Sugar water for hummers and orioles

Feed hummingbirds with a mixture of sugar and water. Food coloring is not required or even desirable. The feeders you use should have red (typically) or orange feeding ports to attract the hummingbirds.

Mix 1/4 cup of sugar with each cup of water. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the mixture from the heat. You may have to stir the mixture to ensure the sugar dissolves. Cool before serving.

Using the right mix of sugar water will help you attract species like the ruby-throated hummingbird.

You may make up a several days supply of sugar water in advance. On hot summer days sugar water can start to ferment. If you live in a hotter part of the country you may not want to fill the feeder completely. Add only enough fresh sugar water to the feeder that can be consumed in 2-3 days. The time frame will vary depending on how hot it is and how much direct sunlight is on the feeder.

Oriole feeders are often orange in color, instead of red. The same mix can be used for feeding orioles and other nectar feeders.

Do not use molasses or honey in your hummingbird feeders.