Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that capture the imagination. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair make them a joy to watch. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas and there are over 300 different species. While they live mainly on nectar, hummingbirds also need insects and tree sap to provide certain nutrients not found in nectar. This has led many people to wonder – will hummingbirds eat grape jelly as a food source?
Do hummingbirds eat jelly?
Hummingbirds will eat grape jelly, as well as other jellies and jams. While their main food is flower nectar and tiny insects, hummingbirds need extra carbohydrates and calories to sustain their high metabolism. The sugars in jellies and jams can provide this supplemental nutrition. However, jelly alone does not provide the full range of nutrients that hummingbirds need. It should only be given as an occasional treat, not a regular food source.
Why do people feed hummingbirds jelly?
There are several reasons why people provide grape jelly to hummingbirds:
- Jelly attracts hummingbirds – The sweet smell and taste of sugary jellies are very appealing to hummingbirds. Placing jelly in a feeder can attract hummingbirds to an area for viewing.
- Jelly provides extra nutrition – The carbohydrates and calories in jelly give hummingbirds an energy boost. This supplementary food source can help tide them over when flower nectar is less abundant.
- It’s convenient – Jelly is inexpensive and easy to make or purchase from a store. Pre-made jellies and jams allow people to readily feed hummingbirds without preparing nectar mixes.
While jelly does provide some nutrition, it lacks the protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that hummingbirds need from flower nectar and insects. Jelly should not become a long-term replacement for natural food sources.
What types of jelly can hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds will eat plain, clear jellies as well as jams and preserves with some fruit pulp:
- Grape jelly
- Strawberry jelly
- Raspberry jelly
- Blackberry jelly
- Apricot preserves
- Peach preserves
- Mixed fruit jelly
The most common jelly used is plain grape. Avoid jellies with seeds or large chunks of fruit, as these can clog the tiny throats of hummingbirds. Also avoid products with artificial colors and flavors. Check ingredients to make sure the jelly does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to hummingbirds.
How to feed hummingbirds jelly
If you want to provide grape or other jelly for hummingbirds, here are some tips:
- Use a small shallow dish or special feeder made for jelly. Drain any excess liquid off the jelly before putting it out.
- Avoid using a nectar feeder for jelly, since the sugar concentrations are different. Nectar feeders could also get sticky and be hard to clean.
- Start with small amounts, such as a teaspoon. Monitor to see if the jelly attracts hummingbirds and gets eaten. Increase amounts gradually over time.
- Change the jelly daily or every other day. In hot weather it can spoil rapidly. Rinse and clean feeders thoroughly.
- Supplement with nectar feeders too. Do not only provide jelly, or hummingbird nutrition will suffer.
- Avoid letting ants, bees, and wasps access jelly feeders. Use ant moats or other deterrents.
With some simple precautions, you can safely provide grape or fruit jelly as an occasional treat. Just be sure natural nectar sources make up the bulk of a hummingbird’s diet.
Risks and dangers of feeding hummingbirds jelly
While small amounts of jelly are fine for hummingbirds, there are some risks to be aware of:
- Nutritional deficiencies – Jelly lacks proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients hummingbirds need. Relying solely on jelly can lead to malnutrition.
- Digestive problems – Too much simple sugar without fiber or nutrients could potentially cause gut problems for hummingbirds over time.
- Increased exposure to predators – Jelly feeders may concentrate hummingbirds in one spot where they are more vulnerable to predators.
- Bee stings – Bees and wasps are attracted to jelly and may sting hummingbirds when they compete for the same food source.
To avoid these risks, jelly should be limited to no more than 25% of a hummingbird’s diet. Natural nectar and insects should provide the bulk of nutrition. With a balanced approach, occasional small servings of jelly should not pose problems.
Signs that jelly may be harming hummingbirds
Look for these signs that providing jelly is negatively impacting hummingbird health:
- Low energy or lethargy
- Loss of appetite for nectar
- Weak flight or loss of ability to hover
- Ruffled, dull feathers
- Weight loss causing prominent keel bone
If the birds remain on a pure jelly diet for too long, they can develop muscle loss, bone loss, and organ damage from malnutrition. Their tongues may also become coated and swollen. Discontinue jelly immediately if any of these warning signs appear.
Alternative foods besides jelly
For those concerned about the risks of an all-jelly diet, here are some healthy alternatives:
- Specialized hummingbird nectar made from sugars and nutrients
- Flower nectar from plants like trumpet vines, honeysuckle, and bee balm
- A 10% dilute solution of raw, organic agave nectar
- Artificial commercial hummingbird nectar mixes
- Tree sap wells to mimic natural sap sources
- Edible flowers like nasturtiums, fuchsia, and red salvia
- Overripe fruit like bananas, melon, and oranges
A combination of natural nectars, a small amount of tree sap or fruit, and some commercial nectar formulas will provide balanced nutrition without excessive amounts of jelly.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds will readily eat plain grape jelly, as well as fruit preserves and jams. The sugars provide extra carbohydrates they need to fuel their metabolisms. However, jelly lacks the full range of required nutrients and should never make up the entire diet. While small amounts of jelly are fine as an occasional treat, hummingbirds require natural nectar and insects to thrive.
By understanding proper jelly feeding techniques, being alert to signs of malnutrition, and supplementing with other foods, grape jelly can be included without harming hummingbird health. Ultimately though, nothing can fully replace the natural nectar sources that coevolved with hummingbirds over millennia.
