Food entry
Nectar (sugar water)
4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar. Never red dye.
At a glance
| Brings | Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Baltimore Oriole |
|---|---|
| Feeder | Nectar feeder |
How to offer it
Homemade nectar is the standard, vetted recipe: dissolve one part plain white table sugar in four parts water. That ratio approximates flower nectar. No commercial mix is needed and red dye is unnecessary and widely advised against — the feeder’s red parts do the attracting. In hot weather, replace nectar every two to three days and rinse the feeder thoroughly; fermented or moldy nectar harms the birds you are trying to help.
What to skip
Skip red food coloring, honey, and artificial sweeteners — all are bad for hummingbirds. And skip lapses in cleaning: a dirty nectar feeder is worse than no feeder.
FAQ
Which birds does nectar (sugar water) attract?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole. 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar. Never red dye.
What feeder should I put nectar (sugar water) in?
Nectar feeder. Homemade nectar is the standard, vetted recipe: dissolve one part plain white table sugar in four parts water. That ratio approximates flower nectar.
What should I avoid with nectar (sugar water)?
Skip red food coloring, honey, and artificial sweeteners — all are bad for hummingbirds. And skip lapses in cleaning: a dirty nectar feeder is worse than no feeder.