Hummingbirds have a sugar-centric lifestyle and eat a variety of different things like flower nectar, honey, tree sap, and ripened fruit juices, as well as insects for a source of protein.

The food they are most attracted to in many birders’ backyards is a basic recipe that approximates the natural sucrose content of top nectar-producing flowers and offers the birds a healthy, nutritious, easily digestible source of energy and calories. Simply put, its sugar and water!

Many people ask us what the difference is between the commercial brand of Hummingbird Nectars and the classic Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe. The answer to this is simple. You save time for a little extra cost, that’s it.

As the season approaches, I anticipate the enjoyment of making homemade nectar for my feathered friends, but soon find myself distracted by life’s little demands and having little time to maintain this commitment.

Although making Hummingbird Nectar is simple it takes a little time to make and cool. Then I end up making too much and having to pour it out after a week. Commercial Nectars come in granular forms and are pretty much ready to mix and serve, a little or a lot, so I like to keep it on hand for when I am running short on time (which is most of the time).

So, regardless of whether I make my own Hummingbird Nectar recipe or purchase one of the store-bought brands, my hummingbird friends just appreciative being cared for and fed.

Click and Learn How to Make Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

Ant Traps for
Hummingbird Feeders
$6.95

Aspects Brand (8 – 12 oz)
Hummingbird Feeder
(Lifetime Warranty)
$21.95-$36.95

Best 1 Brand (8oz)
Hummingbird Feeder
$15.95

Hummingbird Nectar
Ranges $2.95-$4.95

About Backyard Birds

Backyard Birds is an independent, family-owned wildlife specialty store founded by the late Roger Ford in 1996. We offer everything you need from creating an inviting wildlife habitat to finding unique gift items for nature lovers.

Visit our store and meet our friendly, knowledgeable staff. We are passionate about birding and would be happy to answer any questions. Give us a call or stop by our store to tell us when you’ve spotted those migrating birds in your backyard. We enjoy hearing from you!

Laurie Horne, Owner