Date: 10/15/25 6:43 am From: Angela Dimmitt via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: hummingbird food
Thank you, Chris, for this invaluable clarification!
Angela Dimmitt
New Milford
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 09:14:48 AM EDT, Chris Elphick via CTBirds <ctbirds...> wrote:
I thought it might be useful to clarify that hummingbirds need both nectar and insects (technically, arthropods as they eat spiders too) in their diet, and that the two types of food are not simply interchangeable because they serve different purposes. Nectar is the primary source of "fuel", but insects are necessary to provide proteins. Without the latter, hummingbirds can't make eggs, so reproduction becomes impossible. They also need protein for growth, including feathers during moult.
As to how late to feed; well, there's lots of opinions. But, it's worth knowing that there are cases of hummingbirds that have stayed into early winter having their bills freeze in the nectar, resulting in serious damage (essentially all the keratin getting ripped off the bill as the bird tried to extract itself).
Chris ElphickStorrs, <CTelphick...>
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