Does Hummingbird Feeder Have To Be Red?

The short answer is No; hummingbird feeders do not have to be colour red. Hummingbirds are attracted to a wide variety of colours, not just red. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that hummingbirds might be more attracted to the colour red than other colours, hence why many commercial hummingbird feeders are red.

In this post, we will delve deeper into the world of hummingbird feeding, exploring why red has become the preferred colour for feeders, the role of hummingbird nectar in attracting these birds, and how to make homemade hummingbird nectar. Along the way, we’ll discuss the potentially harmful effects of certain components, like food colouring and brown sugar, on hummingbirds.

Related Posts to read:
Best Hummingbird Feeders.
Hummingbird Feeders Comprehensive Guide.

The Attraction to Red: Fact or Fiction?

The hummingbird’s attraction to red is often attributed to the fact that many of their natural food sources, tubular flowers, are often red or bright coloured. However, the preference for red among hummingbirds is more complex than it appears. Hummingbirds possess an acute vision which allows them to see a range of colours beyond the human capacity. Therefore, while they can be attracted to red, they are also drawn to a wide variety of colours, including yellow flowers and other brightly coloured flowers.

Understanding Hummingbird Nectar

Hummingbird nectar, whether it’s commercial hummingbird nectar or homemade hummingbird nectar, is essentially a sugar solution that mimics the natural nectar found in flowers, one of the primary food sources for hummingbirds. Commercial nectar often contains food colouring, notably red, to make it more visually appealing to both the buying public and, presumably, the hummingbirds.

However, there has been a considerable amount of debate surrounding the use of food colouring, particularly red, in hummingbird feeder solutions. A dye scare in the late 20th century, due to the discovery of harmful effects of some popular food colourings on human consumption, led to heightened concern about the potential impact of artificial colouring on hummingbirds, including the risk of premature death.

To Dye or Not to Dye: The Food Colouring Debate

When making homemade hummingbird nectar, many people wonder if they should add food colouring. The simple answer is no; you should avoid adding colouring to your homemade hummingbird nectar.

The sugar content is the real draw for hummingbirds. While commercial feeders and artificial feeders often use red colouring, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the dye makes the nectar more attractive to hummingbirds. In fact, there’s anecdotal evidence that hummingbirds will readily feed from clear nectar in feeders of any colour.

So, adding food colouring to your homemade hummingbird nectar may do more harm than good. There are concerns that food colourings could have adverse effects on hummingbirds, even though these claims are often based on extrapolations from studies in other species. To stay on the safe side, it’s best to skip the dye in your homemade nectar.

Homemade Nectar: A Sweet Alternative

If you’re keen on making your own hummingbird food, all you need is white table sugar and tap water. Avoid using brown sugar or other types of sugar, as they may contain levels of iron that could be harmful to hummingbirds. The standard recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar is four parts water to one part sugar. This creates a solution that closely mimics the sugar content found in natural nectar.

Remember, cleanliness is crucial when it comes to feeders. Bacteria and fungi can proliferate in sugar water, especially under peak heat, causing potentially harmful fermentation. Clean your feeders regularly with soapy water, rinse thoroughly and refill with fresh nectar.

A Riot of Colours: Expanding Beyond Red

While the traditional image of a hummingbird feeder is red, don’t feel restricted by this. In fact, experimenting with a variety of feeders and colours can help attract a wider range of hummingbirds. American hummingbirds, such as the ruby-throated hummingbirds, are known to be less particular about feeder colour. What matters most is that the feeder is clean and the nectar is fresh.

So, feel free to embrace yellow, blue, or green feeders. Remember, individual birds, like people, may have their own preferences. Some might prefer a single flower colour, while others may be more adventurous, seeking out unfamiliar nectar sources. Ultimately, the key is to provide abundant food sources in a safe and clean environment.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the question of whether a hummingbird feeder has to be red has a simple answer: no, it doesn’t. But the world of hummingbird feeding is as diverse as the hummingbirds themselves.

It’s a world filled with a spectrum of colours, from the bright red of commercial feeders to the rainbow of options available for homemade ones. The choice is yours to make, shaped by curiosity, care, and a love for these remarkable creatures.

So next time you look at a hummingbird feeder, see it as more than just a container for nectar. See it as a portal to understanding one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth – the hummingbird.

It is a kaleidoscope of choices, a spectrum of colours to consider, and a world of wonder to explore. So, what colour will your next hummingbird feeder be?

FAQs – Does a Hummingbird Feeder Have to be Red?

Q: Why are most hummingbird feeders red?

A: Most hummingbird feeders are red because of the widespread belief that hummingbirds are particularly attracted to this colour. This is due to their natural attraction to red and brightly coloured flowers.

Q: Do hummingbirds only like red feeders?

A: No, hummingbirds do not only like red feeders. They can be attracted to feeders of various colours, including yellow, blue, or green.

Q: Can hummingbirds see more colours than humans can?

A: Yes, hummingbirds have an acute vision that allows them to see a range of colours beyond what humans can perceive.

Q: Is there a standard recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar?

A: Yes, the standard recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar is four parts water to one part sugar. This mimics the sugar content found in natural nectar.

Q: What type of sugar should I use in homemade hummingbird nectar?

A: When making homemade hummingbird nectar, it is best to use white table sugar. Other types of sugar, like brown sugar, may contain levels of iron that could be harmful to hummingbirds.

Q: Should I add food colouring to homemade hummingbird nectar?

A: No, adding food colouring to homemade hummingbird nectar is not necessary and could potentially be harmful to hummingbirds.

Q: How frequently should I clean my hummingbird feeder?

A: You should clean your hummingbird feeder regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, especially during peak heat when fermentation of the sugar water solution can occur more quickly.

Q: Can artificial colouring in commercial nectar harm hummingbirds?

A: While there’s no definitive scientific evidence to prove it, there are concerns that artificial colouring, particularly red dye, could have adverse effects on hummingbirds.

Q: Are there specific flower colours that hummingbirds prefer?

A: Hummingbirds are attracted to a wide variety of colours, not just red. This includes yellow and other brightly coloured flowers.

Q: What are some alternatives to red for hummingbird feeders?

A: Some alternatives to red for hummingbird feeders include blue, green, and yellow. Individual birds may have different preferences, so a variety of colours could attract a wider range of hummingbirds.

Q: Why should I avoid using brown sugar in homemade hummingbird nectar?

A: Brown sugar contains higher levels of iron than white sugar. Too much iron can be harmful to hummingbirds.

Q: Do all hummingbirds have the same colour preferences for feeders?

A: No, individual birds may have their own preferences. Some might prefer a single flower colour, while others may be more adventurous, seeking out unfamiliar nectar sources.

Q: What makes hummingbirds attracted to certain colours?

A: Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to bright colours because many of the flowers they feed on in the wild are brightly coloured.

Q: Are commercial hummingbird nectars safe for birds?

A: Most commercial hummingbird nectars are safe, but it’s important to ensure they do not contain harmful additives like certain artificial colourings.

Q: Can homemade hummingbird nectar match the sugar content of natural nectar?

A: Yes, the standard recipe of four parts water to one part sugar creates a solution that closely mimics the sugar content found in natural nectar.

Q: Are commercial feeders better than homemade feeders for hummingbirds?

A: Neither type is inherently better. The key factor is that the feeder is clean and the nectar is fresh.

Q: Can I use tap water in homemade hummingbird nectar?

A: Yes, you can use tap water when making homemade hummingbird nectar.

Q: What is the biggest risk of not cleaning a hummingbird feeder regularly?

A: The biggest risk is the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause the sugar water to ferment and potentially harm the hummingbirds.

Q: Do ruby-throated hummingbirds have specific colour preferences for feeders?

A: Ruby-throated hummingbirds, like other American hummingbirds, are known to be less particular about feeder colour.

Q: Why should I avoid using artificial feeders with food colouring for hummingbirds?

A: There are concerns about the potentially harmful effects of food colouring on hummingbirds. Therefore, it’s safer to use clear nectar in feeders of any colour.

Image Gallery – Does Hummingbird Feeder Have To Be Red?

References:

• About Hummingbird (Wikipedia).
• About Bird Feeder (Wikipedia)
• Greenewalt, C. H. (1960). Hummingbirds. New York: Doubleday. Google Scholar.