Key Takeaways
- Hummingbirds rely on nectar for energy, and you can attract them with feeders and nectar-rich plants.
- Use a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio for homemade nectar.
- Bee guards, saucer-style feeders and proper placement help keep bees away.
- Ant moats, clean feeders, and safe barriers are the most effective ways to deter ants.
- Planting bright, tubular flowers and native species provides a natural food source for hummingbirds and encourages repeat visits.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Hummingbirds are fascinating to watch. For such tiny birds, they possess the largest brain, fastest wing beat and the heartiest of appetites. Each year, they're known to migrate thousands of miles. In order to gear up for their extensive travels, they need an abundance of nectar.
Your backyard is a great place to find it. Not only can you hang a sugar water feeder, but you can also plant flowers to attract them. The natural nectar from flowers is the healthiest form they can receive, but feeders are a nice supplement.
Using Hummingbird Feeders
Garden plants can provide both insects and nectar, but to really get the maximum birdwatching experience, most hummingbird watchers like to hang feeders.
- Get a feeder that's easy to clean and easy to hang. Place it in a semi-open, shady area. A small feeder is ideal since you don't want hummingbird food to sit long enough to go bad.
- Because of the birds' belligerent nature, if you find several visiting, spread out your plants and feeders to avoid creating a war zone.
- Specially formulated hummingbird food is commercially available, or you can make your own.
Hummingbirds need time to find your new feeder. It could take hours or even weeks, so be patient. However, once they've found it, they're likely to return again and again.
Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Help out the hummingbirds in your neighborhood by making your own hummingbird feed. Just be sure to change the nectar regularly to prevent bacteria from growing.
- Combine 4 parts hot water to 1 part white granulated sugar. Don't use honey. It will spoil quickly in the outdoor heat.
- Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool completely before putting it in the feeder.
- Refrigerate leftover homemade feed.
Red food coloring isn't recommended because it's not good for them. A little red color on the feeder itself is enough to attract hummingbirds.
Caring for Your Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds are susceptible to bacteria. Clean the feeder every three to four days when the weather is hot. Try using a vinegar/water solution (about 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) rather than soap.
How to Keep Bees and Ants Away from Your Hummingbird Feeder
Insects (mostly bees and ants) can become pests at the feeder. Feeders and feeder accessories are available to reduce or eliminate insect pests. Hummingbirds are pesticide sensitive, so whether you need to deter bees or ants, don't use chemicals on or near the feeder. To deter bees,
- don’t buy yellow feeders; these attract bees
- try to buy feeders with bee guards (small mesh covers over feeding ports) or look for saucer-type feeders (nectar sits below the feeding ports)
- clean off external drips immediately
- move the feeder to a shadier spot; bees prefer full sun, while hummingbirds don’t mind the shade
- hang the feeder, don’t mount it
- look for feeders with a built-in ant moat (a small cup that hangs above the feeder that holds water), like the model on the top right
- apply safe barriers, like a light coating of food-safe mineral oil on the hanger/hook
- wipe the feeder and hanger regularly; keep everything clean
- occasionally move the feeder to break the ants’ scent trail
Planting to Attract Hummingbirds
These tiny birds' high metabolism requires them to feed continuously, consuming about 50% of their body weight per day. A complete diet includes insects as well as nectar, which is another good reason for plantings. Here are a few ways to attract hummingbirds with plants.
- Sketch it Out
Draw a diagram of your yard and house. Consult the list of flowers and shrubs that you can use to attract hummingbirds. Try planting near windows or your patio door so you can view them at feeding time. - Check Your Dates
Find out migration dates in your region. This will tell you when you need to hang your feeders and to choose plants that will bloom when your hummingbirds are around. - Think Vertically
Add an arbor or trellis and plant trumpet honeysuckle. You can also layer other plants (see list below) in small pots down the side. - Go Bright
Hummingbirds really like tubular flowers that come in bright colors such as red, pink and orange. - Watering Hole
You can have a birdbath, but make sure the water is shallow. They're also attracted to small pump-fed waterfalls or garden misters. - A Little at a Time
Plant flowers that bloom at different times so that they'll have a nectar source throughout the season. - Say No to Pesticides
They're unhealthy to your hungry hummingbirds. Let other birds be your natural insect control. - Use Soft Linings
A hummingbird's nest is lined with soft plant fibers. Plant fuzzy flowers like cinnamon fern, thistle, dandelion and pussy willow to attract them to your yard. - Go Native
What are hummingbirds attracted to in your particular area? Find out and plant them. - Don't Forget to Prune
In order to encourage the growth of more flowers, prune the tips of flowering plants.
Don't worry about leaving your feeder out too long and disrupting a hummingbird's migration schedule. Migration is not triggered by the availability of food. They'll take flight as the days get shorter.
Plants for Your Hummingbird Garden
Choose plants that bloom at different times to supply nectar all season. Bloom times vary by planting zone. As an added advantage, many of the plants listed attract butterflies too.
Attract Beauty and Curiosity to Your Garden with Hummingbird Feeders
There’s something fascinating about hummingbirds. They buzz about and sometimes they hover. It’s as if they’re just as curious about you as you are of them. Attract these beautiful creatures to your yard with the right feeder, maintain it and keep it filled with nectar and the hummingbirds will reward you as they return repeatedly. Turn to Lowe’s to help you find the feeder that works best for you. Shop online at Lowes.com where you’ll find feeders, nectar and more. Or, if you prefer, stop by your local Lowe’s and chat with a Lowe’s Red Vest associate who can help you find what you need to welcome wildlife into your backyard.
Hummingbird Feeder FAQ
Here are answers to frequently asked questions that may help you as you shop for hummingbird feeders.
Why Aren’t Hummingbirds Visiting My Feeder?
It can take time, sometimes days or even weeks, for hummingbirds to find a new feeder. Placement, visibility and nearby flowers can help attract them faster.
Can I Use Honey or Artificial Sweeteners in Nectar?
No. Honey can promote harmful bacteria and fungi, and artificial sweeteners don’t provide the calories hummingbirds need.
How Often Should I Change Hummingbird Nectar?
Change the nectar every 2–3 days in hot weather and every 4–5 days when the temperature is cooler. This helps prevent bacteria growth.
What’s the Easiest Way to Stop Ants?
While keeping the feeder clean and using safe barriers like mineral oil help to deter ants, the easiest and single most effective solution is to use an ant moat above the feeder.