Feeding hummingbirds not just about sugar

Hummingbirds are often associated with nectar, but their diet is far more varied and demanding than many people realize. Studies indicate that a hummingbird's needs are predominantly met by protein obtained from insects and spiders, which can account for a substantial portion of their daily intake. This high-protein requirement supports their energetic, high-metabolism lifestyle and high-reproductive energy demands. The realities of hummingbirds ● Diet is Primarily Protein: While nectar from flowers and feeders provides essential energy, insects — such as ants, aphids, fruit flies, mites, and spiders — supply the protein hummingbirds rely on for growth, tissue repair, and overall survival. ● Aggressive Behavior Around Food: Hummingbirds often exhibit "wings of war" tendencies as they defend rich feeding territories. This territorial behavior helps ensure access to high-energy resources, especially during critical feeding periods. ● Hawking and Gleaning: In addition to catching flying insects in midair, hummingbirds also glean prey from vegetation. I have personally witnessed hummingbirds and dragonflies above me at sunset, pursuing mosquitoes and other flying insects — quite surprising encounters! So, what can we gardeners do to help support our hummingbirds? Don't Rely on Sugar Water Alone: While hummingbird nectar is convenient for observation and feeding, it should be complemented with natural resources. ● Plant Native Nectar Plants: Species like Beebalm, Cardinal Flower, and Trumpet Honeysuckle. There are dozens of native plants that Hummingbirds will enjoy, but trumpet-shaped flowers in bright colors are the biggest appeal. Space these plants throughout your gardens, around every corner and front to back of your yard for diverse feeding stations and to outwit competitors. ● Provide Water: An oft-forgotten requirement, a water source! Hummingbirds need bathing and hydration sources that are fresh and clean. This can be a simple water bowl with a solar-powered fountain, a small-edged birdbath where they can perch, or a mist sprayer or a trickling water source. ● Use integrated pest management (IPM) practices to minimize the need for insecticides. Most yards and gardens do not need a regular use of insecticides. Killing all insects deprives other animals, including hummingbirds a protein food source. IPM recommends insecticides as a last resort in controlling insects rather than using them first. ● Use Sugar Feeders Responsibly: Clean feeders every few days with soap and water, once weekly with a vinegar scrub and rinse thoroughly, refill. Hang feeders in the shade so the nectar stays cool and clear-looking. Keep large batches of 4 parts water and 1-part whole cane sugar in the refrigerator and only fill enough for that day or two before cleaning again. No red dye. Another note on planting for hummingbirds and other small pollinators: offer them seasonal variety. You will want to choose Spring, Summer, and Fall flowers so those early and late travelers are well fed. Hummingbirds are quite remarkable and fun to attract into our yards. Our only nesting hummingbird in Ohio is the Ruby-throated. Still, six rare species have also appeared occasionally: Rufous, Anna's, Black-chinned, Calliope, Mexican Violetear, and Allen's Hummingbirds, found by sharp-eyed birders and backyard birdwatchers across the state. But honestly, there is nothing like having my own little feisty ruby-throated birds coming to my flowers and feeders in the summertime regularly! I work hard to diversify my habitat, adding both native and non-native plantings they love, and I hope that you will do it, too! For more information on feeding hummingbirds, check out the Cornell site at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/feeding-hummingbirds. Amy Downing is an Ohio State University Extension — Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteer intern. Find the group on Facebook at "Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers."