How much and how often do hummingbirds eat?

Hummingbirds have been found to eat meals like humans. A meal is a relatively quick and large intake of food and then it is followed by time when no feeding occurs while the energy that has been consumed is used. Unlike humans, they do not feed again until the energy is uses and they are ready for their next meal. Hummingbirds feed on a variety of flower nectars with caloric values that may vary from 10 to 82 calories per meal (1/100 fluid ounces). The frequency and the amount they eat in a day, depends on the energy content of food. Relative rich sugar solution will keep them up for longer and they would eat less frequently as compared to diluted sugar solution.

How do hummingbirds manage to survive overnight without eating?

The impression we get is that hummingbird might very quickly starve to death if it does not eat in a short time. If you compare the amount of energy they used with the energy they ate, it actually goes back to eat again before it had utilized all the energy it had eaten. Which means, some energy from each meal was saved and stored as fat. The energy stored by the end of a day usually is just sufficient to survive overnight.

How does the hummingbird survive if it cannot feed enough, or if it is cold?

Hummingbirds, like any hibernating mammals, can lower their body temperature overnight to conserve energy. However, hummingbirds do not lower their body temperature unless there is a danger they actually may starve.

via http://www.hummingbirds.net

Image by: Hector Brandan

Hummingbirds are always busy traveling looking for flowers with nectar. All you need to do to attract them is to have a hummingbird feeder in your garden and feed them with a homemade nectar mix. The ratio to create nectar is to mix 1 cup of water with ¼ cup of sugar. Hang a collation of hummingbird feeders in the trees and you are sure to attract them. Its important to know their feeding habits before you feed them. When a hummingbird finds a reliable place where there will be a treat like this waiting for them, they will return again and again. They may even return next spring and summer!

Here are some attractive hummingbird feeders that the hummingbird would love. Note that some of these hummingbird feeders may come with nectar.

1. Mini-Blossom Hummingbird Feeder

The Mini-Blossom Hummingbird Feeder is a pretty blown-glass vessel with a handmade red glass feeding tube in the shape of a small flower.

2. Victoria Flame Red Chandalier Hummingbird Feeder

This fabulous feeder is just perfect for attracting scores of hummingbirds to your garden.

3. Mini Blossom Flora Hummingbird Feeder

Budding flowers decorate that is inspired by Art Nouveau.

4. Flame Red Bloom Hummingbird Feeder

The beautiful “Bloom” makes a delightful addition to any garden.

5. Cloud Dew Drop Hummingbird Feeder

Add a colorful and functional piece of art to your garden with these beautiful Cloud Dew Drop Hummingbird Feeders

6. Red & Blue Dew Drop Hummingbird Feeder

This Dew Drop® hummingbird feeder features the new Dripless Gondola

7. Milk Glass Pot de Crème Hummingbird Feeder

A new use for an old treasure, this gorgeous opaque Milk Glass Pot de Crème hummingbird feeder is a perfect complement to any garden setting.

8. Green Bloom Hummingbird Feeder

The beautiful green “Bloom” makes a delightful addition to any garden.

9. Filagree Hummingbird Feeder

The beautiful new Filigree hummingbird feeder truly is garden chic.

10. Bouquet Hummingbird Feeder

Has hexagonal bottles nestled in a metal basket with individual perches

If you love to see these beautiful hummingbird feeders and like to have a hummingbird visit your garden, then just head on to the online shop.  These cute birds are always a pleasure to watch and having them a regular guest is priceless!

Bird Lover Gifts – Perfect bird lover gifts from bird house and feeders for the garden to hummingbird jewelry for the bird lover.