Did you know that hummingbirds can flutter their wings up to 80 beats per second? That’s where they get their charming name from since the sound of their wings creates a noticeable hum. These beautifully-colored and intriguing little birds brighten any garden or yard.
Have you ever wondered what to feed hummingbirds to keep them healthy, happy, and fluttering around your yard every year?
We’ll cover everything you need to know to start attracting and feeding hummingbirds!
The Sweetest Thing
These small yet mighty birds also have truly remarkable metabolisms to power their wings and pump their heart. They carry a majority of their body weight in powerful muscles that control their wings and pump their heart rate to nearly 1,200 beats per minute.
While there are around 330 different species native throughout North and South America, hummingbirds generally prefer tropical climates. Luckily, several species will migrate north in the spring and south in the fall.
You can always learn more about the hummingbirds that live in your area to see when to set out feeders for these brightly colored visitors!
What To Feed Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have remarkable metabolisms that require them to constantly eat to avoid losing energy. Their insatiable appetites require them to feed roughly 5-8 times per hour, or every 10-15 minutes. This also affects how they rest.
In order to avoid caloric bankruptcy, they go into an energy-saving mode, commonly referred to as torpor, that protects them from the cold and decreases hunger.
Since they have such a voracious need for food, they also greatly benefit from additional sustenance. Creating a deliciously habitat in your garden can help keep these friendly visitors full of energy! Check out some ideas on what to feed them below!
Store-Bought or Homemade Nectar
They love it! All you need is a sturdy, red feeder to add your mixture to. Whether you choose to buy premade sugar-water or make your own with nectar concentrate, it’s important to never use red dye!
Make sure to also only use the recommended mixtures, since many artificial and household sweeteners are toxic to hummingbirds.
Smaller batches of nectar might be better to use to avoid spoilage. Don’t forget to store any unused nectar safely in the fridge, in a covered container. That way it will stay fresh from anywhere between 7-10 days.
Floral Nectar
One of the best ways to provide a healthy diet for hummingbirds is by planting bell-shaped or tubular flowers. They love the nectar of these native flowers and will flutter from one to another. If you are thinking of planting a hummingbird garden, look into what flowers are native to your area, especially red and orange species.
These colors attract hummingbirds and the unique shape allows for easy access to the delicious flower nectar. Something to consider when planting is that hummingbirds are territorial, so make sure there enough space to hover in between each flower.
Types of Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
- Perennials- Bee Balms, Daylilies, Irises
- Biennials- Foxgloves, Hollyhocks
- Annuals- Petunias, Firecracker plants
If you chose to plant a native flower garden to attract pollinators, it’s important to avoid pesticides so that you don’t harm or kill them.
Insects
Did you know that hummingbirds also love to eat small insects? Some of their favorites include fruit flies, ants, and natural garden pests. If you are looking to add this staple to their diet, you can even leave out some fruit, like blood oranges, in a safe place for them.
How To Attract Hummingbirds
Since many flowers bloom at different times throughout the seasons, choosing to hang a feeder is a great way to add an additional food source. Finding a quality, low-maintenance feeder, like this one, is key to keeping them happy and flittering around your yard. Check it out!
Since they also have no sense of smell, they rely on their keen eyesight. That’s why they are attracted to mostly brightly colored red or orange flowers. Planting these near your feeder is a great way to guide hummingbirds to it.
In order to create a safe environment for these beautiful birds, it’s best to hang your feeder at least 4 feet off the ground and in a semi-protected area to avoid predators, like stray cats, and the elements.
Of course, make sure you hang it in a place where you can also easily get your daily dose of hummingbird happiness!
Cleaning Your Hummingbird Feeder
Contrary to popular belief, you should regularly clean and replace the nectar biweekly to help ensure it doesn’t spoil or grow harmful bacteria. If you keep your feeder in the sun, it’ll need to be changed more often.
Outside of providing a stable food source, it’s also important to provide hummingbirds with a water source, preferably moving water, for bathing on the go.
Feeding Hummingbirds By Hand
Looking for an even more interactive way to feed hummingbirds? Try your luck at feeding hummingbirds by hand with these easy steps:
- First, you’ll need to start attracting them by placing hummingbird feeders throughout your yard.
- Next, once several hummingbirds appear, hang around outside to get them comfortable with you. This might take some time since they are skittish, but be patient because they will be back.
- After they get accustomed to you, try holding one hummingbird feeder in your hands, remove others, and quietly sit and wait.
- Finally, try holding some sugar-water in your hand.
Feeding birds by hand can such a rewarding and fun experience. Just don’t forget that patience is a virtue.
Start Feeding Hummingbirds Today!
Now that you’ve learned what to feed hummingbirds, you can start attracting them to your yard. Whether you choose to plant native flowers, set out fruit, or use flower nectar, there are plenty of ways to feed hummingbirds.
By creating a delicious habitat, you can keep them coming back to your garden year after year!
Want to learn more ways to connect with nature by sprucing up your backyard? Check out our blog for more ideas!
