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

TL;DR: Don’t add red dye to hummingbird nectar. Natural flower nectar is clear, feeders already have red parts to attract birds, and multiple authorities warn that dyes are unnecessary and potentially harmful. All About Birds+2Audubon+2

Why red dye isn’t needed

Hummingbirds cue on the red elements of the feeder and nearby flowers, not the color of the liquid. Since real nectar is clear, tinting the sugar water adds no benefit. All About Birds+1

What 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

• Audubon: Red coloring isn’t necessary and could prove harmful. Audubon

• International Hummingbird Society: Use no red food coloring; feeders are designed with red parts already. Hummingbird Society

Bottom line: With clear guidance from leading organizations, adding dye is a risk without a benefit. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service+2Audubon+2

The safe, simple recipe

Mix 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Stir until dissolved. That’s it—no dyes, honey, or sweeteners. (Example: ¼ cup sugar + 1 cup water.) All About Birds

Care & freshness: In hot weather, change nectar every 1–2 days; otherwise every 2–3 days. Rinse the feeder at every refill; deep-clean regularly. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

How to attract birds without dye

• Use a feeder with red accents (most already are). Audubon

• Plant nectar-rich red/tubular flowers (bee balm, salvia, trumpet vine) near the feeder. All About Birds

• Place feeders in light shade to slow spoilage and reduce heat stress. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Common myths—busted

• “Red nectar brings more birds.” False. Feeder color and flowers do the attracting; liquid color doesn’t. All About Birds

• “A little dye won’t matter.” Authorities advise against any dye—it’s unnecessary and may be harmful over time. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service+1

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THE BIRD KEEPER’s stance

We’re a mission-driven brand: clear, organic (where certified), iron-free nectar—never any dyes or gimmicks. Your backyard can be both beautiful and bird-safe when you keep it clean, clear, and natural.