Hummingbird feeders are common sights in many gardens, designed to provide a supplemental food source for these energetic birds. These feeders typically hold a sugar-water solution, mimicking the nectar hummingbirds seek from flowers. A striking feature of most commercial hummingbird feeders is their predominant red color, leading many to wonder about the specific reason behind this design choice. This visual appeal is not accidental, as it directly relates to the unique sensory world of hummingbirds.
Hummingbird Vision and Color Perception
Hummingbirds possess a remarkable visual system that differs significantly from human vision. While humans have three types of color-sensing cone cells in their eyes, sensitive to red, green, and blue light, birds have a fourth type of cone that detects ultraviolet (UV) light. This additional photoreceptor allows hummingbirds to perceive a broader spectrum of colors, including those in the UV range, which are invisible to the human eye. Their eyes are equipped with cone cells enhanced by red and yellow pigments, making red hues appear even brighter and more vibrant to them.
This specialized vision enables hummingbirds to see “nonspectral” color combinations, such as ultraviolet+green, ultraviolet+red, and ultraviolet+yellow, which are distinct from colors humans perceive. Researchers have demonstrated that hummingbirds can easily distinguish these complex color mixtures, associating them with nectar rewards. This heightened ability to process and differentiate colors plays a significant role in their foraging behavior, guiding them to specific floral resources.
The Power of Red
Red is effective in attracting hummingbirds due to their unique visual capabilities and evolutionary adaptations. Red stands out prominently against the green backdrop of natural foliage, acting as a clear visual signal for potential food sources. Hummingbirds have evolved to associate red with high-nectar flowers, reinforcing this preference. Many hummingbird-pollinated flowers display red hues, serving as an advertisement for rich nectar.
This preference is not solely about visibility; red also offers an advantage by attracting fewer unwanted insects. Unlike hummingbirds, bees are not particularly drawn to red and often find it difficult to locate red flowers. This allows red flowers to reserve their nectar primarily for hummingbird pollinators, which are more efficient for their reproductive strategies. Some red flowers even reflect ultraviolet light, making them more conspicuous and attractive to hummingbirds.
Colors to Avoid
While red attracts hummingbirds, certain colors should be minimized or avoided in feeder design as they can draw undesirable visitors. Yellow, for instance, strongly attracts bees and wasps. These insects are drawn to yellow and blue hues, often associating them with their preferred flowering plants. If a feeder contains prominent yellow accents, it can lead to an influx of bees and wasps, which might deter hummingbirds or contaminate the nectar solution.
Similarly, wasps are attracted to a range of bright colors including yellow, white, pink, green, and purple. To ensure a feeder primarily serves hummingbirds, choose designs that emphasize red and avoid colors known to attract stinging insects. Avoid adding artificial red dye to the nectar solution itself. While the feeder’s red parts attract hummingbirds, the dye offers no nutritional value and can potentially be harmful to the birds’ kidneys and other organs. Natural nectar is clear, and a simple sugar-water solution is the safest option.