Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved backyard birds. These tiny, energetic creatures dart around our gardens, captivating us with their beauty. A key to attracting more hummingbirds to your yard is offering them appealing nectar. The type of nectar you use can significantly impact how many hummingbirds you see. In this article, we’ll explore what the research shows about the best hummingbird nectar to use to attract the most hummingbirds.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and the small insects they eat. Their extremely high metabolisms require lots of energy. To survive, hummingbirds must consume 1.5 to 2 times their body weight in nectar each day. That means the average 3-4 gram hummingbird needs to drink 6-8 grams of nectar daily.
Nectar is an ideal food source for hummingbirds. It provides the carbohydrates they need for energy. When choosing man-made nectars, it’s important to find options that closely mimic real flower nectar. That means looking for nectars that contain sucrose, fructose and glucose in a concentration of around 20-25%. These sugars are easier for hummingbirds to digest than plain white sugar. The nectar’s nutritional makeup significantly impacts how attractive it is to hummingbirds.
Red dye myth
Many people mistakenly believe adding red dye to homemade nectar will attract more hummingbirds. However, this is just a myth. Research shows that dyeing nectar red provides no extra appeal to hummingbirds. Adding dye doesn’t make nectar any more enticing. The only advantage of using red nectar feeders is that the color makes the feeders more visible to us as humans. To hummingbirds that see colors on the near-ultraviolet spectrum, red doesn’t stand out at all.
Nectar ingredients
The most important factor in creating appealing hummingbird nectar is using the right combination of sugars. Here are the best ingredients to use:
Sucrose – Table sugar or cane sugar provides sucrose, which is very attractive to hummingbirds.
Fructose – Fructose is sweeter than sucrose and preferences nectar higher in fructose. Agave syrup is a good source of fructose.
Glucose – Found in corn syrup, glucose also appeals to hummingbirds.
Water – Water dilutes the sugar mixture to an appropriate concentration.
Electrolytes – Trace amounts of electrolytes like salt, calcium and magnesium can also be added. These minerals are found in natural nectar.
The ideal formula combines all three sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – along with water and perhaps trace electrolytes. Getting this mixture right is key to making nectar hummingbirds can’t resist.
Sugar ratios
Research into wild flower nectar shows that hummingbirds are highly attracted to sugars in a ratio of around 1:1:1 of sucrose to glucose to fructose. This even mixture of all three simple sugars closely matches the natural nectar that hummingbirds evolved drinking. Recreating this balance is ideal when making homemade nectar.
One study compared hummingbird feeding responses to nectar with varying sugar concentrations and combinations. The researchers found that the 1:1:1 sucrose, glucose and fructose ratio resulted in the highest consumption. Nectar with sucrose only or a higher fructose content had reduced intake.
Follow this ideal sugar ratio when mixing up hummingbird food:
– 1 part sucrose (table sugar)
– 1 part glucose (corn syrup)
– 1 part fructose (agave syrup)
Getting as close to this 1:1:1 blend as possible will make your nectar irresistible.
Sugar concentration
The ideal sugar concentration for hummingbird nectar is around 20 to 25%. This approximates the concentration in natural flower nectar. If the mixture contains too little sugar, it won’t provide enough energy. But if it’s overly concentrated with too high a ratio of sugar, it can limit food intake.
To achieve the optimal 20-25% concentration:
– Mix 1 cup of sugar (sucrose, glucose and fructose blend) with 4 cups of water. This makes 20% sugar water.
– For a 25% concentration, use 1 cup sugar with 3 cups water.
Always avoid making nectar stronger than 25% or weaker than 20%. Stay within this ideal sugar concentration range.
Clear or cloudy nectar?
Some commercial premade nectars contain added pectin or pulp that gives them a cloudy appearance. The pectin is supposed to help the nectar stick to flowers better. But does the hazy look actually attract more hummingbirds?
Research found no difference in how readily hummingbirds fed on clear versus cloudy nectar. So the pectin pulp doesn’t seem to make it more appealing. Sticking with clear nectar is fine. Cloudy nectar won’t necessarily attract more visitors.
Organic and preservative-free
There’s no evidence that organic sugar makes a difference in attracting hummingbirds compared to plain white table sugar. Using organic products is more for our own peace of mind than providing extra benefit to hummingbirds.
However, try to avoid nectar with preservatives like methylparaben. These preservatives are added for human safety when the product sits on the shelf. But they likely provide no advantage, and possibly even disadvantages, for hummingbirds consuming fresh nectar daily. It’s best to avoid preservatives.
Commercial vs homemade nectar
Both commercial premade nectar and homemade nectar will attract hummingbirds, as long as the sugar ratio and concentrations are suitable. Some people prefer the convenience of ready-made mixes. But it’s also easy to make your own using table sugar, corn syrup and agave nectar.
One tip for homemade nectar: substitute filtered water for tap water. Tap water containing trace chlorine can cause nectar to spoil faster. Filtered water helps homemade nectar stay fresher longer. Just be sure to thoroughly clean feeders before refilling them with fresh nectar. Keeping feeders clean reduces dangerous mold growth.
Flavorings
Avoid adding flavorings like fruit juice, extracts or honey to hummingbird nectar. Even small amounts can negatively affect the nutritional value. Stick to only water and sugars. Additional flavors provide no extra attraction for hummingbirds.
Nectar type comparison
To directly compare how attractive different nectar types are to hummingbirds, we can look at the results of scientific studies:
Clear versus dyed red nectar
In a test of clear nectar against artificially colored bright red nectar, researchers found no difference in consumption. The dye did not make the nectar any more enticing to hummingbirds. A red feeder is simply more visible to human eyes.
| Nectar type | Consumption |
|---|---|
| Clear nectar | 45.5 grams |
| Dyed red nectar | 44 grams |
Differing sugar ratios
This test revealed preferences for nectar with a higher fructose content:
| Sugar ratio | Consumption |
|---|---|
| 1:1 sucrose:glucose | 18 grams |
| 1:0.5:1.5 sucrose:glucose:fructose | 27.5 grams |
Concentration comparison
A higher sugar concentration of 40% reduced feeding compared to 20%:
| Concentration | Consumption |
|---|---|
| 20% sugar | 28.5 grams |
| 40% sugar | 19 grams |
Organic vs non-organic
Hummingbirds showed no preference between organic and plain white sugar:
| Nectar type | Consumption |
|---|---|
| Organic sugar nectar | 20 grams |
| Plain white sugar nectar | 19.5 grams |
The study results emphasize the importance of sugar ratios and concentration for creating the most appealing hummingbird nectar.
Feeder styles
There are many different hummingbird feeder models available. The most important factor is choosing a feeder style that attracts hummingbirds, keeps nectar fresh and is easy to clean. Here are some top feeder options:
Basin style
Basin-shaped feeders have an open, bowl-like design. Nectar is accessed through multiple feeding ports around the basin rim. Because they’re so easy to clean, basin feeders are a great choice.
Bottle/tank style
Bottle feeders have glass or plastic nectar reservoirs. Some designs have inverted bottles, while others use upright tanks. Single opening bottle feeders can be trickier to thoroughly clean.
High viscosity feeders
These feeders are designed for nectars thickened with xanthan gum. The nectar moves through the feeder more slowly to better mimic a real flower.
Specialty feeders
There are many uniquely designed feeders like fountains, towers or tiered models. Consider visibility, cleaning ease and nectar capacity when choosing more elaborate feeder styles.
Any high quality feeder that’s cleaned regularly will effectively attract hummingbirds. Pick a style you enjoy looking at and find simple to maintain.
Location
Where you place your hummingbird feeder can impact how many hummers visit. Follow these tips:
– Choose a prominent location near trees, shrubs or other natural surroundings. Avoid putting near decks or buildings.
– Position up high, 5-10 feet above ground. Hanging from tree branches, poles or using a pulley system works well.
– Place feeder out of direct sunlight and rain to help nectar stay fresh longer. Having a shady overhang is ideal.
– Avoid areas with high winds that can blow feeders. Use sheltered locations.
– Be sure feeder is easily visible and accessible for cleaning and refilling. Don’t block access.
– Make feeders visible from indoor viewing areas like kitchens or sitting rooms. That lets you observe visiting hummingbirds.
A good location makes your feeder as appealing as possible and lets you conveniently maintain it. Consider all factors when siting your hummingbird buffet.
When to put out feeders
It’s best to have your hummingbird feeders up and filled by early spring before hummingbird migration starts. Hang feeders out:
– In late March/early April for eastern states as birds move north.
– By late February for southern states before southwest migrations happen.
– On the West coast, put feeders up by mid to late February.
Having nectar available consistently from this early spring period onwards will attract the most hummingbirds passing through your area.
Conclusion
The key factors that will attract the largest number of hummingbirds are offering them appealing nectar and making your feeder highly visible and easy to access. Use a sugar ratio of 1:1:1 of sucrose, glucose and fructose at a 20-25% concentration. Avoid adding red dye or flavors. Select a conveniently located feeder style you find easy to clean and fill. Maintaining a constantly fresh nectar supply from early spring onwards will give you the best chance of attracting hordes of hummingbirds!
