustulosa
Powder and mix a small amount of the dried lichen material into the nectar.
Spices
- Turmeric – Yellow
- Paprika – Red
- Saffron – Yellow
Use very small amounts of spice powders to tint the nectar.
How to color homemade hummingbird nectar
Making your own naturally colored hummingbird nectar is simple:
- Start with a base of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes to dissolve the sugar.
- Let the nectar cool fully before adding coloring.
- Add the natural colorant – flower petals, fruit juice, lichens or spices – to the cooled nectar. Use only a small amount of coloring and adjust to the desired hue.
- Steep for 30 minutes up to 24 hours so the coloring infuses the nectar.
- Strain the nectar through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
- Store colored nectar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- When ready to use, stir well and fill clean hummingbird feeders.
Making a batch or two of naturally colored hummingbird nectar allows you to experiment with different shades to see which ones attract the most hummingbirds to your yard!
Tips for coloring hummingbird nectar
- Always use natural plant-based pigments, never food coloring or drink mixes.
- Aim for soft translucent hues, not dark opaque colors.
- Add just enough coloring for a tint – don’t make the nectar dark.
- Store unused petals or lichens in the freezer to use again.
- Mix a new batch every 2 weeks and clean feeders well.
- Consider lighter colors early in the season, bolder reds and oranges later on.
- Observe what flowers hummingbirds prefer in your area and match those colors.
Troubleshooting colored hummingbird nectar
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Nectar ferments quickly | Use less fruit juice or switch to flower petals/spices for coloring. Store in the refrigerator. |
| Nectar leaves residue in feeders | Strain nectar through extra fine filter/cheesecloth before filling feeders. |
| Nectar separates | Shake or stir well before filling feeders. |
| Colors too dark | Use less coloring next time. Dilute current batch with extra nectar. |
| Hummingbirds avoid nectar | Try lighter, more translucent colors. Make sure nectar is fresh. |
Conclusion
While plain white sugar water is sufficient, hummingbirds will be more attracted to homemade nectars that contain their favorite flower pigments. Petals, spices, fruits, vegetables and lichens can naturally tint the nectar light hues of red, orange, yellow, blue and purple. Always use safe, edible plant materials. With a basic sugar water recipe and some coloring options on hand, you’ll enjoy creating colorful homemade hummingbird nectar for your yard!
