What Foods Do Hummingbirds Eat?

Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe in nature. Their tiny size, dazzling colors, and remarkable speed make them a joy to watch. These energetic little birds have captured the fascination of people for centuries. When it comes to feeding these flying jewels, it’s important to understand their unique dietary needs. By providing the right types of hummingbird food and feeders, you can successfully attract hummingbirds to your yard. Let’s explore the best foods that hummingbirds like to eat.

An Overview of Hummingbird Diet and Eating Habits

Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and rapid heart rates that require them to consume a tremendous amount of energy. Their diet mainly consists of nectar, tree sap, and small insects. Here is a quick look at the key elements of their nutritional needs:

Nectar – This sugary fluid produced by flowers is the primary food source for hummingbirds. They use their long slender beaks and tongues to lap up nectar as they hover near flowers.
Insects – To obtain essential proteins, hummingbirds eat small spiders, gnats, fruit flies, aphids, and tree sap.
Sugar – Hummingbirds depend on simple sugars from nectar and tree sap to provide them with the carbohydrate energy they need to power their wings up to 70 times per second.
Water – Hummingbirds meet their water needs from rain, droplets on leaves, and nectar. Providing a water mister or drippers near feeders gives them an extra water source.

Hummingbirds eat roughly every 10-15 minutes throughout the day. Because they can starve in as little as an hour, they visit hundreds of flowers each day and consume up to twice their body weight in nectar daily. Let’s look closer at the top foods hummingbirds love to eat from both natural sources and feeders.

Natural Food Sources That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds obtain most of their nutrition from various colorful, nectar-producing flowers and trees. Here are some of their favorite natural food sources:

Native Plants and Flowers

Planting native species that coevolved with hummingbirds is an excellent way to create a natural habitat for them in your yard. Some top options include:

Trumpet Vine – This vigorous climber produces clusters of bright orange/red tubular flowers laden with nectar from spring to fall.
Bee Balm – Also called wild bergamot, this perennial has whorls of red, pink, or purple flowers that bring hummingbirds buzzing.
Butterfly Weed – Brilliant orange blooms top this milkweed species, creating a tempting nectar source for hummers.
Cardinal Flower – Towers of vivid red flowers make this plant a late summer favorite nectar stop for hummingbirds.
Columbine – Delicate, hanging red and yellow blooms provide an early spring food source for returning hummingbirds.

Flowering Trees and Bushes

In addition to herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs provide sustenance for hummingbirds:

Mimosa Tree – Pink puffy blooms cover this tree in summer, attracting swarms of hungry hummers.
Crape Myrtle – Long summer bloom periods with pink, red, or white flowers make this small tree a hummingbird hot spot.
Rose of Sharon – An abundance of nectar in the hibiscus-like flowers of this summer blooming shrub entice hummingbirds.
Lilac – Fragrant purple and white blooms on this spring flowering bush provide an early feast.
Weigela – Bright red trumpet-shaped flowers on this hummingbird-loving shrub show up just in time for spring migration.

Sap Wells and Fruit Trees

In addition to flower nectar, hummingbirds tap into tree sap and fruit as food sources:

Sapsucker Wells – Tiny wells drilled in tree bark by yellow-bellied sapsuckers provide pools of sap that hummingbirds slurp.
Citrus Trees – Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes provide nectar when in bloom and offer fruit sugars later.
Oaks – Leaf buds and sap are enticing spring foods at oak trees, a crucial early food source.
Apples and Pears – Nectar from spring blossoms and ripe summer fruit create a double attraction.
Banana Plants – Bright red flowers packed with nectar appear before the fruit, bringing hummingbirds buzzing.

Types of Feeders and Artificial Nectar for Hummingbirds

While natural food sources are best, providing supplemental nectar in feeders or planting nectar-rich ornamental flowers can help ensure hummingbirds get the fuel they require. Here are some popular feeding options:

Nectar Feeders

These specialized feeders are designed to provide the sugar-rich homemade nectar that hummingbirds need. Essential tips include:

Use a feeder with red parts, as hummers are attracted to red.
Select a feeder that is easy to clean and fill. Look for dishwasher safe options.
Choose a leakproof feeder that won’t drip nectar and attract ants and bees.
Hang it in a shady area to prevent nectar from fermenting in the heat.
Hang it near natural shelters like trees to encourage visits.

Artificial Nectar

While homemade nectar is best, pre-made commercial nectar blends can work too. Key considerations:

Look for a 20%-25% sugar concentration, which mimics natural nectar.
Avoid red dyes, as these offer no benefit and can be harmful.
Make sure the product contains only pure cane sugar, not high fructose corn syrup or other additives.
Do not add artificial sweeteners, honey, or fruit juices, as these can make hummers sick.
Avoid premixed solutions, which can quickly spoil without refrigeration. Powdered mixes last longer.

Sugar Water Feeders

For a quick and easy option, a sugar water solution can be used. However, it lacks the nutrients of homemade nectar recipes.

Use a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Do not exceed 25% concentration.
Boil the water first and let it cool before mixing in white granulated sugar until dissolved.
Replace the sugar water every 2-3 days, or whenever it looks cloudy.

Ornamental Flowers

Vibrant tubular flowers like honeysuckles, fuchsias, and penstemons give hummingbirds a nectar banquet. Consider these nurturing blooms:

Petunias – Both single and double petunia varieties attract hummingbirds to their nectar.
Sages – Spikes covered in tubular blooms, like on pineapple sage, are hummingbird candy.
Fuchsias – Dangling red and purple flowers loaded with nectar dangle like a sweet treat.
Coral Bells – Tiny bell-like blooms on this perennial provide a pretty and practical food source.
Nasturtiums – Abundant yellow, orange, and red edible blossoms make this annual a must for hummers.

What is the Best Homemade Nectar for Hummingbirds?

While store-bought nectar will work, whipping up a homemade batch is easy and provides the most natural nutrition for hummingbirds. Here are some top tips for making your own:

Use a 4:1 ratio – Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water for optimal homemade nectar. This ratio mimics the 20%-25% sugar content of natural nectar.
Only use white sugar – Cane sugar is the only sweetener that should go into homemade nectar. Avoid brown sugar, raw sugar, honey, and artificial sweeteners.
Heat the water – Heating the water first allows the sugar to dissolve thoroughly. Don’t let it boil.
No red dye – There is no benefit to adding red food dye, and it can actually be harmful to hummers.
Refrigerate – Store unused nectar in the fridge for up to two weeks. The cold prevents fermentation.
Replace often – Change out nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather when it can spoil faster.

This basic sugar water recipe provides hummingbirds with the quick carbohydrate energy they require. Making your own nectar allows you to control the quality and prevent waste.

What is the Best Way to Make Sugar Water for Hummingbirds?

Concocting simple sugar water takes just a few easy steps to create an inviting homemade nectar hummingbirds will love:

Ingredients:

1 cup white granulated sugar
4 cups fresh water

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat.
Slowly stir in the sugar until it fully dissolves. Avoid splashing hot water.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before pouring into feeders.
Refrigerate any excess sugar water in a covered jar.
Rinse feeders and change the sugar water every 2-3 days, or daily in hotter weather.

That’s all it takes to whip up a tasty sugar water treat. The key is using a safe 4:1 ratio that matches the natural concentration hummingbirds are adapted to. Avoid any other added ingredients besides plain white sugar. This simple nectar will fuel frenzied hummingbirds on their frequent fill-up visits.

What is the Best Sugar to Water Ratio for Hummingbirds?

Mimicking the ideal 20%-25% sugar concentration found in natural flower nectar is crucial for making healthy homemade hummingbird food. Follow these sugar to water ratio guidelines:

1:4 ratio – Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. This safely approximates the average sugar content that hummingbirds get from flowers.
1:3 ratio – In hot climates, using slightly more sugar by doing a 1:3 ratio helps the nectar last a bit longer before spoiling.
Up to 1:2 max – Never go above a 1:2 ratio, as higher sugar concentrations can be toxic to hummingbirds.
No more than 25% sugar – Whether using a 1:4 or 1:3 blend, maintaining 25% or less sugar content keeps hummingbirds healthy.
Avoid other sweeteners – Honey, agave, and artificial sweeteners create an improper nutritional balance.

By sticking to the tried and true 1:4 or 1:3 sugar to water ratios, you can createPerfectly balanced homemade nectar that provides hummingbirds with the right energy source. Monitor nectar closely in hot weather and change it frequently to prevent issues.

What are the Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds?

In addition to specialized feeders, strategically planting flowers with nectar-rich blooms will draw hungry hummingbirds to your yard. The best flowers for hummingbirds typically share these attractive qualities:

Red blooms – Shades of red, including orange and pink, grab a hummingbird’s attention. These colors signify plentiful nectar.
Tubular shape – Hummers can most easily access nectar from elongated, tubular flowers that accommodate their long beaks and tongues.
Continuous bloomers – Flowers that bloom heavily over an extended season provide a constant food source for hummers.
Native varieties – Local wildflowers co-evolved with hummingbirds and typically contain more nutritional nectar.
Clustered blossoms – Flowers clustered together, like in inflorescences, require less energy to move between.

Given these preferences, some standout flowers for attracting hummingbirds include:

Cardinal flower
Trumpet vine
Bee balm
Clematis
Coral honeysuckle
Petunias
Columbine
Fuchsia
Gladiolus
Verbena

Plant several hummingbird favorites together to create an irresistible nectar haven. Even small gardens and containers can provide critical sustenance for visiting hummingbirds.

What Plants and Flowers Do Hummingbirds Pollinate?

In seeking out nectar, hummingbirds serve as important pollinators for many plants. Their co-dependent relationship benefits both the birds and the flora. When a hummingbird’s head enters a flower in search of nectar, pollen grains stick to the bird’s feathers and head. Then when the hummingbird flies to the next blossom, some of the pollen rubs off, pollinating that flower. Here are some of the top plants that rely on hummingbirds for pollination:

Columbine – The unique shape of these blooms matches the hummingbird’s bill and head perfectly.
Penstemon – Tubular blossoms mean hummingbirds must come in close contact with pollen.
Salvia – Dense whorls on flowering spikes ensure hummingbirds spread pollen.
Fuchsia – Dangling flowers position pollen right where hummingbirds touch.
Tree tobacco – Blooms hold nectar extra deep within the flower for pollen transfer.
Desert willow – Bright pink/red blooms specially adapted to southwestern hummers.
Yucca – Sticky pollen clings to bills and heads after nectar feeding.
Coral bean – Shaped to rub pollen on a hummingbird’s head and bill.

Hummingbirds tend to prefer red tubular flowers, which have evolved specifically to match their pollination abilities. This specialization helps the birds get the nectar they need and allows the plants to thrive.

What is the Best Commercial Hummingbird Food?

For those who wish to skip making their own nectar, there are premade powder and liquid hummingbird food options. When purchasing commercial nectar, read labels closely and look for:

Pure cane sugar – Avoid artificial sweeteners, added flavors, and High fructose corn syrup.
20%-25% sugar ratio – Concentration should match natural flower nectar. Higher levels harm hummers.
No red dye – Artificial dyes provide no benefit and may be problematic for hummingbirds.
Preservatives – Check for preservatives that help commercially made nectar last longer.

Two top-rated premade options that meet these criteria include:

Kaytee Ready-To-Use Hummingbird Nectar – Has 25% sugar content and sodium benzoate to prevent spoilage.
Birds Choice Liquid Concentrate – Natural preservatives allow this 20% sugar mixture to avoid fermentation.

For the simplest approach, single-serve hummingbird nectar packets allow easy mixing with water. Leftovers can also be frozen in ice cube trays for later use.

When and How Often Should You Feed Hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds have incredibly fast metabolisms, so providing a constant nectar source is key to properly caring for them. Follow these tips:

Early spring – Put out feeders in early spring before hummingbird arrivals. Check for the first scouts.
All day – Make nectar available from dawn to dusk so hummers can feed every 10-15 minutes.
At night – Only leave feeders out overnight in extreme heat when hummers run out of energy.
2-3 times per week – Change the nectar this often to keep it fresh, or every day in hot weather.
Year round – In warmer zones where hummingbirds overwinter, supply nectar consistently all year.
Water – Provide a mister, dripper, or birdbath for drinking and bathing.

Feeding hummingbirds is a year round endeavor in some regions. Pay attention to flower blooms and migration patterns in your area to determine when hummers will arrive and depart. Maintaining a constant nectar source will satisfy hungry hummers through every season.

How Do You Keep Hummingbird Nectar From Fermenting?

To prevent potentially harmful fermentation, keep these tips in mind:

Refrigerate – Storing unused nectar in the fridge stops bacteria from multiplying.
Small batches – Mix only as much nectar as you’ll use in 1-3 days so there are no leftovers.
Cleanliness – Use boiled or distilled water and wash equipment in hot, soapy water.
No direct sun – Don’t hang feeders in direct sunlight, which speeds fermentation. Offer shade.
Change often – Dump and change nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather when fermentation happens fastest.
Preservatives – Some commercial mixes contain sodium benzoate or other preservatives to help slow spoilage.
Filtered water – Avoid using hard well water, which contains minerals that can accelerate sugar water spoilage.

With proper nectar storage and feeder maintenance, you can minimize problems. But when in doubt, toss old nectar and make a fresh sugar water or nectar batch.

Do Hummingbirds Drink Water? What is the Best Way to Supply It?

Like all living creatures, hummingbirds require water in their diet, obtaining it from rain droplets, tree sap, and the water content in nectar. Providing clean water sources can give hummingbirds the hydration and bathing opportunities they crave. Ideas include:

Misting spray – Misting plants to create a light rain shower that hummingbirds can fly