Here in the Catskills

  • Home
  • Gardening
    • Annuals
    • Indoors
    • Perennials
    • Vegetables
    • Companion Planting
  • Nature
    • Birds
    • Insects
    • Plants
  • Recipes
    • Apples
    • Blackberries
    • Rhubarb
    • Zucchini
  • About
    • Contact Info

How Do Hummingbirds Find Feeders?

March 31, 2023

Female ruby-throated hummingbird at feeder

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.

Hummingbird sitting on a bright red feeder. Bright colors are one of the main ways how hummingbirds find feeders
Bright colors make it much easier for hummingbirds to find feeders.

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!

Ever wonder why hummingbirds never seem to get along? Here’s why hummingbirds fight.

Leave a Comment LABELS ~ Birds, Nature

SHARE >>
« Garlic Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings
Marigold Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings »

RELATED POSTS

  • American robin on a fence post in winterWhat Do Robins Eat in the Winter?
  • A single wild leek growing in the forestHarvesting Wild Leeks
  • Tick on a green plantHow to Avoid Ticks: Defend Against the Yearly Invasion
  • Male cardinal eating at a feeder in the winterWhat Do Cardinals Eat in the Winter?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About

Welcome to Here in the Catskills, a practical blog featuring northeast gardening tips, nature posts, and fruit and vegetable recipes made for residents of the Catskills (and beyond!)
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Sign up for E-Mails!

    Built with ConvertKit

    Recent Posts

    • Carrot Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings
    • How Often to Water Tomatoes
    • Cabbage Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings
    • Growing Carrots in Gardens and Containers
    • Watermelon Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

    We’re Affiliates!

    Here in the Catskills is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Privacy Policy      Disclaimer      Amazon Affiliates Disclosure 

    THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS