Hummingbirds feast on nectar-rich flowers, but providing an extra source of food for them will up the chances of spotting them in your yard. So if you're looking to make your outdoor space more wildlife friendly, why not give it a go?
Marc Parnell, the bestselling author of The Birding Pro's Field Guides, available from Amazon, says, 'The feeding of hummingbirds has always been a very popular topic among my readers, and for good reason: it is accessible to birdwatchers of all skill and commitment levels, and no one can forget their first close sighting of a hummingbird.'
As Marc explains, the recipe for hummingbird food is very inexpensive – all you need is sugar and water to make this tasty treat.
You can make homemade 'nectar' for hummingbirds to enjoy
A step-by-step guide to making hummingbird food
At its essence, sugar water for hummingbirds is the same as dye- and preservative-free nectars, says Marc Parnell. He suggests the following process to make it at home:
- Bring approximately one cup of water (tap or distilled) to a boil.
- Add one-quarter of a cup of white sugar, frequently stirring.
- Once the sugar appears to be fully dissolved, allow the mixture to cool before filling your hummingbird feeder.
'Quantities can be easily multiplied if filling multiple (or larger-capacity) feeders,' he adds.
Kelsey Waddell of Wild Bird Scoop notes how any excess sugar water can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. 'Hummingbirds prefer fresh nectar, so try to change out the nectar in your feeder every few days,' she adds.
Kelsey also highlights the importance of keeping your hummingbird feeders clean. 'Clean them with a solution of water and vinegar weekly. This will prevent mold and bacteria growth.'
What's more, keeping them clean and free from a buildup of sugar can also help to keep bees away from your hummingbird feeder.
Shop hummingbird feeders:
This vintage-style hummingbird feeder has great customer ratings. It holds 20 fluid ounces of nectar which the birds can access via five flower-shaped feeding ports.
Available in 9 vibrant colorways, this glass hummingbird feeder with four feeding ports doubles up as beautiful garden art. What's more, it's easy to assemble and clean.
A simple and durable three-port feeder perfect for hanging in a courtyard or a small patio. At under $7, it's super budget-friendly, too.
Kelsey is a freelance writer and amateur backyard-bird enthusiast living in southern Virginia. From the moment she moved from the suburbs to her current rural home, she was struck by the sights and sounds of the abundant wildlife. She's been watching, learning, and trying to attract more feathered friends ever since.
Red bird feeders attract hummingbirds
Other ways to attract hummingbirds into your yard
Once you've made your hummingbird food, be sure to place your hummingbird feeder in the best possible place – away from windows, outdoor mirrors, and places where predators, such as cats, can hide.
As well as this, think about the plants in your plot. 'Hummingbirds often appreciate high shrubs and trees for perching in-between their nectar-gleaning forays, while well-planted yards (particularly those with native vegetation) also tend to cater to a wider variety of birdlife in general,' says Marc.
In addition, you could aim to bring more flowers that attract hummingbirds into your outdoor space, as nectar is an important part of a hummingbird's diet. 'Red-colored, tubular flowers often attract hummingbirds in droves,' says Marc. 'Two of my favorite recommendations are bee balm and cardinal flower, which are both hardy in most North American planting zones.'
Plant red, tubular flowers to attract these tiny birds
FAQs
Should I dye my homemade hummingbird food red?
'Given that hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the color red, many birdwatchers purchase or make red-dyed nectar mixtures,' says Marc Parnell, the author of The Birding Pro's Field Guides.
However, artificial dyes may carry a health risk, he says, and the same hummingbird-attracting result can be achieved by using clear nectar or sugar water with a red-colored hummingbird feeder.
As well as providing the usual nuts and seeds for wild birds, consider boiling up some sugar water so you can welcome hummingbirds, too. It's so quick and easy to do, and seeing them flit to and fro is guaranteed to bring delight to any onlooker.
-
Stainless steel cabinets, retro lighting, and a bright yellow floor transformed this tired 1960s apartment kitchen into the most 'effortlessly cool' Parisian-inspired spaceThis might be a tiny space, but it goes big on style
-
Can you paint IKEA furniture? Our paint experts share top tips for a personalized but professional finishFlip your furniture without fuss
-
When and where to spot hummingbirds in May – these miniature birds are once again on the move across North AmericaFrom the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, here's when and where to expect hummingbirds in your region
-
This hummingbird magnet will transform any garden in a single season – how to grow the vibrant trumpet vineGrowing trumpet vine is an easy way to fill your outside space with colorful blooms
-
How to care for hummingbirds in winter – and support migrating or resident birds during the cold months aheadBy following three simple steps, you can help these winged wonders during the winter months
-
Growing hummingbird mint from seed in the fall – lessons from my time as a professional gardenerEnjoy masses of blooms (and pollinators) next summer by learning how to grow hummingbird mint from seed
-
How to divide hummingbird mint – expert propagation advice for this native perennialWhile many people divide perennials in the fall, this is not the ideal time to divide hummingbird mint
-
How to grow firebush plants – for a native shrub that hummingbirds adoreBy learning how to grow the firebush shrub you can easily attract spring pollinators to your yard
-
Beware of hummingbird houses – why you should avoid this product, and what to buy to help these beautiful creatures insteadHummingbird houses are sold at all major online retailers, but they don't actually help hummingbirds. This is all you need to know about a mislabelled product
-
How to grow a hummingbird tree – an unusual tree with striking, colorful bloomsThis flowering tree is ideal if you are looking for a unique statement that will attract pollinators
