Nectar (sugar water): which birds eat it
1 part sugar, 4 parts water. Liquid.
Which birds does nectar (sugar water) attract?
| Bird | Where it feeds | Best feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Hummingbirds | Hanging feeder | Hummingbird feeder |
| Orioles | Hanging feeder | Oriole feeder |
How do you feed nectar (sugar water)?
| Feeder | Hummingbird feeder, Oriole feeder |
|---|---|
| Squirrels | None |
| Mess | Ants and bees if the feeder leaks |
| Storage | Fridge for up to a week |
Feeders that suit nectar (sugar water)
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
Other seed and food types
Black oil sunflower · Striped sunflower · Sunflower hearts and chips · Safflower · Nyjer (thistle) · White proso millet · Cracked corn · Milo (sorghum) · Shelled peanuts · Peanuts in the shell · Suet and suet dough · Mealworms · Fruit (oranges, apples, berries) · Grape jelly · Mixed seed blends
Get the seed-by-bird cheat sheet
Which food brings which bird, the feeder it needs and how to store it, on one printable page.
Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What birds eat nectar (sugar water)?
hummingbirds and orioles are the main takers. Plain white table sugar and water at 1:4. No red dye, honey, brown sugar or sweeteners. Change it on the temperature schedule. Offering it in a hummingbird feeder gives the birds that want it easy access without spilling it for the ones that do not.
Do squirrels eat nectar (sugar water)?
None. That makes it a useful choice in yards where squirrels are a constant problem, although a baffled pole is still the only complete fix.
How should I store nectar (sugar water)?
Fridge for up to a week. Keep any seed in a sealed metal can in a cool, dry place so mice, insects and moisture cannot reach it. Throw out anything that smells musty, clumps or shows mould, since mouldy food can make birds sick.
What feeder is best for nectar (sugar water)?
hummingbird feeder and oriole feeder. Saucer feeders with no yellow parts attract fewer bees. An ant moat above the feeder stops ants. Matching the feeder to the food matters: the wrong ports either jam or pour the food out onto the ground.
Is nectar (sugar water) messy?
Ants and bees if the feeder leaks. Liquid. If mess under the feeder is a concern, hulled foods such as sunflower hearts leave nothing behind, and a seed tray under the feeder catches most of what is dropped.