The Role Of Red In Attracting Hummingbirds
Humans have long marveled at the affinity hummingbirds have towards the color red. Science suggests there’s a strong evolutionary underpinning to this fascination. Hummingbirds, like many creatures, have developed preferences that enhance their survival. Feeding is a key survival aspect and hummingbirds predominantly feed on flower nectar.
Over time, hummingbirds have perceived the color red as an indicator of high-quality food sources. Research featured on The Morrell Lab’s blog suggests that red flowers often have higher nectar production and sugar concentration than flowers of other colors. So, hummingbirds have evolved a vision system that is acute particularly to red, helping them find the richest sources of food. But they don’t just see red, they see an entire spectrum of colors that we humans can’t even imagine.
Other Colors That Attract Hummingbirds
While red remains a color of first preference amongst hummingbirds, they are notably attracted to other bright colors as well. Many often observe these small birds flitting around flowers that are orange, pink, or even purple.
According to a post at Color Meanings, though hummingbirds do adore red, they are not strictly color-bound. The high visibility of vibrant hues in nature attracts these creatures, as they associate such colors with nectar-rich flowers. Despite these other options, the allure of red prevails, possibly due to their evolutionary affinity for red markers.
Significant Factors That Attract Hummingbirds Besides Color
Though color plays a significant role, there are other factors hummingbirds consider when approaching a food source. For instance, the shape of a flower is essential in their selection process. A tubular shape is particularly appealing as it fits best with a hummingbird’s long bill and tongue, allowing smooth access to nectar.
Aside from this, the quantity and quality of nectar tremendously affects their attraction. According to a study on factors that attract hummingbirds, high nectar sugar concentration and ample quantity fuel the hummingbird’s high-energy lifestyle. A color, no matter how vibrant, wouldn’t attract hummingbirds to a low-quality food source.
Effective Ways to Attract Hummingbirds Using Red
If you’re keen on making your abode a hummingbird hotspot, using the color red wisely can be of great help. Red feeders are an obvious choice and are readily available in the market. Your feeder should ideally be tubular, mimicking the shape of their preferred flowers and providing easy access to the nectar within.
Another useful tip is to plant red, nectar-rich flowers in your garden. Not only will these flowers bring a popping color to your backyard, but they’ll also serve as natural food sources, attracting hummingbirds with red allure and substantial nourishment. Moreover, incorporating red garden decor like ribbons or gnomes can further entice these avian wonders. Remember, attracting hummingbirds is as much about providing sustenance as it is about making your garden visually engaging.
<small>Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/green-hummingbird-pollinating-on-pink-petaled-flowers-jQI1tnK6OEU </small>