Will hummingbirds come to a feeder that isn’t red?

The short answer

Yes, hummingbirds will come to feeders that are not red. While red is an attractive color that helps draw hummingbirds in, it is not a requirement for them to feed. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in the feeder, not necessarily the color. They have excellent color vision and can see non-red feeders just fine. Other factors like feeder placement, keeping the nectar fresh, and meeting the birds’ nutritional needs are more important than color for attracting hummingbirds.

Do hummingbirds have a color preference?

Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the color red, which is why many commercial hummingbird feeders are red. The color red signals that there is food nearby. Red tubular flowers that provide nectar, like cardinal flower and bee balm, are some of hummingbirds’ favorite natural food sources.

However, just because red is an eye-catching color for hummingbirds does not mean it is a requirement. Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and can differentiate between colors on the spectrum that humans cannot even see. They can see non-red feeders perfectly fine. While red is exciting and helps get their attention, other colors will work too.

Why are many feeders red?

Commercial hummingbird feeders are typically red because:

• Red is visually stimulating and attractive to hummingbirds.
• It helps the small feeder stand out and be visible to passing hummingbirds.
• Red has come to be associated with hummingbird feeding, so customers recognize a red feeder’s purpose.

But red plastic is not essential for the function of a hummingbird feeder. The nectar provides the nutrition hummingbirds are seeking. The color is more for catching their attention and appealing to their visual preferences.

Do hummingbirds have a favorite color?

While red is an attention-grabber, hummingbirds do not seem to have one specific favorite color when it comes to feeders. Some research indicates they may be more attracted to warmer colors like red, orange, and yellow rather than cooler blues and greens. But they will visit feeders of any color as long as the nectar is appealing.

Their favorite colors of flowers give some clues as to what colors they find attractive:

These warmer hues help the flowers stand out and signal the presence of nectar to hummingbirds. But they will visit blooms of any color to feed.

Factors that are more important than color for attracting hummingbirds

While red and other bright colors can help catch a hummingbird’s eye, factors like feeder placement, nectar quality, and meeting nutritional requirements are more important for attracting them.

Feeder Placement

Hummingbirds find feeders by sight as they fly by, so putting them in a visible spot helps. Hang feeders:

• In an open area away from dense foliage
• Near natural sources of nectar like flowers
• Where there is a clear approach for hummingbirds to access the nectar
• Out of reach of predators like cats

Movement and sunlight glinting off the feeder will help catch their attention. High traffic areas are best, so they will discover the feeder in their normal activity patterns.

Nectar Quality

Hummingbirds have a very refined sense of taste and will reject poor quality nectar. Their feeder preference has more to do with the appeal of the nectar than the color of the feeder itself. Follow best practices for cleanliness, concentration, and ingredients:

• Make fresh nectar every 2-3 days, more often in hot weather
• Use four parts water to one part white granulated sugar only
• Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or fruit juices
• Clean feeders thoroughly before refilling

This helps ensure your nectar will be enticing to picky hummingbird palates.

Nutritional Needs

While hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from nectar, they also consume small insects for essential proteins and nutrients. Having a habitat that supports insects and other natural food sources near your feeder helps meet all of a hummingbird’s dietary requirements. Supplement feeders with:

• Insect-friendly plants like butterfly bushes and bee balm
• Areas of leaf litter, rotting wood, and other places where small insects may gather

Ensuring your yard meets a hummingbird’s nutritional needs is key to attracting them. The feeder itself is just one part of the equation.

This table summarizes the importance of different factors in attracting hummingbirds to feeders. While color helps, other considerations are more vital.

Tips for using non-red feeders

While any color feeder can attract hummingbirds, these tips help non-red models stand out and appeal to them:

• Choose bright colors like yellow, orange, pink, or purple, which will stand out against foliage.
• Select fluorescent or iridescent colors that glitter or glow.
• Place colorful blooms around the feeder so hummingbirds congregate in the area.
• Use a feeder with yellow or white accents to help it pop.
• Try a feeder insert or bottle brush with red coloring.
• Combine hummingbird-friendly flowers and plants with your non-red feeder.
• Move the feeder around periodically so hummingbirds find it while foraging.

The color helps capture their attention, but the quality and placement of the feeder has more influence. Even plain glass feeders will get traffic with the right location and nectar.

When neutral colors work best

Neutral colored feeders like clear glass that blend into the environment can be ideal in some situations:

• In natural settings where you do not want the feeder to stand out.
• On porches and patios with colorful decor where a brighter feeder would clash.
• In locations where other animals like bees are problematic, so only hummingbirds find the neutral feeder.

Clear feeders work best near flowers or hanging foliage. The blend of colors surrounding them will attract hummingbirds, and the inconspicuous feeder lets them dine in peace.

Should you switch from a red feeder to a different color?

There is no need to replace your standard red feeder with other colors. Red will work perfectly fine to attract hummingbirds. But it’s also not essential if you want to use a feeder in a different color, print, or style instead.

Only switch feeders if:

• You want a certain look – like a feeder that matches your decor.
• You are having issues with bees or other pests going to red feeders.
• You want to set up multiple feeders and help hummingbirds distinguish between them.
• You need to replace a worn-out feeder.

Different locations like front and back yards or multiple feeders for dominance battles may benefit from color variations. Otherwise, red feeders function just as well as other colors. Go with what looks best to you or fits your intended purpose.

Examples of colorful feeders that attract hummingbirds

Hummingbirds regularly visit all types of feeders, not only red ones. Here are some examples of popular styles and colors:

Hummingbirds visit feeders of all different shapes, sizes, and colors. The style and color palette are up to your personal preferences.

Final tips for using non-red hummingbird feeders

To maximize success with non-red hummingbird feeders:

• Choose vibrant, conspicuous colors that contrast with the surroundings.
• Select a style where the feeding ports or base show up well against foliage.
• Rinse and refresh the nectar every 2-3 days to keep it appealing.
• Shift feeder placements around your yard week-to-week for discovery.
• Try different styles and combinations of colors to see what works best.
• Be patient – it may take a week or two for hummingbirds to find new feeders.

The most important factors remain providing quality nectar and placing feeders strategically. With a quality setup, hummingbirds will visit feeders of any color. Don’t hesitate to use your favorite color palette to feed these incredible birds.

Conclusion

Hummingbirds have excellent vision and are not reliant solely on the color red when seeking out food sources. While red feeders grab their attention, feeders in other colors will work perfectly fine. Factors like proper placement, nutrition, and clean nectar have more impact on attracting hummingbirds than color does. Any feeder that provides quality nectar in a convenient location will bring in hummingbirds, whether it is red, yellow, purple, or transparent. Selecting a feeder in colors you find beautiful will still effectively attract these special birds.