Pledge to stand with Audubon to call on elected officials to listen to science and work towards climate solutions.
Hummingbirds may be some of the smallest birds in the world, but fluttering those tiny wings can be quite a workout. Flapping away at up to 90 beats per second burns up calories fast; to maintain their momentum, hummingbirds need to eat—a lot! To satisfy their speedy metabolisms, these busy birds consume half their body weight in bugs and nectar, feeding every 10-15 minutes and visiting 1,000-2,000 flowers per day.
You can help these hardworking foragers get the nutrients they need by providing them with their favorite post-workout meal—nectar. This hummingbird sweet treat can be made right at home with a few simple ingredients. By filling your feeder with this DIY delight, you can complement nectar-rich plants and watch these beautiful little birds feed and flitter all day.
The Best Homemade Hummingbird Food
Attract beautiful hummingbirds to your backyard or garden with this simple homemade hummingbird food recipe!
Prep: 5min
Total: 5min
Yield: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 cups very hot tap water
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
Instruction:
- Boil your water on the stove for 1 minute.
- Remove the water from the stove and stir in the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to come to room temperature.
- Fill your humming bird feeder as directed on individual instructions.
- Store leftover sugar water in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
This homemade hummingbird nectar recipe will have your sweet little friends squeaking their thanks all day long!
Prep: 5min
Total: 10min
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pure white cane sugar
- 3-4 cups water (*see notes)
Instruction:
- Store extra hummingbird nectar in a glass jar, or another air tight container, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
FAST EASY Hummingbird Recipe Nectar feeding Hundreds of Birds Hummingbirds Feed in Feeders All Year
FAQ
Is a 3 to 1 ratio OK for hummingbirds?
Why do you have to boil sugar water for hummingbirds?
How long do you boil water and sugar for hummingbirds?
- Boil your water on the stove for 1 minute.
- Remove the water from the stove and stir in the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to come to room temperature.
- Fill your humming bird feeder as directed on individual instructions.
- Store leftover sugar water in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Is sugar water actually good for hummingbirds?
