Diet

What do Anna's hummingbirds eat?

Nectar, sap from sapsucker wells and small insects.

Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)Anna's HummingbirdCalypte anna

Spring and summer diet

  • Nectar and gnats

Fall and winter diet

  • Winter-blooming manzanita and feeders

Best feeder foods

  • Sugar water: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water

Avoid

  • Red dye, honey and artificial sweeteners

Anna's stay year-round and nest in winter; in freezing weather, keep one feeder thawed.

Which feeder works best for Anna's hummingbirds →

Where Anna's hummingbirds need winter food

Regions where Anna's hummingbirds are present in the cold months:

Frequently asked

What do Anna's hummingbirds eat?

Nectar, sap from sapsucker wells and small insects.

What is the best food to feed Anna's hummingbirds?

Sugar water: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.

What should I not feed Anna's hummingbirds?

Red dye, honey and artificial sweeteners.

What do Anna's hummingbirds eat in winter?

Winter-blooming manzanita and feeders.

Sources

  1. Anna's Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Anna's Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Anna's Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.