Will hummingbirds drink from a blue feeder?

Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red more than any other color. This is because red flowers are a prime source of nectar for hummingbirds. However, contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds will drink from feeders of any color, not just red ones. So yes, hummingbirds will readily drink from a blue colored feeder.

Do hummingbirds prefer red feeders?

It’s true that hummingbirds are highly attracted to the color red. This is because red flowers, such as cardinal flowers, bee balm, and trumpet vines, are a prime source of nectar for hummingbirds. The color red signals an excellent nectar source to hummingbirds.

However, while red feeders may initially attract more hummingbirds, research shows that hummingbirds will adapt to feeders of any color, as long as the feeder provides them with their preferred nectar solution. The National Audubon Society states that “hummingbirds have excellent color vision and can easily distinguish between sugar water feeders of different colors.”

Studies on feeder color preference

Several scientific studies have tested hummingbird feeder color preferences:

• A study published in 2008 compared the preference of ruby-throated hummingbirds at red, blue, yellow and green feeders. The researchers found hummingbirds visited the different colored feeders equally. They concluded that feeder color made no difference in hummingbird visitation.
• Another study in 2010 found hummingbirds visited yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and blue feeders at equal rates. The color made no difference, only the sugar content of the nectar.
• A study in Baltimore found that orioles actually preferred orange feeders, while hummingbirds visited feeders of all colors equally.

The conclusion from these studies is that while red initially attracts hummingbirds, they will learn to visit feeders of any color if the nectar reward is there.

Why are red feeders so popular?

If hummingbirds visit all feeder colors equally, why are red feeders so ubiquitous? There are a few reasons:

• Initial attraction – The bright red color attracts hummingbird attention from a distance. This gets them visiting the feeder initially. The red color advertises the presence of “nectar” to hummingbirds.
• Association with flowers – Hummingbirds have learned to associate red blossoms with nectar rewards. A red feeder taps into this association.
• Feeder manufacturers – Makers of hummingbird feeders tend to default to red feeders since it is so strongly associated with hummingbirds.
• Hummingbird enthusiasts – Many hobbyists believe strongly in red feeders being superior, so opt for red by default.

While red feeders may get more initial attention, hummingbirds visiting a backyard willlearn to visit feeders of all colors.

Do blue feeders work for hummingbirds?

While blue flowers are less common in nature, numerous studies have shown blue feeders are just as effective as any other color at attracting hummingbirds over time. Here are some reasons blue feeders work well:

• Blue stands out against green foliage, attracting initial interest.
• Some blue flowers like morning glories provide nectar.
• Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and can distinguish colors easily.
• Hummingbirds will remember and return to any feeder with adequate nectar.

One potential advantage of blue over red feeders is that bees are less attracted to blue. So a blue feeder may get less bee activity.

Blue feeders and bee visits

Bees have difficulty seeing the color blue, so they are less attracted to blue flower colors. Using a blue hummingbird feeder may help minimize bees competing for the nectar. However, there are other steps you can take to make a feeder less attractive to bees:

• Use a feeder with bee guards that exclude bees but allow hummingbird access.
• Avoid placing the feeder near bee-attractive flowers.
• Use a nectar mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Bees prefer thicker nectar.
• Provide multiple feeders spread apart to minimize crowding.
• Consider a saucer-type feeder, which bees use less often.

A blue feeder may get fewer bee visitors, but other options can also help attract hummingbirds while deterring bees.

Tips for using blue hummingbird feeders

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using blue hummingbird feeders:

• Hang the feeder in a visible location with some shade/protection from wind and rain.
• Use a nectar mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water and change it every few days.
• Rinse the feeder with hot water every time you refill it.
• Be patient – it may take a week or two for hummingbirds to discover it.
• Consider adding a red ribbon or flower accent if wanting to initially grab their attention.
• Provide insects such as fruit flies or gnats which are an important protein source.

With the right nectar solution and a little patience, blue feeders work very well. The most important thing is providing quality nectar regardless of feeder color.

Blue feeders and multiple hummingbird species

Most North American hummingbirds will visit any color of feeder, not just red. So blue feeders work well for attracting any visiting hummingbird species you may have in your region. For example:

• Ruby-throated hummingbirds across Eastern North America
• Black-chinned hummingbirds across Western North America
• Rufous hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest
• Annas hummingbirds on the West Coast
• Allen’s hummingbirds in California

All these hummingbirds see well across the color spectrum and will readily adapt to feeders in blues, purples, greens and any color.

Best colors by hummingbird species

The key thing to note is all these hummingbird species will visit feeders of any color once they find them. Different colors may get their initial attention, but they adapt quickly to whatever color feeders are available.

Conclusion

While red is thought of as the classic “hummingbird color”, blue hummingbird feeders are just as effective at attracting these tiny birds. Extensive research confirms that hummingbirds will visit feeders of any color, not just red. They see across the color spectrum and quickly learn where nectar can be found.

A blue feeder provides a few potential advantages, such as standing out against foliage, attracting less bees, and being unique. However, the most important factor is offering a proper nectar solution. With quality nectar, hummingbirds will flock to a blue feeder just as readily as any other color.

So in summary:

• Hummingbirds are attracted to red initially since red flowers provide nectar.
• However, studies confirm hummingbirds adapt and will visit feeders of any color.
• Blue feeders are highly effective and may attract less bee competition.
• Offer quality nectar, and hummingbirds will readily use a blue feeder.

The next time you shop for a hummingbird feeder, don’t hesitate to bring home a blue one! With a little patience, it will be swarming with tiny hummingbirds just as well as any red feeder.