Nectar Feeders
Re-fueling Hummingbirds and Orioles!
about Hummingbirds and Orioles
and how to feed them
SHOP the best Hummingbird and Oriole Feeders
Nectar Feeders. The most well-known birds drawn to nectar feeders are those beloved flying jewels, Hummingbirds and Orioles. Lucky for us, these beautiful birds are easily attracted by Nectar Feeders so we'd like to share some facts about feeding these welcome visitors.
What Are Nectar Feeders? Simply, they are glass or plastic containers that hold sugar water. They come in many shapes and sizes from basic utilitarian to beautiful aesthetic designs that will blend into the most discriminating backyard bird feeding program. The basic types ...
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Hummingbird Vacuum Feeders are inverted bottles that empty into a lower container that is usually colored red (as well as other vivid colors Hummingbirds favor), with feeding ports that sometimes resemble the shape of a flower. Each "flower" or hole allows the hummingbird to drink the nectar. These feeders may or may not have perches for the hummingbird to sit on.
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Hummingbird Saucer Feeders are usually a red container with a cover that has holes through which the hummingbird can drink the nectar. This style feeder also may or may not have perches.
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Oriole Feeders are essentially designed the same way as a Hummingbird Feeder. The main difference is the larger size perches and it's orange color. Some have replicas of orange slices over the feeding ports. It has been our experience that Orioles will try to feed at Hummingbird Feeders. Observing this we enlarged every other feeding hole in our hummingbird feeders. By doing so we could keep the Orioles happy until we were able to offer Oriole Feeders with nectar more appropriate for them. (See recipes below). However, we've observed the Orioles visiting our backyard really love grape jelly, so we have several jelly/fruit feeders for them, too.
Placing and Maintaining Your Nectar Feeders
Here are some general tips for adding Nectar Feeders to your backyard bird feeding program:
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Be sure to place your Nectar Feeders where you will see them often. Otherwise, you'll miss a lot of enjoyment.
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Purchase Nectar Feeders that are easy to fill and clean. Be sure the parts fit tightly together to prevent ants from spoiling the nectar.
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Nectar Feeders should be placed in the shade -- out of direct sunlight and wind. Hang them from a tree limb, pole, deck or porch eaves. You may want to place them close to a window for a really good view.
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Be aware that windows can pose a hazard. After putting your nectar feeders near a window draw your curtains, shades or blinds until the birds have a chance to understand the glass is a barrier. We believe it makes good sense to use a product called Window Alert, which are attractive decals we can barely see but are designed so the birds can see them well. We place them on windows near feeders so the birds see the "obstruction". These decals are excellent to help prevent window collisions by all species of birds.
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Commercial nectar is available for your convenience. Birdwatchin'.com only offers clear/colorless nectar because we believe it is in the best interest of the Hummingbirds to do so. If you wish to prepare your own nectar be sure to do it correctly. Further down this page you'll find a recipe for Hummingbird nectar, and one for Orioles, too.
Hummingbirds and Their Feeders
"Have a Hummer Summer"
In the wild, Hummingbirds obtain their nutrition from flower nectar and small insects like gnats and spiders. Hummers get energy from the flower nectar and protein from the insects. Since Hummingbirds are constantly on a mission to find nectar every backyard bird feeding program should have some nectar feeders. They can be hung in a tree in your backyard, or placed on a patio or even a balcony.
In some parts of the country Hummers can be found almost year round and are considered resident birds. In other parts, they may spend the warmer months, or linger for a time during their migration. If Hummingbirds are known to be in your general area (neighborhood parks, local gardens) adding a nectar feeder is a must.
It may take some time for Hummers to show up at your feeder, but there are ways to encourage them. You'll find it easier to attract Hummingbirds intially by doing a couple of things ...
- Since Hummers are attracted by red this color should be visible in your yard. To draw attention, plant some red flowers in your garden or add hanging baskets near your feeders. Some flowering plants to consider are fushias, salvia, trumpet vine, impatiens and Indian Paintbrush. Trumpet Honeysuckle, Bottle Bush and Blooming Sage are other good choices. While red attracts the Hummers they eat nectar from flowers in a variety of colors. Flowers for Hummingbirds offers a wider selection.
- Place your feeders early in the season for best results. But don't hesitate to put out nectar feeders in mid-summer. Continue feeding through the fall until the Hummers have left your area and headed south for warmer territory.
Choose a Nectar Feeder size that is compatible with the number of Hummers that visit your yard. Hanging large feeders is certainly tempting -- but it may be better to go with a smaller feeder in the beginning. Smaller feeders reduce waste and the chance of the nectar spoiling. So they may be a better choice until the number of Hummers increases enough to warrant a larger feeder.
Red is the color that attracts Hummingbirds so the nectar feeder's base and feeding ports are that color. The red feeder parts are enough to attract them. Please DO NOT USE RED-COLORED NECTAR. If you purchase commercial Hummingbird food look for clear/colorless nectar. If you choose to make your own there is a nectar recipe below.
Since Hummingbirds can eat "on the fly" their feeders don't require perches. However, we think offering feeders with perches is a good idea. Our Hummers stay at the feeders longer when they have a place to rest for awhile. You won't believe how tiny their feet are when you get a closeup look!
Hummingbirds are very territorial. To avoid aggressive Hummers preventing others from feeding place your feeders out of sight of each other. If you have a lot of Hummers you can place several nectar feeders close together so no single bird can defend them all.
Female Hummingbirds like places where they can nest as well as eat. Try to put your feeder near a tree appropriate for nesting. Although baby Hummingbirds are fed reguritated insects along with nectar, mom will appreciate the feeder for the energy she needs. Having all her needs met in one area is a plus since she does all the baby Hummer rearing by herself.
Do Hummers need water? Actually, the nectar from flowers and feeders meet their "internal" needs. But they sure enjoy bathing ... and it is necessary to keep their feathers clean and flight-ready. Hummingbirds will use Bird Baths that are shallow. The water should only be about 1" to 1-1/2" deep. If your water source is deeper create some shallow places by adding a few rocks. Hummers also enjoy misters, sprays, and ever sprinklers. Adding a water source to your yard is a big plus. You may want to consider Bird Baths that include a misting system.
Inviting Orioles to Your Backyard
As mentioned above, "What are Nectar Feeders" explains that Oriole Feeders are basically the same as Hummingbird Feeders.
For that reason, it isn't surprising that we discovered our Hummingbird Feeders doing a pretty good job attracting Orioles. However, the orioles have a very hard time trying to "hang on" to the Hummingbird Feeders because the perches are so small. Nectar feeder manufacturers have certainly taken this fact to heart. They've designed Oriole Feeders that solve the birds' perching problem by providing an overall larger size with longer perches and an orange-colored base. The Orioles are able to feed easier so they linger longer and we get a much better look.
Orange color attracts Orioles because they also love to eat oranges as well as other fruit. Many Oriole Feeders have replicas of orange slices over the feeding ports to help attract the birds. Because Orioles favor oranges and love grape jelly it is a good idea to provide Fruit or Jelly Feeders.
Put up your Oriole Feeders early in the spring to attract the attention of migrating male orioles. Setting some orange slices near your nectar feeders and offering grape jelly are a big attraction around nesting time. When you feed Orioles that have raised a family you'll enjoy a bonus when the parents bring their fledglings to your feeders.
Nectar Recipes
for Hummingbirds and Orioles
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- First, boil the water to insure freshness and retard fermentation.
- Next, add white granulated sugar and dissolve it thoroughly. Do not cook the sugar as that will change the sugar-to-water ratio.
- Next, cool the nectar to room temperature before filling your feeder. Excess nectar can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- DO NOT use brown sugar, artificial sweetners, or honey to sweeten the nectar.
- DO NOT add any red or orange food coloring ... it isn't necessary and may prove to be hazardous to the birds.
Important:
- Nectar must be fresh. Clean and refill nectar feeders every 2-3 days, especially in weather over 70 degrees. If your weather is very hot -- 100 degrees or more refill your feeders everyday.
- Nectar Feeders should be flushed with very ot water every time they are refilled. DO NOT use soap, but do scrub them with a bottle brush. Let them dry completely before refilling.
- Once a month clean the feeders with a very mild bleach solution (1/4 bleach to 1-gallon of water). Soak the feeders for an hour and rinse thoroughly with running water. Dry completely before refilling.
It is easy to keep fresh nectar (sugar water) in Nectar Feeders. Just have an extra feeder on hand. When it is time to replace the nectar you can exchange a freshly-filled feeder for one that needs cleaning.
If pests, like ants, are a problem there are Nectar Feeder Accessories, such an ant traps to help solve the problem.
