Hummingbirds are intriguing little birds that need a lot of nourishment to support their rather high metabolism. Hummers feed from flowers accumulating their nectar, and they drink sugar water from hummingbird feeders the thoughtful have put into their backyards to attract these little but colorful birds.

Hummingbirds also consume bugs having soft bodies for protein, yet the majority of their diet comes from sources of sugar, which supplies the energy required to search for the insects.

Currently you will find a variety of hummingbird feeders to pick from available in places like home and garden centers, discount stores, and also on the web. Most are made from either glass or plastic and they all serve the same purpose. All hummingbird feeders can attract hummers so you really should think about factors such as how easy the feeder will be to take apart and wash prior to purchasing one specific type rather than some other.

When it comes to filling your feeder, standard sugar water will be really appreciated by hummingbirds. And since experts aren't yet sure if there can be any ill effects when using red food coloring with the water, it's recommended to choose red feeders or a red colored decoration close by for attracting the birds instead of using red food coloring.

Bees, hornets and wasps tend to be attracted to the color yellow, therefore if your feeder has any yellow pieces you may want to get rid of them or paint them red before use to prevent an infestation of these pests.

Where to Suspend Your Hummingbird Feeders

Should you be adding a brand new feeder in your yard, hang it somewhere near flowers or plants that can attract the birds like bee balm, trumpet honeysuckle, and hummingbird sage. Flowers in red, pink, orange, and purple will draw quite possibly the most hummingbirds to your feeder.

If you want to suspend your hummingbird feeders near a window so you've got a better view of the show, be sure to keep a drape or shades drawn almost all the way to ensure the birds will not mistake the glass for an escape route should a predator get too close. Some prefer to add stickers to the windows or hang decorative flags outside to help keep hummers from accidentally striking the window pane.

These little birds are certainly territorial, dominating animals so you really should consider hanging a few hummingbird feeders in lots of places to prevent any arguments from breaking out.