Hummingbirds do not eat seeds. Their diet and physical adaptations differ greatly from seed-eating birds. Offering seeds will not attract them and may instead draw other species to your feeders.
The Hummingbird’s Primary Diet
Hummingbirds primarily fuel their incredibly high metabolism with nectar, a sugary liquid found in flowers. Nectar provides the necessary energy for their rapid wing beats, which can range from 15 to 80 beats per second, allowing them to hover and fly in any direction. Beyond nectar, hummingbirds also consume small insects and spiders, which are a source of protein, fats, and salts that nectar alone cannot provide. These tiny invertebrates are particularly important for growing hatchlings and overall health. Hummingbirds may catch insects in mid-air or glean them from plants and spiderwebs.
Why Seeds Are Not Eaten
Hummingbirds possess specialized anatomy designed for their nectar-based diet, making seeds unsuitable for consumption. Their long, slender beaks and unique tongues are adapted for probing deep into flowers to access nectar. A hummingbird’s tongue is brushy at the tip and can extend and contract rapidly, allowing it to lap up nectar efficiently, rather than sucking it like a straw.
Their digestive system is also highly adapted for processing liquids and soft-bodied prey. Nectar bypasses much of the digestive tract, quickly reaching the small intestine where sugars are absorbed with high efficiency. While they have a gizzard, it is thin-walled and designed for grinding soft insects, not the hard casings or complex carbohydrates found in seeds.
Attracting Hummingbirds Effectively
To attract hummingbirds, focus on providing readily available nectar sources. Nectar feeders filled with a solution of sugar and water are highly effective; a common recipe is one part refined white sugar to four parts water, mixed until dissolved. It is important not to add red dye, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the birds. Feeders should be cleaned every other day, or at least twice a week in warm weather, to prevent mold growth.
Planting native, nectar-producing flowers is another excellent way to draw hummingbirds to your yard. They are particularly attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers, especially red and orange varieties. Examples include bee balm, salvias, trumpet honeysuckle, and cardinal flowers. Avoiding pesticides in your garden also helps ensure a healthy supply of the small insects and spiders that supplement their diet.