The last I saw there had not been any research into the effects of dyes
and additives on hummingbirds, but there is considerable opinion among
hummingbird banders and others familiar with hummingbird biology that
commercial "nectar" should be avoided, and that making your own is
preferable. (There is a commercial product for the use of rehabers that
should not be used routinely) Note the sugary juice that hummingbirds
draw from flowers is clear and not red, and if a feeder is made with red
plastic what possible benefit would there be in coloring the juice? You
may find the following (although dated) helpful:

Red dye in hummingbird feeders? http://www.hummingbirds.net/dye.html

Another article about nectar http://www.hummingbirds.net/hainsworth.html

Last, a discussion about nectar concentrations by some respected
hummingbird authorities:
http://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/HUMNETf/feedersolution.html

chuck reinsch, seattle, magnolia


On 5/7/2015 7:13 AM, tina at songbirdphoto.com wrote:
> Hi,
> Is the red dye used in commercial hummingbird nectar toxic to hummers?
> I make my own nectar, but would like to know whether this claim currently
> circulating on Facebook is true.
>
> Thanks,
> Tina Blade
> Duvall, WA
>
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