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Picky Hummingbirds? Analyzing the Effects of Colored Nectar on Hummingbird Eating Habits

CSEF · 2010 Zoology

Rachel L. Jolly · Sanger Academy Charter School, Sanger, Fresno County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective is to determine whether or not colored hummingbird nectar is preferred by hummingbirds, and if so, which color would be preferred. Methods/Materials Before I started my experiment I purchased four hummingbird feeders with identical size and shape, that will be filled with various colors of hummingbird nectar. The first feeder was filled with clear nectar, and was used at the control for my experiment. The remaining feeders had food coloring added to the nectar. One was filled with blue nectar, the next with green, and finally with yellow. Five drops of food coloring were used to color the nectar in each of the feeders. Results The yellow feeder had the highest total amount of nectar lost, but it was not consistently the highest amount of nectar lost weekly. The clear feeder had the lowest total amount of nectar lost, and the lowest average amount of nectar lost. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion states that colored hummingbird nectar, especially bright colored nectar, is most preferred by hummingbirds.

Summary statement

My project determines if colored nectar is preferred by hummingbirds, and if it is, which color is preferred.

Help received

Mom helped me with my display; Dad helped hang the feeders; My school provided a triple-beam balance scale; Teachers helped me with editing.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2010 Zoology · Entry J2410

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