How to Make Hummingbird Food With Sugar Water

Hummingbirds are muscular, diminutive birds that possess a most unique method of travel. They rotate their wings in rapid, circular motions, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. They are able to dart up, down, sideways or simply hover in mid-air. Their hearts beat up to 1,260 times per minute. All of this frenetic activity expends tremendous amounts of energy, which is why hummingbirds consume up to 200 percent of their body weight in nectar every day. Keep your hummingbird population well-fortified with this simple nectar recipe that will always keep them coming back for more.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• Saucepan
• 1/2 cup white, granulated sugar
• Clean, airtight glass jar

Instructions

1. Pour two cups of water into a saucepan.

2. Place saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring water to a boil.

3. Add 1/2 cup white, granulated sugar to the boiling water.

4. Boil the sugar water mixture for two to three minutes.

5. Remove from heat and cool mixture to room temperature.

6. Fill your hummingbird feeder with the sugar water. Follow the directions supplied by the manufacturer of your hummingbird feeder.

7. Pour the remaining sugar water mixture in a clean, airtight glass jar. Store in your refrigerator for up to one month.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it fresh. Replace hummingbird food every two to three days.

• Clean your hummingbird feeder and bowls with warm water and a firm scrub brush.

• Keep bees, wasps and other pests out of your hummingbird food by purchasing feeders equipped with bug guards.

• Do not use honey as a sugar substitute in your hummingbird food. Honey can quickly develop a fungus that is fatal if consumed by fragile hummingbirds.

References

• Birds-N-Garden: Homemade Nectar
• U.S. Forest Service
• Hummingbirds Forever

Resources

• The Hummingbird Society
• The Hummingbird Web Site
• Garden Helper: How to Create a Hummingbird Garden Habitat