The Hidden Dangers of Hummingbird Feeders in Arizona. How to Do Better

Ever try to do something good, only to find out you're making the problem worse? That was the feeling I had when I realized I could be hurting or even killing hummingbirds in my backyard, and I didn't even know it!

After learning this, I made some important changes. Here's what you need to know to keep our flying friends safe in our Arizona backyards.

The Hidden Dangers of Backyard Hummingbird Feeders

We're a hotspot for hummingbirds in Southeastern Arizona. We're home to a broad array of species like the Broad-billed, Black-chinned, and the elusive Lucifer Hummingbird, to name a few.

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There's nothing better than trying to attract these little beauties into our yards. An easy way to encourage their visits is to set up hummingbird feeders. Sometimes good intentions lead to unintended harm, and that might be exactly what we're doing with these sugar feeders.

The Dangerous Problem with Hummingbird Feeders

Imagine sipping a sweet, delicious glass of lemonade on a hot Arizona day. Drink half the glass, then leave it in the sun for the next three days. Are you going to drink it?

That's what's happening with hummingbird feeders. The heat and sugar create a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and deadly fungus growth, and when hummingbirds sip, they're taking their lives in their hands.

Arizona Boasts More Hummingbirds than Anywhere in the World!

The sugar water ferments quickly, which can lead to contamination that can cause fatal infections in hummingbirds. One of the worst things you can unintentionally grow in the feeder is black mold. It can lead to a condition called candidiasis, which affects the bird’s tongue and throat, making it impossible for them to eat.

Best Practices for Cleaning Hummingbird Feeders

If you keep a hummingbird feeder, the best way to keep them healthy and safe is to follow these cleaning guidelines:

• Clean feeders every two to three days in warm weather. Clean it every day in extreme heat.
• Use a white vinegar solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. If you prefer, you can clean it with hot water and mild soap. Avoid using bleach.
• Scrub all parts of the feeder, including the feeding ports, with a small brush.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue before refilling with new solution.

Sierra Vista Hummingbird Capital of the World

A Better Way to Attract Hummingbirds in Arizona

Even if you live in an apartment, as long as you have at least a small balcony or patio, you can attract hummingbirds naturally with their favorite native flowers to provide nectar to our flying friends. Some of the best choices for Arizona yards include:

• Red Salvia
• Desert Honeysuckle
• Penstemon
• Mexican Bird of Paradise

These plants offer a safer, more sustainable food source while also supporting pollinators and local ecosystems. The best part? Most of these plants are very drought-tolerant and look natural in existing desert yards.

We can work together to make hummingbirds welcome in our backyards and keep them healthy and happy in the process.

Sources: Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO) | Rainbow Gardens | WikiHow | The Nature of Home