Hummingbirds, with their astonishing aerial agility and vibrant plumage, are captivating birds. Their tiny size belies an incredibly high metabolic rate, which necessitates a demanding diet. This constant need for sustenance drives their ceaseless activity, making their feeding habits central to their survival.
Nectar: The Primary Fuel
Nectar forms the cornerstone of a hummingbird’s diet, providing concentrated sugars that power their metabolism. These carbohydrates are essential for the immense energy required for rapid wing beats and hovering flight. Hummingbirds primarily seek nectar from tubular flowers, often preferring red and orange blossoms, though they visit a wide array of flowering plants.
To supplement natural food sources, artificial nectar feeders can be used. The recommended mixture is one part refined white sugar to four parts water, which closely mimics natural nectar. Use only plain white granulated sugar; other types like brown sugar, organic sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners can be harmful due to indigestible components or toxins.
Dissolve the sugar completely in water; boiling is not necessary. Never add red dye, as it is unnecessary for attraction and potentially harmful. Clean feeders diligently every other day, or more frequently in hot weather, to prevent mold and bacteria that can sicken hummingbirds. Any leftover solution can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Insects: Essential Protein Sources
While nectar provides immediate energy, hummingbirds also require protein, fats, and other vital nutrients for growth and health. These are obtained by consuming a variety of small insects and spiders. Hummingbirds actively hunt for mosquitoes, gnats, fruit flies, aphids, ants, beetles, mites, weevils, and insect larvae or eggs.
Insects are particularly important during the breeding season when female hummingbirds need protein to produce eggs and nourish chicks. An adult hummingbird may consume dozens to hundreds of insects daily to meet its nutritional needs. They catch prey by hawking insects in mid-air, gleaning them from leaves and flowers, or plucking them from spider webs.
Dietary Habits and Energy Needs
Hummingbirds’ physiology dictates their constant need for food. Their hearts beat at an astonishing rate, ranging from 500 to 1,200 times per minute, and can reach 1,260 beats per minute during flight. Their wings beat at an equally incredible speed, typically between 50 to 80 times per second. This high activity demands a continuous fuel supply.
To conserve energy during food scarcity or cold nights, hummingbirds can enter torpor. During torpor, their metabolic rate significantly slows, and body temperature drops by as much as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Their heart rate can decrease dramatically, from hundreds to as low as 50-180 beats per minute.
This temporary, hibernation-like state allows them to survive until conditions improve. Hummingbirds emerge from torpor as temperatures rise, typically at dawn, and immediately seek food to replenish energy. Their daily routine balances intense feeding and strategic energy conservation.