Hummingbird feeders are unique, different from other types of feeders. Hummingbirds do not eat seeds like many other types of birds. They eat primarily nectar from flowers, or in the case of feeders, sugar water. Their bodies are very specialized, and they lack the ability to eat seeds. They have a very high metabolism, as might be guessed from the ridiculous speed at which they beat their wings.

In order to keep up with their extreme metabolism, they need a steady source of high energy food. Simple foods like sugar and nectar are easilty convertible into energy. It can be used as fuel almost immediately by the animal. They use this energy to hunt their other prey: insects and spiders. The necessary nutrients that they cannot get from simple sugars are supplied by their living food.

Interested in making your own? Check out our section on homemade hummingbird feeders.