Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that have extremely high metabolisms and must consume a lot of energy in the form of nectar to survive. Their primary food source is flower nectar, which contains three main ingredients: sugar (sucrose), water, and trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids. Because it is critical for hummingbirds to maintain their high energy levels, having the proper concentration of sugar in their nectar is vital.
How much sugar do hummingbirds need?
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy to power their fast wings and high metabolisms. Their hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute and they can flap their wings up to 80 times per second. This takes an immense amount of energy for such a tiny creature. To maintain their energy levels, hummingbirds need to consume more than their weight in nectar each day. Depending on the species, they eat between 3-7 times their body weight in nectar daily.
The main source of energy in nectar is sugar. Hummingbirds cannot digest complex carbohydrates well, so they rely on simple sugars like sucrose as their primary energy source. They prefer nectar that is between 20-25% sugar content by weight. This ensures they are getting enough calories and carbohydrates to meet their daily energetic requirements.
The natural ratio in flowers
In the wild, different flowers contain differing amounts of sugar in their nectar. Some common percentages are:
- Trumpet vine: 23%
- Bee balm: 18-20%
- Hosta: 15-18%
- Fuchsia: 7-9%
However, most flowering plants contain between 15-20% sugar in their nectar. This matches well with the hummingbirds’ preference for higher sugar concentrations.
When collecting nectar from flowers, hummingbirds will seek out flowers with higher sugar contents. They have the ability to taste and reject nectar that is not sweet enough. Flowers, in turn, have evolved to match the desired sugar concentration in order to attract hummingbirds for pollination.
The ideal ratio for backyard feeders
For manmade nectar feeders in backyards, the ideal concentration is a 4:1 ratio of white, refined sugar to water. This equals 20-25% sugar content by weight – right in the sweet spot that appeals to hummingbirds.
To make homemade hummingbird food at a 4:1 ratio:
- Use 4 parts ordinary white, granulated sugar
- Mix with 1 part water
For example, mixing:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄4 cup water
Will yield 20% sugar concentration.
Using a 4:1 ratio in backyard feeders will help attract more hummingbirds and ensure they are getting the ideal amount of energy.
Why white sugar?
White, granulated sugar is recommended over other types like brown sugar, agave, honey or artificial sweeteners. Here’s why:
- Brown sugar has more impurities that can grow mold.
- Honey is antibacterial, but becomes thick and difficult to feed.
- Artificial sweeteners provide no nutritional value.
- Plain white sugar dissolves easily and has a pure sucrose profile.
Corn syrup can also be used, but plain white sugar is simplest for backyard feeders.
Why a 20-25% concentration?
A 4:1 ratio of sugar to water creates a 20-25% sugar concentration, which attracts the most hummingbirds for several reasons:
- It closely matches the natural nectar in flowers.
- It has the ideal calorie level for hummingbird metabolism.
- Higher concentrations are difficult to lap up and digest.
- Lower concentrations lack the energy hummingbirds require.
Some people use a weaker 3:1 ratio (18% sugar) in very hot climates to slow fermentation, but 20-25% is best for most hummingbird enthusiasts.
Other Considerations
Type of Sugar
As mentioned, plain white refined sugar is the best type to use. Do not use brown sugar, honey, agave, or artificial sweeteners in homemade nectar.
No food coloring
Food coloring is unnecessary and can potentially be harmful to hummingbirds if consumed in large quantities. Plain sugar water is all they require.
Water
Use plain tap or bottled water. Well water may have contaminants. Do not use sugar water that has gone bad.
Storage
Store unused sugar water in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Discard old sugar water and make fresh to prevent mold.
Container
Use a specially designed hummingbird feeder with nectar ports to access the sugar water. Do not use open containers which can attract bees and insects.
Cleaning
Change the sugar water and clean the feeder every 2-3 days in warm weather to prevent mold, bacteria or fermentation.
Placement
Hang feeders in a shady area to prevent the nectar from heating up and spoiling. Try to place near flowers or trees that provide perches for hummingbirds to rest.
Climate
In very hot climates, use a weaker 3:1 ratio to slow sugar water spoilage. In cool weather a 5:1 ratio can be used.
Quantity
Provide enough feeders for the number of hummingbirds in your yard. As a rule of thumb, one feeder per 2-3 hummingbirds is sufficient.
Migration
Put out feeders about 1-2 weeks before hummingbirds are expected to arrive in spring. Take down feeders about 2 weeks after they leave in fall.
Conclusion
The ideal homemade nectar for hummingbird feeders is made with white granulated sugar and water mixed at a 4:1 ratio. This 20-25% sugar concentration closely matches natural flower nectar and provides the right amount of calories to meet the high energy needs of hummingbirds.
Using this ratio in clean, shaded feeders will create an enticing feeding station that brings in more of these special pollinators to appreciate and enjoy.