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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.
- Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water (for example, 1 cup of sugar with 4 cups of water) until the sugar is dissolved.
- Do not add red dye.
- Fill your hummingbird feeders with the sugar water and place outside.
- Extra sugar water can be stored in a refrigerator.
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
Why do you have to boil sugar water for hummingbirds?
Is a 3 to 1 ratio OK for hummingbirds?
Do hummingbirds prefer homemade nectar?
Can you put too much sugar in sugar water for hummingbirds?
