These Foods Can Harm Hummingbirds – Avoid Them

Hummingbirds are delicate creatures that rely on a simple yet nutrient-rich diet to stay energized. While it might be tempting to experiment with different ingredients in your hummingbird nectar, certain additives can be harmful or even fatal to these tiny birds. To keep your garden visitors safe, here’s a list of foods you should never add to your hummingbird mixture.

1. Honey

While honey may seem like a natural and healthy option, it is dangerous for hummingbirds. When mixed with water, honey can:

• Ferment quickly, creating harmful bacteria
• Promote fungal growth, leading to deadly infections
• Clog feeding ports, making it hard for birds to drink

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Instead, stick to a simple sugar-water solution made from refined white sugar and water in a 1:4 ratio.

2. Brown Sugar & Raw Sugar

Many people assume brown sugar or raw sugar is a healthier choice, but these sugars contain molasses, which is high in iron. While humans need iron, excess iron can be toxic to hummingbirds, causing organ failure.

Use only white granulated sugar, as it closely mimics the natural sugars found in flower nectar.

3. Artificial Sweeteners

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Hummingbirds require real sugar for energy. Artificial sweeteners, including:

• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Saccharin

… provide zero nutritional value and can leave the birds starving despite a full stomach.

4. Red Dye or Food Coloring

Many commercial hummingbird nectars contain red dye, but research suggests that artificial food coloring can:

• Cause digestive issues
• Lead to organ damage
• Be linked to cancer in some studies

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Since hummingbirds are naturally attracted to red-colored feeders, there’s no need to add dye to their nectar.

5. Fruit Juice

While fruit juice contains natural sugars, it is too acidic for hummingbirds and often contains:

• Preservatives that can be toxic
• Citrus acids that irritate their digestive system
• Extra fructose that may cause liver damage

Stick to plain sugar water to keep their diet safe and natural.

6. Maple Syrup & Other Syrups

Syrups, including:

• Maple syrup
• Corn syrup
• Agave syrup

… are not a suitable replacement for sugar. They contain different types of sugars that hummingbirds cannot digest efficiently and may lead to malnutrition.

7. Tea, Soda, or Flavored Water

Never add any type of tea, soda, or flavored water to hummingbird nectar, as these contain:

• Caffeine – Can be deadly to hummingbirds
• Preservatives – Harmful chemicals that may affect their health
• Carbonation – Not suitable for their tiny bodies

Hummingbirds thrive on pure, fresh nectar—nothing else.

How to Make Safe Hummingbird Nectar

The best hummingbird nectar is a simple, homemade mixture using just two ingredients:

1 part white granulated sugar
4 parts water

Instructions:

• Boil the water to remove impurities.
• Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. 
• Let the mixture cool before filling the feeder.
• Clean feeders every 2-3 days to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Hummingbirds rely on clean, nutritious nectar to survive. Adding honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners, red dye, fruit juice, syrups, or flavored liquids can harm or kill these fragile birds. Stick to a simple sugar-water recipe and keep feeders clean to ensure your hummingbird visitors stay healthy and happy!

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