Quick Answer
Yes, hummingbirds can and will drink out of bowls, provided the bowls are shallow enough for the hummingbirds to easily access the nectar. Hummingbirds have specially adapted tongues that allow them to lap up nectar, so they do not need a specialized feeder. However, using a shallow bowl is recommended over a deep container or mug.
Do Hummingbirds Drink from Bowls?
Hummingbirds can and do drink from bowls, as long as the bowls meet some basic criteria. Hummingbirds have very long, specially adapted tongues that they use to lap up nectar. Their tongues work a bit like a tiny straw, with grooves on the tongues that allow the nectar to move up the tongue through capillary action. This allows them to lap up nectar from shallow containers, rather than needing to suck nectar through a specialized tube feeder.
However, hummingbirds can only lap up nectar when their beaks can reach the nectar. This means the bowl needs to be shallow enough for the hummingbird to easily dip its beak into the liquid. Very deep bowls or mugs will not work, as the hummingbirds will not be able to easily access the nectar. Generally, bowls that are an inch or two deep work well. The wider the bowl also, the easier it will be for multiple hummingbirds to feed at once.
Best Bowl Types for Hummingbird Nectar
– Wide, shallow bowls or dishes. Large flat plates can work well.
– Short, wide glasses or cups.
– Bowl-shaped planters specifically marketed for hummingbirds. These often have colored designs that may attract hummingbirds.
– Hanging bowls with hooks that allow them to be suspended. This keeps crawling insects out.
Unsuitable Bowl Types
– Deep bowls or mugs more than a couple inches deep.
– Tall glasses or narrow vases.
– Bowls with steep sides that limit accessibility.
– Metal bowls (may get hot in sun).
So in summary, hummingbirds can and will happily drink from bowls, as long as the bowls are shallow enough for the birds to easily dip their beaks in for drinking. The key things to look for are wide, shallow designs that allow complete access.
Do Hummingbirds Prefer Bowls or Feeders?
Hummingbirds do not necessarily prefer bowls over feeders, or vice versa. Both can be used successfully to provide nectar for hummingbirds. However, each option has some pros and cons to consider:
Advantages of bowl feeding:
– Allows multiple birds to feed at once.
– Easy to see nectar level and refill.
– Can be left out overnight in warm months.
– Lower cost than specialized feeders.
– Natural feeding position for birds.
Disadvantages of bowl feeding:
– Nectar may be accessible to bees and wasps.
– Easier for nectar to get watered down by rain.
– No protection from crawling insects.
– May need more frequent cleaning than feeders.
Advantages of feeders:
– Protects nectar from rain dilution and insects.
– Fun tube designs for watching birds feed.
– Some feeders limit bees and wasps.
– Easy to hang in desired location.
Disadvantages of feeders:
– More expensive than bowls.
– Harder to monitor nectar level.
– Single feeding ports limit bird access.
– Must be taken down and cleaned regularly.
So in terms of preference, hummingbirds will adapt to both bowls and feeders. The main factors that may make hummingbirds prefer one over the other are ease of access and competition. For example, dominant hummingbirds may prefer feeders with single ports, while less dominant ones prefer open bowls. Overall, offering both feeders and bowls provides the best access for all hummingbirds.
Tips for Using Bowls to Feed Hummingbirds
If you want to put out bowls for hummingbirds, here are some tips to get the best results:
– Use sturdy bowls that won’t tip over. Heavy ceramic or glass bowls work best.
– Select wide, shallow bowls no more than a couple inches deep.
– Clean bowls thoroughly before use to avoid mold.
– Make homemade nectar with 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Boil then cool before filling.
– Fill bowls with fresh nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather.
– Position bowls in shady areas away from direct sun to slow nectar spoilage.
– Keep an eye on nectar level and refill bowls when low.
– Consider moving bowls to different locations to prevent territoriality.
– Be prepared to deal with bees, wasps, and ants, which may also be attracted to open bowls.
– Consider hanging bowls or placing them on elevated platforms if ants are a problem.
– Avoid metal bowls, which may get hot in direct sunlight and burn hummingbird tongues.
– Don’t use food coloring, which provides no benefit and may be harmful to the birds.
With some experimentation to find an optimal setup, bowls can be an easy, inexpensive way to provide nectar for hummingbirds in your yard. Just be sure to maintain cleanliness and watch for pests.
FAQs About Hummingbirds Drinking from Bowls
Do hummingbirds drink water from bowls?
Hummingbirds will sometimes drink plain water from bowls if no nectar is available, but this should only be a temporary solution. Water does not provide the nutrients and energy hummingbirds need. They can survive on water for a short time, but will have difficulty thriving without nectar or native flowers to feed on.
Will hummingbirds bathe in water bowls?
In addition to drinking, hummingbirds will sometimes bathe in water bowls or bird baths. Providing a water bowl with a mister or dripper can create an attractive spot for hummingbirds to bathe and preen their feathers.
Can you use red dye in hummingbird bowls?
Red dye is not recommended for hummingbird nectar in bowls or feeders. The dye provides no nutritional benefit, and some red dyes may even be harmful to hummingbird health. Hummingbirds are attracted primarily by the sugar content rather than color.
Do hummingbirds drink from bowl feeders?
Yes, there are specialized bowl-style feeders designed for hummingbirds. These have bowls, wells, or reservoirs for the nectar that allow hummingbirds to lick and lap up the liquid. Bowl feeders combine the accessibility of bowls with features like ant moats or bee guards.
Should hummingbird feeder bowls be deep?
No, even purpose-built hummingbird bowl feeders should not be too deep. Shallow bowls no more than an inch or two deep allow the best accessibility for hummingbirds. Excessively deep wells prevent the birds from comfortably reaching the nectar.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds readily drink nectar from bowls, given some basic considerations around depth, shape, and placement. While specialized feeders have benefits too, plain bowls can be an easy, inexpensive way to offer nectar to hummingbirds. With some simple precautions like moving bowls regularly and cleaning daily, bowls make a great alternative or addition to tube feeders in a yard. Ultimately, offering both types of vessels provides the most flexibility and accessibility for hummingbirds. The key is to provide fresh, sugar-rich liquid in vessels that allow for the hummingbird’s specialized tongue and feeding style. Both bowls and feeders fit the bill.
