Hummingbird nectar calculator
Measure the water first. For every four parts water, use one part refined white sugar. Make only the batch you can keep fresh.
Start with the water
Refined white sugar for 1 US cup of water
Four parts water to one part sugar, measured by volume. Let the nectar cool before filling your feeder.
Change it every three days in mild weather, and sooner if it turns cloudy or moldy (National Audubon Society).
November at the feeder
Winter flocks settle in.
- Keep seed dry and add a second feeder for bigger flocks.
- On the Gulf Coast, a wintering hummingbird may visit: keep one feeder clean and filled.
- Store cleaned nectar feeders dry until spring.
Measure the water, not the finished nectar
One US cup of water needs one-quarter US cup of refined white sugar. For 500 mL of water, measure 125 mL of sugar by volume. Do not assume the water and dry sugar volumes add to the exact final liquid yield.
Audubon advises using refined white sugar and tap water, bringing the solution to a boil, then cooling before filling the feeder. Do not add red dye, honey, brown sugar, molasses or artificial sweetener.
Make only what stays fresh
A large reservoir is not a reason to leave nectar outside longer. Clean and replace it more often in warm weather, and act promptly if it becomes cloudy or moldy. Keep all food-contact ports and seals accessible.
The calculator does not predict consumption, the next refill, or hummingbird arrival dates. Local guidance is the right source for seasonal timing.
References
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| Hummingbird Feeding FAQs ↗ |
| How To Clean Your Feeders ↗ |