Guide

The hummingbird nectar recipe (and an easier way)

The recipe every wildlife biologist recommends is the simplest one on the shelf: one part pure cane sugar, four parts water. That's it. No red dye, no honey, no substitutes.

The recipe

• • 1 part white cane sugar
• • 4 parts water

Directions

1. Measure 1 part pure cane sugar and 4 parts water.
2. Stir until fully dissolved — warm water helps.
3. Let the nectar cool to room temperature.
4. Fill a clean feeder and hang it in partial shade.

What not to use

• • Red dye — hummingbirds are drawn to the red on the feeder, not the nectar.
• • Honey — can grow harmful bacteria and fungi.
• • Brown sugar — contains molasses (iron) that's unhealthy for hummingbirds.
• • Powdered sugar — contains cornstarch.
• • Artificial sweeteners — provide no calories, which hummingbirds depend on.

Feeder care

Change the nectar every 2–3 days in hot weather (weekly when it's cooler) and rinse the feeder with hot water and a brush at each refill. Cloudy nectar is a signal to refresh.