Feeding hummingbirds is simple, but small mistakes matter because these birds have extremely fast metabolisms and rely on food that is fresh and clean. Spoiled nectar can ferment and grow mold. Sugar water that is too strong, or contains dye or honey, can cause problems too. The routine below is the one commonly recommended by wildlife organizations, including the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
The recipe
The Smithsonian's National Zoo recommends one part refined white sugar to four parts water. That is close to the sugar concentration in many of the flowers hummingbirds visit. The nectar does not need to be boiled. Hot water helps the sugar dissolve faster, but let it cool completely before you fill the feeder.
| Sugar | Water | Makes about |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 1 cup | 1 cup (small feeder) |
| 1/2 cup | 2 cups | 2 cups |
| 1 cup | 4 cups | 1 quart |
| 2 cups | 8 cups | 2 quarts (for several feeders) |
Make only as much as your feeders will use. Leftover nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What not to use
- Red dye. Not needed. The red parts of the feeder draw the birds, and dye is an unnecessary additive.
- Honey. It ferments quickly and can grow dangerous fungi.
- Brown, raw or powdered sugar, corn syrup or molasses. These can contain iron, additives or minerals hummingbirds do not handle well, or spoil rapidly.
- Artificial sweeteners. They provide no calories and the birds can starve.
- Stronger or weaker mixes. A weak mix wastes the bird's energy, while a strong one can spoil faster and may be harder on them.
How often to change nectar
Nectar ferments faster in heat and sun. Guidelines vary by source, so use these as starting points and let the nectar tell you:
- Cool weather (highs below the 70s): at least once a week.
- Warm weather: about every other day.
- Hot weather (highs in the 90s and up): every day or two. On the southern and western Plains, where summer highs can pass 100°F, put out smaller amounts more often.
- Any time it turns cloudy, develops strings or specks, or smells sour, change it at once.
A small feeder that is nearly empty by the time you change it wastes less nectar than a large one that sits for days.
Cleaning step by step
- Empty the feeder and discard old nectar. Do not mix old and new.
- Disassemble it completely, including ports, perches and any bee guards.
- Scrub with hot water and a bottle brush and a small port brush. A little dish soap is fine if you rinse very well.
- Treat stubborn mold. A common approach is soaking in a mild solution of white vinegar and water, and bleach in a ratio of about 1 part to 9 parts water is also widely used. Whichever you choose, rinse thoroughly afterwards and let everything air dry so no smell remains.
- Rinse again until you are certain no cleaner is left.
- Refill with fresh, cool nectar and rehang.
Avoid scented soaps and dishwashers that leave residue. If your feeder cannot be taken apart and scrubbed, it will eventually become a problem, so replace it with one that can.
Where to hang it
Choose a spot with partial shade, out of strong wind, with some cover nearby. Keep it away from windows, or very close to them. Spacing several feeders out of each other's sight allows more birds to feed at once. See the category guide for feeder types and placement.
Common problems
Ants. Use an ant moat above the feeder. Do not use sticky substances, oil or insecticides on hooks or feeders, which can contaminate the birds.
Bees and wasps. Choose a feeder that does not leak and consider bee guards. Move the feeder a few feet and avoid yellow parts, which attract insects.
Leaking. Hot nectar expands in the heat, forcing it out of bottle-style feeders. Hang the feeder in shade, do not overfill and make sure the seals are tight.
No birds. Be patient. Hummingbirds find feeders by sight and by memory. Hang a feeder with a bright red element and put one near flowers, and wait a few weeks, especially early in the season.
Black specks in ports. That is mold. Scrub it immediately.
Beyond feeders
Flowers are the best long-term food. Native plants such as bee balm, salvias, columbine, penstemon, cardinal flower and trumpet creeper feed hummingbirds and support the small insects they eat for protein. Avoid pesticides near flower beds. Read about habitat in our monarchs and milkweed guide, where many of the same flowers help migrating butterflies as well.
When to put up and take down
Hang feeders about a week before the first hummingbirds usually arrive in your area, often from April into May. In fall, leave them up for a couple of weeks after you see your last hummingbird, because late migrants may still pass through. Feeders do not keep birds from migrating.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to boil the water?
No. The Smithsonian's National Zoo says boiling is not required, though hot water helps the sugar dissolve. Let it cool before filling.
How long does nectar keep in the refrigerator?
Up to about a week.
Can I use organic or raw sugar?
No. Use plain white table sugar. Raw and brown sugars contain minerals and molasses that can be harmful.
How do I get rid of mold in a feeder?
Take it apart, scrub with hot water and a brush, soak in a mild vinegar or diluted bleach solution if needed, rinse thoroughly and let it dry.
Why is the nectar cloudy?
It is spoiling. Empty the feeder, clean it well and refill with fresh nectar.
