What do
hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds are nectivores and insectivores;
approximately 90% of their diet comes from nectar and 10% from arthropods
(flies, wasps, spiders, beetles, and ants). If you watch closely, you will
sometimes notice them picking insects out of spider webs or off leaves, bark,
etc.
What is the
composition of hummingbird feeder nectar?
The sugar in flower nectar is primarily sucrose,
like that of white sugar. So don't use honey or artificial sweeteners (illogical
says Spock, but some people do). Many of the flowers hummingbirds feed upon have
a sugar concentration of approximately 20%.
How do I make my
own hummingbird feeder nectar?
To imitate the natural flower sugar concentration
of 20%, use a solution of 1:4. This won't give you an exact concentration of 20%
because in reality sugar and water molecules have different atomic weights...yada
yada yada...which means you can't simply divide to get your percentage by volume
alone. Anyway, 1:4 will actually give you an 18.6% sugar concentration. Close
enough, and the hummingbirds won't be saying, "Where's the other 1.4%?!"
As an example, you can mix 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups water. If you only have
one feeder and don't want to store leftover mix (fresh is always better), then
use 1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup of water.
What if I want to
make the hummingbird feeder nectar stronger?
Well research has shown that when given the option,
hummingbirds preferred higher concentrations of sugar in their nectar, up to
50%. But I would stick with 20%. It will be easier to keep your feeders clean
which is essential. Feeders will be less sticky and the chance of the solution
fermenting or growing fungus (mold) is less. The mold that grows in hummingbird
feeders can give hummingbirds a fatal tongue infection.
What if I want to
make the hummingbird feeder nectar weaker?
The more diluted the nectar, the more consumption
of nectar is needed to satisfy a hummingbird's energy requirements. Weaker
concentrations are less attractive to hummers and you'll find they may just stop
coming to your feeder to find a better, concentrated source. So stick to 1:4.
What about adding
red dye to my hummingbird feeder nectar to attract hummingbirds?
Not necessary. There still debating this one, but
artificial colors may be harmful to hummingbirds. So don't add any. If you want
to add some color to your feeder, use red ribbon or tape instead of dyes to
attract them. Once hummingbirds start visiting, they'll know where to return and
the extra color isn't needed.
How often should I
clean my hummingbird feeder?
You should clean your feeders at least every 3 days
in hot weather and 6-7 days in cool weather. Otherwise fermentation can occur in
the
hummingbird feeder nectar
and mold and bacteria will grow, which can be fatal to hummingbirds. In addition,
hummers won't like the taste of the nectar and stop coming to your feeders.
Follow these steps to keep your hummingbird feeder clean and your hummingbirds
healthy:
1. Empty reservoir and rinse in a mixture of hot water & vinegar
2. Add rock salt or uncooked rice grains to the rinse & shake to dislodge mold
(black scum)
3. Empty feeder and rinse again thoroughly with hot water
4. If mold or any other residue remains, scrub with a toothbrush or bottle brush
5. Refill with nectar solution, hang feeder and enjoy!
Wishing you bird watching bliss!
Sonia
About The Author
Sonia Schmieder has worked with private, state, and federal agencies on bird
reasearch and education. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of birds via
her website,
http://www.Birdwatching-Bliss.com. Please visit for additional information
about hummingbirds, bird feeders, bird houses, bird biology, choosing bird
watching binoculars and more!
© Copyright
www.Birdwatching-Bliss.com. All Rights Reserved
Now that you know all about hummingbird feeder
nectar, you will need to get a feeder that is easy to take apart and clean,
and one that will also protect your hummingbird feeder nectar from bees ants
and wasps.
My favorite choice of hummingbird feeders
to use with the hummingbird feeder nectar is 
Aspects
12oz Hummzinger Ultra With Nectar Guard
It's only
$28.18 and has
several features that makes it well worth the price.
The
HummZinger has
patented Nectar guard tips which are flexible membranes attached to the feed
ports that prohibit entry from flying insects, but allow Hummingbirds to
feed as usual. The HummZinger also has a built in ant moat that will stop
crawling insects from getting to the nectar. It also has raised flower ports
that divert rain.
This mid-size nectar feeder has a 12 oz.
capacity and can be hung or post mounted with hardware provided. It has four
feeding ports for hummingbirds and is made of unbreakable polycarbonate.
Easy to clean.
For ease of cleaning and protection from bees,
wasps and ants, this feeder can't be beat.
If you already have a
hummingbird feeder, and you want to protect your
hummingbird feeder nectar from
ants and other crawling insects, the ant moat below will do the job.
Product Description
The first and still the best to protect your
Hummingbird and Oriole feeder from ants and other crawling insects. Insert
between hanger and feeder and fill with water, providing a barrier to
crawling pests. Red color to attract hummingbirds.
I hope you enjoyed this article on hummingbird
feeder nectar. Click the link for more articles related to
hummingbird feeder nectar.
