How Do Hummingbirds Find Feeders?
If you’ve been feeding hummingbirds for any length of time, you’ve probably wondered: how do hummingbirds find feeders? Find the answer to that, along with when hummingbirds feed, below!
How Do Hummingbirds Find Feeders?
Hummingbirds find feeders by using their excellent vision to look for bright colors in the scenery as they pass by. They also tend to return to the areas they were born in, so if your feeder is near an area where they grew up, they’ll likely use it and commit it to memory.
Wonder why so many hummingbird feeders are red? Hummingbirds know that bright colors typically indicate flowers, and bright red flowers tend to have the most nectar. In addition to red, hummingbirds are also attracted to orange, yellow, and pink.
Hummingbirds are even more likely to notice a feeder if it catches light, since that makes the bright colors really stand out. Of course, too much light can cause the sugar water to spoil faster and require a feeder cleaning, but placing it an area that only gets a bit of light in the morning or evening can help.
If you wear a brightly colored shirt, they may even come after you! I’ve had several occasions where a hummer buzzed right up behind me, only to flit back away quickly when he realized I wasn’t a flower patch!
When Do Hummingbirds Feed?
Hummingbirds feed mostly during daylight hours. They’ll settle down and enter a sleeplike state called torpor, where they slow their metabolism, a little before sunset.
What Time of Day Do Hummingbirds Feed?
Hummingbirds most heavily feed early in the morning and in the evening. However, you’ll see them all day long, since they have to refuel every 10-15 minutes due to their extremely fast metabolism.
How Often Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Hummingbirds eat approximately every 15 minutes during daylight hours. An adult can eat at least half its bodyweight in sugar every day. In addition, hummingbirds also eat many insects throughout the course of the day. (Check out what hummingbirds eat regularly and during winter.)
Do Hummingbirds Feed at Night?
Hummingbirds can feed at night, although you’re much more likely to see one during the day. They generally rest at night, and while one may occasionally catch a bug or two after dark (especially if you have artificial lighting on, like for a porch) they’re far more likely to be out and about during the day. They usually spend their nights in torpor, a sleeplike state when their busy metabolisms slow down a little.
Happy Hummingbird Feeding!
Hopefully this answered many of your questions about how hummingbirds find feeders and when they eat!
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