Red Dye in Hummingbird Nectar: Is It Harmful? The Safe Recipe Every Birder Should Use

Red Dye and Hummingbirds: Why Clear Nectar Is the Only Safe Choice

Do not add red dye to hummingbird nectar. Real flower nectar is clear, feeders already have red parts to attract hummingbirds, and several expert organizations warn that dyes are unnecessary and may be harmful.

Why red dye isn’t needed

Hummingbirds are drawn to the red features on the feeder and nearby flowers — not the color of the liquid. Since real nectar is clear, adding dye adds zero benefit. allaboutbirds.org+2Hummingbird Society+2

What the experts say about risk

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: “Never add red dye or other additives… natural nectar is clear, and the red dye can be harmful.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service+1
• Audubon Society: Red coloring isn’t necessary and could prove harmful. Audubon+1
• International Hummingbird Society: Use no red food coloring; feeders are already designed with red parts. Hummingbird Society
  Bottom line: With clear guidance from leading organizations, adding dye is a risk without benefit.

The safe, simple recipe

• Mix 1 part white table sugar to 4 parts water (for example: ¼ cup sugar + 1 cup water). allaboutbirds.org+2Penn State Extension+2
• Don’t use honey, molasses, artificial sweeteners, or dyes. Hummingbird Society+2Audubon+2
• In hot weather, change nectar every 1-2 days; in normal warm weather, every 2-3 days. Always rinse and clean feeder thoroughly at each refill. allaboutbirds.org+1

How to attract hummingbirds without dye

• Use a feeder with red accents (most are already red) to attract birds. Audubon+1
• Plant nectar-rich, tubular red or brightly-colored flowers (for example, bee balm, salvia, trumpet vine) near the feeder to draw birds. allaboutbirds.org+1
• Place feeders in light shade to slow spoilage and reduce heat stress. The Plumas Sun+1

Common myths — busted

• “Red nectar brings more birds.” — False. It’s the feeder color and nearby flowers, not the liquid color. allaboutbirds.org
• “A little dye won’t matter.” — Experts advise against any dye. It’s unnecessary and may be harmful. Hummingbird Society

THE BIRD KEEPER: Guardian of the Wings

At The Bird Keeper, we believe every backyard can be a sanctuary.
Our mission as Guardians of the Wings is to protect these tiny travelers with clear, organic, iron-free nectar—never any dyes or artificial additives.
Together, we can keep their wings beating strong, their skies safe, and their future bright.
💚 Be a Guardian. Keep it pure. Keep it clear.