Will hummingbirds drink from a fountain?

Hummingbirds are remarkable little birds capable of the most extraordinary feats. Their tiny bodies and fast beating wings allow them to hover in place and fly backwards, things most other birds simply cannot do. Hummingbirds have voracious appetites and must consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day in order to survive. This leads many people to wonder – will hummingbirds drink from a fountain?

Quick Facts About Hummingbirds

Before diving into the specifics of whether or not hummingbirds will use fountains, here are some quick facts about these incredible creatures:

• There are over 300 species of hummingbirds worldwide
• They are found naturally only in the Americas – North America, South America, and the Caribbean
• They are the smallest birds in the world, ranging from 2.2 – 8.5 inches in length
• Their extremely fast metabolism requires them to eat up to half their body weight daily
• Their primary food source is nectar from flowers
• They can beat their wings up to 80 times per second
• They are capable of flying backwards and hovering in midair
• Hummingbirds migrate long distances each year, some traveling over 2,000 miles

Requirements for Hummingbird Survival

Hummingbirds have very specific habitat and nutritional requirements in order to survive. Here is an overview of what they need:

Nectar:

• Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their main food source
• They get nectar from flowers by lapping it up with their long, specially adapted tongues
• Flowers provide 20-30% of a hummingbird’s nutritional needs
• Preferred nectar sources are tubed or bell-shaped flowers, which match the shape of the hummingbird’s beak and tongue

Insects:

• Hummingbirds also consume insects for essential protein
• Most hummingbird species get about 70-90% of their protein from insects
• Preferred insect prey includes mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, aphids, spiders

Water:

• Water is vital to hummingbird survival
• They use water for bathing and preening feathers in addition to hydration
• In the wild they drink rainwater or dew collected in flowers, leaves, moss
• Providing an artificial water source can help attract hummingbirds

Shelter:

• Hummingbirds rest and take shelter in trees, shrubs, and vines
• They prefer protected sites near food sources
• Providing native plants and flowers encourages hummingbird visits

Key Factors That Attract Hummingbirds

Understanding what appeals to hummingbirds can help determine if they will be drawn to an artificial water source like a fountain. Here are the key factors that attract hummingbirds:

• Nectar plants – The presence of native nectar plants and blooming flowers is a top draw for hummingbirds. They will seek out reliable food sources.
• Water – A clean water source for drinking and bathing is very enticing for hummingbirds. Moving water from a fountain or mister adds appeal.
• Shelter – Nearby trees, shrubs, and vines provide necessary shelter. Hummingbirds are more likely to frequent yards that provide cover.
• Color – Vibrant colors, especially red, attract hummingbirds. They have excellent color vision.
• Shallow perches – Low perches allow hummingbirds to easily rest near food and water sources.

What Kind of Fountain Do Hummingbirds Like?

If you want to put in a water feature specifically to attract hummingbirds, consider the following fountain types:

Dripping or Spraying Fountains:

• The moving water action mimics leaky garden hoses that hummingbirds favor
• Provides a constant drip or spray of water for drinking
• Adding a water mister offers more appeal

Shallow Basin Fountains:

• Low, wide basins allow easy access
• The shallow water lets hummingbirds stand and splash in the water

Tiered Fountains:

• Multiple cascading levels offer numerous access points
• Hummingbirds can drink from the top levels or fly through the falling water

Colorful Fountains:

• Vibrant colors grab attention
• Red is an excellent color for attracting hummingbirds
• coordinate fountain colors with surrounding flowers

Key Fountain Features:

• Shallow basin depth (less than 2 inches)
• Constantly moving water
• Slow steady drip or spray of water
• Multiple access points
• Bright, colorful materials
• Near nectar plants and food sources

Setting Up a Hummingbird Fountain

Proper setup and maintenance is key to attracting hummingbirds with a fountain. Here are some tips:

Location Tips:

• Place near nectar and food sources
• Site within 3-5 feet of small trees or shrubs (for shelter and perches)
• Avoid locating too close to feeding areas (to prevent territorial issues)
• Position fountain in partial sun to avoid algae growth

Maintenance Tips:

• Keep water full and free of leaves/debris
• Change water daily to prevent mosquito breeding
• Clean fountain weekly with mild vinegar solution
• Use filtered water to prevent mineral deposits
• Run fountain regularly to keep water circulating

Setup Considerations:

• Have nectar plants established first to draw hummingbirds in
• Start fountain when daytime temps are consistently above 55°F
• Let fountain run for a few days before expecting hummingbirds
• Provide additional insect food sources
• Be patient – it may take a few weeks for hummingbirds to discover the fountain

Conclusion

In conclusion, hummingbirds can and will drink from fountains, provided certain conditions are met. The key factors that attract hummingbirds to fountains are shallow, constantly moving water, bright colors, proximity to shelter and food sources, and adequate perching spots. Fountains that mimic leaky garden hoses or provide dripping, misting, or cascading water appeal most to hummingbirds. With proper setup and maintenance in an ideal backyard habitat, a fountain can provide a refreshing, enticing water source for hummingbirds to supplement their nectar diet.