Are Hummingbirds Attracted To Red?

It’s a common belief that hummingbirds are attracted to red which is why most feeders are decorated with red. But is this really true? What exactly is it about the colors that entice these spectacular birds? Well, let’s find out.

The truth is there isn’t any doubt that hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors. Be it red, orange, yellow, or any other bright colors, they are definite colors used to entice hummingbirds.

It is a popular notion that hummingbirds are mostly associated with red and in this article, we’re going to find out why this is so. We will also discuss if it’s necessary or not to have red in your garden or yard.

Why Are Hummingbirds Attracted To Red?

The reason why hummingbirds are more attracted to bright colors such as red is that they have a greater concentration of cone cells in the retina of their eyes. This makes them sight red more clearly and vibrantly than humans will.

Their cones are enhanced with red and yellow pigments that filter colors out. For this reason, red tones are made brighter to them. Hence, these birds will sight red, orange, and yellow faster and more easily.

Do Hummingbird Feeders Need To Be Red?

Your hummingbird feeder does not always have to be decorated in red. There are other colors you can use as well to attract hummingbirds. Colors such as orange, yellow, pink, and so on. Also, with the right sugar solution or formula and a properly positioned feeder, these radiant birds can be easily enticed to your yard.

Simply make your garden or yard a more welcoming spot for these iridescent birds to visit. Fill the nectar bottles at appropriate times and always clean the feeders to maintain a healthy food source for these birds.

This will make the hummingbirds feel comfortable and these birds have great memory especially when it has to do with a food source. So, they will always remember your spot and visit every season.

Colors That Attract Hummingbirds: Hummingbirds Are Attracted To Red

Hummingbirds are majorly attracted to bright colors. Apart from red, there are other colors that can lure these radiant birds to your yard or garden. Other colors that hummingbirds are attracted to are orange, yellow, pink, and purple.

However, red is their main attraction color compared to other colors. This is mainly because red seems to be an indicator of food for these lovely birds.

Tips On How To Attract Hummingbirds

Luring hummingbirds into your garden isn’t just about putting up nectar feeders and waiting for them to come to visit. You have to put in a bit of extra work to get remarkable results.

Let’s dive in further by looking at various ways to attract these sweet birds to our garden or yards.

1. Visibility feeders

It is one thing to hang your hummingbird feeders in your yard. But will it be visible for these birds to see? Hummingbirds have sharp eyesight. However, if your feeders aren’t visible and they are somehow hidden in a dense roof or foliage, these birds might miss your spot.

So you need to ensure the feeders you will be using to attract these birds are visible so you can always enjoy hummingbirds visit your location often.

2. Use some catchy objects colors: Hummingbirds are attracted to red

As we’ve mentioned, hummingbirds are attracted to different bright colors. Hence, you can simply decorate your feeders with some red, orange, or other bright colors. You can as well tie some red or other bright color ribbons on trees or spots close to your feeders.

3. Perches

Hummingbirds like to rest between feedings. It’s advisable you get a perch or pole nearby where these birds can rest as they feed. Thus, your hummingbird visitors can always hang around most days.

4. Plant bright flowers around feeders

Another good way to attract hummingbirds to your spot is to plant bright flowers that include red colors. This way, hummingbirds will have various food sources apart from your feeder. Thus, this will make your location their hotspot.

5. The quality nectar-feeding solution

The quality of your nectar should not diminish. They must remain fresh and healthy so hummingbirds will keep coming back for more.

Avoid putting your feeder in direct sun as sunlight can cause the nectar solution to ferment and taste unpleasant for hummingbirds. We recommend you pick a dappled shade such as under a tree canopy. Dappled shade is better than full sunlight exposure.

Also, make it a habit to clean your feeders properly and always refill feeders at the appropriate time.

6. Protection or safety

The location you will be hanging your hummingbird feeders should be a safe place. If hummingbirds don’t feel safe, they may feel discouraged to visit your location.

For instance, position feeders high enough to prevent predators such as cats or dogs from jumping and attacking or feeding on them.

7. Have multiple feeders

Having multiple feeders will give the hummingbirds plenty of choice of reliable food. This is especially important for territorial hummingbirds such as the male species.

Also, position these various feeders away from other feeding stations. This way, other hummingbirds can feel comfortable feeding and have a reliable food source. And the territorial male hummingbird species can have their spot all to themselves. Therefore, you achieve more hummingbirds coming to visit your yard.

8. Spacing

We encourage you not to choose a nestled or tightly packed spot for hanging your feeders. These lovely birds like to buzz around while they feed so they need enough space to comfortably maneuver. If your spot is nestled or is in dense foliage, hummingbirds might not be encouraged to stay. So do all you can to attract enough of these sweet birds to your spot.