Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that can beat their wings up to 80 times per second. They have extremely high metabolisms and must consume nectar every 10-15 minutes in order to survive. Because of this, it’s crucial to use the right type of sugar when making homemade nectar for hummingbirds.
Why do hummingbirds need sugar?
Hummingbirds get most of their energy from the sugars found in flower nectar. Their diet consists of up to 2/3 sugar. They need these quick calories to power their rapid heart rate and high metabolism. Hummingbirds’ hearts can beat over 1,200 times per minute during flight. Their wings beat so fast that they make the huming noise that gives them their name.
Because hummingbirds burn through calories so quickly, they must eat every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. This is why it’s so important to use the right type of sugar when making homemade nectar. Using the wrong type of sugar can be very harmful to hummingbirds.
What sugars should you not use?
When making homemade nectar for hummingbirds, you’ll want to avoid using any type of sugar or sweetener that does not occur naturally in flowers:
- Refined white sugar – White table sugar from the grocery store has been highly processed and refined, removing many of the nutrients found in natural sources. It does not provide the nutrition that hummingbirds need.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar actually contains more nutrients than white sugar since it is less refined, but it still does not replicate natural flower nectar.
- Confectioners’ sugar – This is powdered sugar made from finely grinding sugar crystals. The density is different from natural nectar and can be harmful to hummingbirds.
- Maple syrup – Maple syrup is made from boiling down sap from maple trees. It does not have the same nutritional composition as flower nectar.
- Honey – Honey is made by bees, not by flowers. It can promote dangerous fungi growth in hummingbird feeders.
- Molasses – This is a byproduct from refining sugar cane into table sugar. Again, it does not replicate flower nectar.
- Artificial sweeteners – Sweeteners like Splenda, saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose may be even more harmful because they do not provide any nutritional value. Only sugars have calories that hummingbirds can use for energy.
- Raw sugar – Raw sugar is slightly less processed than white refined sugar, but still does not have the same ratio of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that occur naturally in flower nectar.
As you can see, table sugar and anything artificially created in a lab is not a good choice for hummingbirds. They have evolved to get all their nutrition from flower nectar, not processed or artificial sweeteners.
What is the best type of sugar for hummingbirds?
The best and safest sugar to use when making homemade nectar for hummingbirds is plain white granulated cane sugar. This type of sugar provides the closest match to natural flower nectar.
Here’s why cane sugar is the top choice compared to other sweeteners:
- Cane sugar is the least processed of all sugars. It comes directly from sugar cane plants and is evaporated and crystallized to make granulated sugar.
- It has a 1:1 ratio of fructose and glucose, similar to the natural composition of flower nectar.
- It dissolves easily in water, making it easy for hummingbirds to ingest.
- It has a light, clear color like natural nectar.
- It has no aftertaste or unpleasant odor that could deter hummingbirds from feeding.
- It has a neutral pH balance that will not harm hummingbirds.
- It does not spoil easily, so homemade nectar can stay fresh longer.
- It is affordable and widely available year-round at any grocery store.
Simply mixing 1 part cane sugar with 4 parts water makes the ideal homemade nectar for hummingbirds. Bring the mixture to a boil to dissolve the sugar completely, let it cool, and fill your feeders.
Key Takeaways
- Hummingbirds need sugar for their extremely high metabolism. They must eat every 10-15 minutes.
- Do not use refined white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, maple syrup, honey, molasses, artificial sweeteners, or raw sugar in hummingbird nectar.
- Plain granulated cane sugar provides the closest nutritional match to natural flower nectar.
- Mix 1 part cane sugar with 4 parts water for homemade hummingbird food.
Tips for making hummingbird nectar
Now that you know to use plain granulated cane sugar, here are some other tips to keep in mind when making nectar for hummingbirds:
Use the proper sugar to water ratio
The ideal ratio is 1 cup of sugar dissolved into 4 cups of water. This proportion provides the appropriate amount of sugar content and viscosity that hummingbirds need.
Use clean hands and equipment
It’s important to wash your hands before preparing nectar and to only use clean utensils and containers. This prevents contamination or mold growth that could make the birds sick.
Boil the water first
Heating the water before mixing in the sugar helps the sugar dissolve completely so it makes a homogeneous nectar solution.
Let it cool before filling feeders
Allow the nectar to cool to room temperature before pouring it into feeders. Hot nectar could burn the hummingbirds’ mouths and tongues.
Avoid adding red dye
Food coloring is not necessary and could potentially be harmful if consumed in large quantities. The nectar itself should look clear.
Refrigerate unused portions
Store leftover nectar in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. The chill helps slow bacteria growth.
Change it frequently
Clean feeders and replace nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather when it spoils faster. Keep nectar fresh for hummingbirds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is refined white sugar bad for hummingbirds?
Refined white sugar lacks the nutrients found in natural nectar. It is highly processed by crushing, heating, and chemically filtering cane sugar crystals down to a pure sucrose. This strips away any vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The lack of nutrients can lead to malnutrition.
Can hummingbirds taste the difference in sweeteners?
Yes, hummingbirds have taste receptors tailored to detect the natural sugars in flower nectar. They can taste the difference, and any sweetener that does not match real nectar may deter them from returning to that feeder.
Do hummingbirds get a “sugar rush”?
No, hummingbirds cannot get a sugar rush or become hyper from too much nectar. Their rapid metabolism evolved specifically to handle the large amounts of sugar they consume. The sugar is converted directly into energy.
Why is honey bad for hummingbird feeders?
Honey can promote the growth of aspergillus mold, which is fatal to hummingbirds. Honey also has a thicker texture and varying sugar content. The complexity of honey makes pure cane sugar a safer choice.
Can artificial sweeteners kill hummingbirds?
There is no evidence that artificial sweeteners directly cause death in hummingbirds. However, relying on them could lead to malnutrition over time since they provide zero nutritional value.
Sugar-free hummingbird nectar
Some people wish to avoid sugar entirely and want to know if they can make sugar-free nectar. Unfortunately, sugar-free options will not properly nourish hummingbirds.
Here’s why sugar-free nectar should be avoided:
- Artificial sweeteners have no caloric value, and hummingbirds will starve without calories for energy.
- They do not taste the same as natural nectars, so hummingbirds may avoid the feeder.
- Sugar alcohols like sorbitol can cause digestive upset in very small amounts.
- Agave nectar is high in fructose and not nutritionally equal to natural flower nectar.
The simplest thing you can do is limit the amount of regular nectar you offer. Hummingbirds will respond better to smaller doses of real sugar rather than artificial nectar.
You can also provide alternative food sources like flowers, fruit trees, and gardens to give hummingbirds more options. Just refrain from putting out any liquid solutions that do not contain real sugar.
Conclusion
When it comes to hummingbird feeders, the best sugar to use is plain granulated white cane sugar. This provides the closest nutritional profile to natural flower nectar that hummingbirds need to thrive. Stay away from any refined white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, maple syrup, honey, molasses, raw sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
With just 1 part cane sugar to 4 parts water, you can easily whip up batches of homemade nectar for your hummingbird feeders. Monitor the feeders daily, clean them regularly, and change out the nectar to give hummingbirds the safest, healthiest way to refuel.
