Do Hummingbirds Need Red Food?

A quick walk down the grocery store aisle will show you plenty of bottles filled with liquid red hummingbird food as well as powdered nectar that, when mixed with water, produces red hummingbird food. But do hummingbirds need red food or they come to the feeders without the artificial coloring?

bottles of red hummingbird nectar on grocery shelves

A common belief is that these birds need red food or artificially colored nectar to be attracted to feeders, but this is a myth that needs debunking. Not only do hummingbirds not require red food, but the artificial coloring often used to attract them can also be harmful. Let’s explore healthier alternatives and how to attract hummingbirds to your feeder without relying on artificial coloring.

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The Myth of Red Food

The misconception that hummingbirds need red food likely stems from their attraction to red flowers. Indeed, hummingbirds are drawn to bright colors, with red standing out as a particular favorite.

However, it’s not the color of the food that attracts them but the color of the feeder itself. (After all, flower nectar is not red.)

The artificial red dye added to nectar offers no nutritional value to hummingbirds and, according to some studies, might even pose health risks.

Healthier Alternatives

The best food for backyard hummingbirds is a simple sugar solution you can make at home.

A mixture of four parts water to one part white sugar closely mimics the natural sucrose content of flower nectar. This homemade nectar is not only safe and healthy for hummingbirds but also economical and easy to prepare.

Remember, it’s crucial to avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners as these can be harmful to hummingbirds.

How to Attract Hummingbirds without Artificial Coloring

Use Red Feeders: Since hummingbirds are attracted to red, choose feeders that are red or have red components but don’t require adding dye to the nectar.

The bright color will draw them in, while the safe and nutritious nectar will keep them coming back. We exclusively use red feeders with our sugar water nectar–and the hummingbirds love them!

Natural Flower Gardens: Planting a garden with red, tubular flowers is one of the best ways to attract hummingbirds.

Flowers like bee balm, salvia, and penstemon are not only visually appealing but also provide natural nectar that hummingbirds love.

Proper Feeder Placement: Place your feeders near natural shelter such as trees or shrubs, giving hummingbirds a place to rest and hide from predators.

Feeders should be in a quiet, safe location and, if possible, in a spot that gets morning sun, making them more visible to passing hummingbirds.

Regular Maintenance: Keep your feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar. Change the nectar every few days, more often in hot weather, to prevent fermentation, mold and bacterial growth, which can be harmful to hummingbirds.

Create Perching Spots: Hummingbirds need places to perch and rest, both near feeders and in your garden. Providing perching options like thin branches or bare twigs can make your garden more inviting.

Provide Water Sources: While hummingbirds get most of the water they need from nectar, they also enjoy misters, shallow birdbaths, or dripping water sources. These water features can help attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Avoid Pesticides: Hummingbirds consume insects and spiders for protein. Using pesticides in your garden can eliminate these vital food sources and expose hummingbirds to harmful chemicals.

Attracting hummingbirds to your garden and feeders doesn’t require the use of artificial red nectar. By providing natural nectar solutions in brightly colored feeders, maintaining a healthy garden full of their favorite flowers, and ensuring a clean, safe environment, you can enjoy the delightful presence of hummingbirds all season long.