Hummingbirds are one of the best-known and well-loved groups of birds because of the vibrant colors of their members. Often fast-flying and capable of hovering such birds, irrespective of their small size, will attract the attention of anyone who observes them. However, have you ever asked yourself what the hummingbirds performing energetic movements feed on?
Their diet is unique, varied, and, surprisingly, rather extensive and rich to keep the Larks energetic during the day. When you know what do hummingbirds eat, it will be easy to introduce things in your compound that will attract these beautiful creatures. This article will discuss these birds and their diet, why they are attracted to these foods, and what you can do to offer the right foods to the birds in your area.
The Primary Diet: Nectar
The first thing that is likely to come to mind when trying to answer the question of what do hummingbirds eat is that they feed on nectar. Most frequently, one meets them while feeding on nectar, their primary concentration, as they require much energy according to their active life. This sugar rush gives these birds the immediate energy they need due to the nectar content. They also prefer trumpet creeper, bee balm, and honeysuckle because these flowers have tubular forms that suit the bird’s feeder.
But to us, they are not picky about just any flower. They favor brightly colored flowers, mainly red and orange since they are conspicuous. If you want to make your garden more appealing to hummingbirds, it is advisable to plant different flowers that produce nectar in your compound. Also, feeding them using feeders with homemade syrup consisting of sugar will be a great technique to consider.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
They also explained that it is unsafe to incorporate artificial sweeteners, honey, or colored dyes when preparing food for feeders. These are dangerous and lethal to the birds housed in these cages. Avoid sugar syrup or additives and only use white granulated sugar dissolved in water to imitate the floral nectar they obtain.
Excellent Flowers For Hummingbird Gardens
To create a garden that attracts hummingbirds, focus on plants like:
- Salvia
- Columbine
- Fuchsia
- Petunias
- Butterfly bush
It is also said that seeding of both early and late-blooming plants guarantees food availability for the birds throughout migration.
Protein Sources: Insects And Spiders
Nectar and honeydew are the main foods aphids consume, but that doesn’t mean they feed on them exclusively. Apart from providing sugars in the form of nectar, insects supply proteins, fats, and other complementary nutrients that cannot be directly provided by nectar. This diet is very much recommended, especially during breeding seasons when protein supplements are required for development.
Types Of Insects Eaten
The types of insects that hummingbirds typically eat include:
- Fruit flies
- Gnats
- Mosquitoes
- Aphids
- Small beetles
They also feed on insects, which is a relatively good thing for the growers as they assist in reducing the number of pests on plants. If you are trying to attract them, do not use pesticides since this will decrease the insects they feed on.
How Hummingbirds Hunt Insects
We can say they are excellent fliers and can hunt in the skies. They may be chasing flowers or trees to capture small insects. They usually fly about in the air, taking their prey on the wing or, at most, taking it off the leaves or spider webs.
Tree Sap And Honeydew
Although pollen and insects, tree sap and honeydew are also the other preferred foods of these birds. Especially when flowers are limited, these sources are most beneficial. Some tree sap is acquired from holes bored by other birds, such as the woodpeckers. Aphids excrete honeydew, which is just as sugary, and this substance also provides energy.
Why Hummingbirds Like Sap
Tree sap is also rich in sugar that can be as sweet as nectar and provide instant energy. Sapsuckers may be observed feeding on the sap wells that sapsuckers produce in trees. Although it is an easy meal, they don’t have to exert too much effort. Although saps are not a core food supply for these animals, they can provide them with an essential means of supplementing their meals, especially when flowers are not in production.
The Importance Of Water
Even though we are used to considering what do hummingbirds eat, it is necessary to know that they also require fresh water. They do not use their beak as most birds drink water from nectar and insects. 
But you may lure them with a small, shallow dish of water that drips or mists for them, especially if it’s hot and dry outside.
How To Feed The Hummingbirds All Year Long
These birds move from one place to another; thus, the type of food they need changes with time. They need even greater energy output to fuel their long-distance travel, especially during migration. This is when they consume more nectar and protein in the form of insects than at any other period of their lives.
Seasonal Tips For Feeding
- Spring: Begin hanging feeders in March, depending on the type of bird used to get the first migrants.
- Summer: Tips increase the number of feeders if you notice more activity.
- Fall: Feed into late fall to assist the late flyers in preparing for their flight in the upcoming season.
How You Can Help
To help hummingbirds in your area, you should cultivate native flowers, refrain from using pesticides in your garden or yard, and put up feeders. In this way, you will assist those birds and benefit the ecosystem.
Conclusion
The question: What do hummingbirds eat? It is essential for anyone who wants to foster these splendid avian creatures in their garden. You can prepare a daily diet for these birds by providing them with a mixture of nectar, insects, and freshwater to meet their needs during different seasons without exerting much effort. Whether you plant flowers or install feeders, following these steps will make your garden safe for these delightful creatures.
