Hummingbird Food Recipe

Hummingbirds are one of the smallest bird group, and has enchanted many bird watchers all over the world. Giant Hummingbird, weighing about 20 grams, is the largest species, while the smallest is the bee hummingbird that weighs only about 2 grams. They are identified by their ability to hover in the air by rapid flapping of the wings (about 80 - 85 times per second). These miniature birds are named so, as the swift beating of their wings generate a humming sound. Another peculiar fact about hummingbirds is that they can fly in the backward direction too, which is not so in the case of other birds. On an average, hummingbirds can fly at a speed of about 50 km/hr.

Hummingbirds feed mostly on insects, pollen, trees sap and sweet nectar. If you among one of the hummingbird lovers, then the best way to enjoy watching them is by planting a hummer yard or garden with lots of bright-colored, nectar secreting plant varieties. Planting shrubs and trees in the garden will also provide a good perching opportunity for the hummingbirds. If you want view these attractive birds in action, hang feeders in the garden. You can make food for these super tiny birds, rather than buying expensive nectar from the market. Let's take a look at some hummingbird food recipes.

How to Make Hummingbird Food?

If you understand the natural feeding habit of the hummingbirds, then making hummingbird food is easy. It is suggested that hummingbirds ingest sugary nectar to about half their body weight everyday. You can gather additional information regarding the diet and feeding of hummingbirds. Following is a healthy hummingbird food recipe which you can prepare at home.

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• ½ cup superfine sugar

Preparation

In order to prepare a hummingbird nectar recipe, first boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Water boiling is essential to kill any contaminants in the water. While adding sugar, add in small amounts each time and allow it to dissolve completely in the water. As this nectar recipe is odorless and colorless, it resembles that of natural nectar to some extent, which in turn aids in attracting hummingbirds. Allow the nectar recipe to cool down before pouring it in the feeder. You can store the excess food in the refrigerator for the next feeding.

You can prepare larger amounts of nectar at a time; the logic is to use 4 parts of water and one part of sugar. By adding hummingbird food in the feeder, I am sure these colorful, miniature birds will visit to consume the sweet food from the feeder. Make sure you do not use honey, artificial food coloring or sweetener, as they contain low calories and are unhealthy for the birds.

Other than trying out this balanced and healthy homemade hummingbird food recipe, what is more important is maintaining proper hygiene. To mention a few, the feeders should be cleaned regularly (at least once a week) and filled with fresh hummingbird food each time you clean the feeder. Hummingbirds are specifically attracted to bright red colors. Considering this, you can tie a red ribbon on the poles where you are hanging the bird feeders. Also place a drip near the feeder to serve as a water source. If you make all these arrangements in your garden, you are all set to enjoy watching hummingbirds!