Hummingbirds are truly magical little creatures, aren’t they?
If you’ve recently taken up birding or you’re new to setting up a backyard bird haven, you’re in for a treat with hummingbird feeders
They might seem simple, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks, learned some fascinating details, and even made a few mistakes (that you won’t have to!).
Here are 11 cool facts about hummingbird feeders that will help you attract more of these tiny wonders and make your backyard even more enjoyable. Trust me, you’re going to wish you knew these tips before you got started!
1. Red Is the Magic Color – But You Don’t Need a Red Feeder!
Everyone talks about how hummingbirds are drawn to the color red. It’s true, red really does grab their attention. But here’s a lesser-known fact: your feeder doesn’t actually need to be red. Hummingbirds will come to feeders of all colors as long as there’s sugar water waiting for them.
The real trick? Add red flowers or ribbons nearby. It’s a natural way to attract them without needing a flashy red feeder. You’ll see them zoom in for a closer look in no time!
2. Sugar Water Is All You Need – Skip the Store-Bought Nectar
You don’t need to waste money on expensive pre-made nectar mixes. Hummingbirds thrive on a simple homemade solution: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. It’s that easy.
The best part? No need to add any dyes. Store-bought nectar often comes with red dye, but it’s unnecessary and can even be harmful to the birds. Stick to plain sugar water, and your hummingbirds will be just as happy – if not happier.
3. Clean Your Feeder Every Few Days – Even If It Looks Clean
Here’s something most new birders don’t realize: sugar water can spoil fast, especially in warmer weather. Even if your feeder looks clean, bacteria can build up quickly.
It’s important to clean it every 3-5 days with hot water (no soap, as soap residue can harm birds). If you’re in a hot climate, you may need to clean it even more often. This will keep your feathered friends healthy and coming back for more.
4. Hummingbirds Remember Where to Find Food – Your Feeder Will Become a Regular Stop
Hummingbirds have an incredible memory. Once they find a reliable food source (like your feeder), they’ll remember it and keep coming back.
Some birds even return to the same yard year after year, so if you’ve got your feeder up, you’re part of their migration map now.
How cool is that? You’ve essentially become a part of their seasonal routine! Be sure to keep that feeder full, especially during migration periods, and you’ll have regular visitors.
5. Ants and Bees? No Problem – Use a Few Simple Tricks to Keep Them Away
One of the most annoying things about hummingbird feeders? Ants and bees trying to get in on the action. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks to keep them at bay.
For ants, try an ant moat. It’s a small cup of water that sits above your feeder – ants can’t cross it. I already covered 4 smart ways to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders. Check it out to learn more.
As for bees, choose a feeder with bee guards or move the feeder to a shadier spot. Bees prefer sunny locations, so relocating the feeder could help.
Bonus Tip: If you’re having a wasp problem around your hummingbird feeders, then I’ve also covered 9 clever strategies to keep wasps away from hummingbird feeders. Check it out to explore more
6. Hummingbirds Love Perches – Give Them a Place to Rest
You may have noticed that most hummingbirds hover while feeding. But did you know they actually appreciate having a place to sit?
Feeders with built-in perches are a huge hit with these tiny birds. When they can rest while they sip, they’ll stick around longer. You’ll also get more opportunities to observe their behavior up close. It’s a win-win!
7. Feeder Placement Matters More Than You Think
Where you place your feeder can make a big difference. Ideally, you want to hang it somewhere visible but safe. Hummingbirds are territorial, so placing feeders far apart from each other can prevent fights.
Place your feeder near flowers that hummingbirds love, like trumpet vine or salvia. And if you can, hang it near a window where you can enjoy the view, but with decals or screens to prevent birds from flying into the glass.
8. Hummingbirds Eat a Lot – Your Feeder Might Need to Be Filled Often
These little guys are always on the move, and they burn a lot of energy. In fact, a hummingbird needs to eat about half its weight in sugar every day to survive. That means your feeder might empty quicker than you expect.
If you’ve got a lot of visitors, don’t be surprised if you’re filling it up every day or two. It’s a sign you’ve created the perfect backyard pit stop!
9. The Science Behind Why They Hover – It’s All About Their Wings
Hummingbirds are the only birds that can hover in place while feeding. The secret lies in their wings, which rotate in a full circle, allowing them to fly forward, backward, and even upside down. It’s this unique wing structure that makes them such efficient hoverers.
Their hovering ability lets them feed on nectar in a way no other bird can, which is why your feeder is such a perfect food source for them.
10. Migrating Hummingbirds Need Extra Fuel – Help Them on Their Journey
During migration, hummingbirds need to consume huge amounts of food to fuel their long flights. If you live along a migration path, keeping your feeder full in the spring and fall can make a real difference for these birds.
They’ll stop at your feeder to refuel before continuing on their journey. Keeping it clean and full during these periods can literally be a lifesaver for some of these birds.
11. It’s Not Just About Nectar – Hummingbirds Also Need Protein
Hummingbirds might seem like they survive on nectar alone, but they also need protein. They get this from eating small insects like gnats and spiders. You’ll often see them darting around flowers or even your feeder catching tiny bugs mid-air.
By providing a well-balanced ecosystem in your garden (with lots of flowers and plants that attract insects), you’re helping hummingbirds get everything they need to be healthy.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a hummingbird feeder is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your backyard. You’ll quickly realize that these little birds bring more joy than you ever expected. From their incredible memory to their fascinating hovering skills, there’s always something new to learn about hummingbirds.
I hope these 11 cool facts help you attract more hummingbirds and keep them happy. Whether you’re refilling your feeder more often than you expected or marveling at how quickly they remember your yard, I promise you’ll never get tired of watching them.
Just remember: clean your feeder often, keep that sugar water fresh, and sit back to enjoy the show!
