Hummingbird Nectar: Skip the Red Dye, Use a Red Feeder

Generations of bird lovers have added red food coloring to sugar water, believing the color attracts hummingbirds. Research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology confirms it's unnecessary—and potentially harmful. The birds are drawn to the red parts of the feeder itself, not the liquid.

What Actually Works

• Use a feeder with red ports, base, or lid.
• Tie a red ribbon to the hanger for extra visibility.
• Make nectar with 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water—no dye, no honey, no artificial sweeteners.

Year-Round Feeding

Hummingbird populations fluctuate monthly, but in many regions, at least a few birds overwinter. Keep feeders clean and filled throughout the year; wash with hot water (no soap) every 2–3 days in summer, weekly in cooler weather.