How to Make Oriole & Hummingbird Food

Hummingbirds, the smallest birds in the world, typically feed on flower nectar and spiders. Orioles will munch on insects, nectar and fruit. Setting up a feeder in your own yard can attract these beautiful birds. There is no need to buy expensive bird nectar when you can make your own at home.

Things You'll Need

• Hummingbird feeder
• Water
• Sugar
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Instructions

How to Make Oriole & Hummingbird Food

1. Boil water and measure out four parts into bowl. Allow water to cool.

2. Add one part sugar to the four parts water, and stir until sugar dissolves.

3. Add sugar and water solution to the bird feeder.

4. Place or hang feeder outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Boiling the water kills bacteria and prevents spoilage. Fill feeders just enough for a day or two of use. You can store any remaining solution in the refrigerator.

• Be sure to keep feeders clean.

• According to the Kern River Preserve, it is unnecessary to use food dye or coloring. They are not healthy for hummingbirds or orioles. The red color of the feeder is enough to attract the birds.

• Do not use honey. BestNest states that honey attracts bees and can grow black fungus, which can be fatal to birds.

References

• Kern River Preserve
• BestNest

Resources

• AvianWeb on Orioles
• Wild Birds Unlimited on Hummingbirds