This easy Hummingbird Nectar Recipe shows you how to make hummingbird food at home using just two simple ingredients: sugar and water. Add the homemade hummingbird food to a clean feeder and watch these beautiful birds flock to your backyard!
What is the hummingbird nectar ratio?
The standard hummingbird nectar ratio is 4 parts water to 1 part white granulated sugar. For example, combine 4 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar, dissolve the sugar completely, and allow the homemade hummingbird nectar to cool before adding it to a clean feeder.
When my family lived in Seattle, the hummingbirds were GORGEOUS! My mom always had them swarming around her feeder, but my house? Not so much. I even bought a feeder and red-dyed nectar from the store. Nope. Not even one!
Fast forward a few years to Houston, and I decided to try again. This time I made my own hummingbird food with sugar and water, and within minutes, I had hummingbirds drinking from the feeder. Woo hoo!! After seeing how well the homemade nectar worked for us, I knew I had to share the recipe. If you love all things spring, be sure to check out my Birds Nest Cookies too!
Why Make Homemade Hummingbird Food?
Making your own hummingbird food is easy, inexpensive, and lets you know exactly what is going into your feeder. This simple homemade hummingbird food recipe uses only white granulated sugar and water, with no red dye or unnecessary additives. Plus, you can make a fresh batch in just a few minutes whenever your feeder needs a refill.
Ingredient notes
Below is a brief overview of the ingredients needed. For exact amounts, scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Water: Regular tap water works well for making hummingbird nectar. Filtered water can also be used if preferred.
- Sugar: Use white granulated sugar for hummingbird food. Avoid substituting honey, brown sugar, powdered sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
How to Make Hummingbird Food
Step 1. Add 1 part sugar and 4 parts water to a saucepan or pot and stir to combine.
Step 2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat.
Step 3. Allow the homemade hummingbird food to cool completely before pouring it into a clean feeder.
Step 4. Hang the feeder outside and enjoy watching the hummingbirds!
Storage
If you have leftover homemade hummingbird food, allow it to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Discard the sugar water sooner if you notice any mold or signs of spoilage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong sugar: Stick with white granulated sugar. Avoid brown sugar, raw sugar, or powdered sugar when making hummingbird food.
- Adding red dye: There's no need to add red food coloring to your hummingbird nectar. A brightly colored feeder is enough to help get their attention.
- Using honey or other sweeteners: Avoid using honey, molasses, or artificial sweeteners in place of granulated sugar. For homemade hummingbird food, stick with the recommended sugar and water mixture.
Hummingbird Feeder Cleaning & Maintenance
Keeping hummingbird feeders clean is important to prevent mold and spoiled nectar. Change and clean feeders every other day when possible, or at least twice a week during hot weather and once a week during cooler weather. Rinse thoroughly with hot water and clean immediately if the nectar becomes cloudy or you notice mold.
For a deeper cleaning, use 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, then rinse thoroughly and allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling. Avoid using dish soap, as it can leave residue behind.
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
In addition to keeping a fresh, clean feeder, add nectar-producing flowers and native plants to your yard. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers such as bee balm, salvia, trumpet honeysuckle, and penstemon. Small trees or shrubs provide places to perch, while a mister or shallow water source gives them a place to drink and bathe. Once your feeder is set up, grab a cup of coffee and a few Strawberry Mini Muffins and enjoy some hummingbird watching from the patio!
Hummingbird Nectar FAQs
Yes. Regular tap water is generally fine for making homemade hummingbird food. If you prefer, filtered water can also be used.
Timing depends on where you live and when hummingbirds migrate through your area. In warmer southern areas, they may arrive as early as February, while farther north they typically begin arriving in spring. Putting your feeder out shortly before hummingbirds are expected in your area gives them a food source when they arrive.
Make yourself a fresh batch of my Berry Lemonade and sip on it while watching the hummingbirds visit your feeder!
Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.
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Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Combine: Add the sugar and water to a saucepan and stir to combine.
- Heat: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Cool: Allow the homemade hummingbird food to cool completely.
- Fill feeder: Pour the cooled nectar into a clean hummingbird feeder and hang outside.
Notes
- The proper hummingbird nectar ratio is 4 parts water to 1 part sugar.
- Use only white granulated sugar. Do not substitute honey, brown sugar, raw sugar, powdered sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
- Store leftover nectar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Keep hummingbird feeders clean and replace the nectar regularly, especially during hot weather.
Cindy says
After seeing too many dead or stunned hummingbirds, I researched the web finding a suggestion to place feeders 6-8 feet away from windows. Definitely has made a possitive difference! 😊
Kristin says
Oh yes! I had to move mine because too many were hitting the windows! Now that I have moved it, its great! No more hurt birds!
carol coughlan says
Not one Hummingbird Nectar Recipe suggests using organic sugar ? Most discourage against red food colour, this is wonderfull for obvious reasons. I am aware of the toxicity of white sugar, the chemicals present from processing ect. I would never offer white sugar, as food, to save a few cents by not buying Organic. Where’s all that Love for Hummingbirds???
Kristin says
Very true, feel free to use organic!
Vicki Brown says
I use the same recipe and our little hummers love it. I usually put half in the feeder at a time a store the rest in the frig.
When really hot, swap out frequently so it
doesn’t get cloudy. In Ohio, we have the ruby-throated, so pretty.
Kristin says
Great idea on storing in fridge! I also never thought to swap it out frequently! Here in Houston it gets hot hot hot, so I will have to keep that in mind! Thanks!
Sherie says
I too use this recipe I have one territorial bird who does not share. They are a lot of fun to watch I live in San Antonio so we get the same type of hummingbird. thank you for the post.
Kristin says
Such a simple recipe! Much cheaper than the refills from the store! The birds sure are fun to watch, funny about the territorial bird you have!