Hummingbirds may be tiny, but they sure know how to make an entrance—and if you’ve ever spotted one darting toward a bright red feeder, you might have wondered if the color really makes a difference.
Well, it just might! After all, even Ree Drummond’s hummingbird feeder from her Walmart collection comes in red. And as Ree puts it, “Once one hummingbird shows up, you’re gonna need to fill this thing probably two or three times a week.”
Do Hummingbirds Love Red?
The short answer is yes: Hummingbirds are attracted to red, along with other bright shades like orange, pink, and yellow. The little fluttering critters have exceptional color vision, far beyond what humans can see with the naked eye. Their eyes are highly sensitive to a wide spectrum of colors, especially reds and yellows, which often stand out strongly in natural environments. That’s part of why red feeders and flowers are so commonly associated with attracting them. (Just note: You should never dye hummingbird nectar as it’s harmful to the birds.)
So while red doesn’t “magically” attract them on its own, it does act like a visual signal that something sweet might be nearby. Even more fascinating? Hummingbirds don’t rely on color alone. As incredibly intelligent and adaptable feeders, over time, they actually learn to associate certain colors like red with reliable food sources, such as nectar-filled feeders or vibrant garden blooms.
That means if your feeder consistently delivers, it becomes a trusted stop for flittering friends.
What Else Attracts Hummingbirds?
If you want to turn your yard into a hummingbird hotspot, focus on more than just color. Keep your feeder clean and replenished with nectar regularly, and surround your space with blooming, nectar-rich plants.
Another key factor? Placement. Hummingbirds are drawn to open, easy-to-spot areas where they can hover safely while feeding. You should also keep sticks and small branches intact on bushes and trees to give them convenient places to perch. Adding multiple feeders can help, too.
A mister is another great addition, since hummingbirds are especially fond of flying through fine, moving water for a quick bath. If you’re inclined to do so, leave spiderwebs undisturbed as they use the silk for nesting and eat the insects caught there. Planting flowers that attract small insects and cutting back on pesticides can help as well, since these beloved birds rely on little bugs for protein.
Do Hummingbirds Like Red Flowers, Too?
Along with nectar-rich flowers in bright shades, hummingbirds tend to love tubular blooms, which are perfectly shaped for their long beaks. That means plants like bee balm, trumpet honeysuckle, salvia, columbine, and hummingbird sage are all great choices. For the best chance at regular visits, plant a mix of annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs that bloom at different times throughout the season so there’s always something fresh for them to enjoy.
So hang your red hummingbird feeder, follow these tips, and you won’t just attract these birds to your yard once—you’ll keep them coming back all season long.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
