We all know that hummingbirds drink nectar/sugar water. And we see several feeders hanging from trees and patios all over the place. But it might be a surprise to know that our little buzzing jewels also need protein for new feather growth and maintaining their muscle. Just like us, they can’t survive on sweets alone and stay healthy! Just eating sweets for survival doesn’t work! What a bummer! Young hummers still in the nest are almost exclusively fed insects, such as ants, aphids, fruit flies, gnats, and yes, even spiders, oh my! Insects are a great source of salts, fiber, fats, amino acids and other nutrients to help with a balanced diet! Who knew insects were so healthy! Bye bye sweets! Hello protein.
Spiders are probably not your favorite insect to encounter in your garden sanctuary. But my! Are they an important part of any healthy habitat. Not only do they help to consume insect pests, they also provide yummy nourishment for hummers and other wildlife critters in your garden. It was once believed that a hummingbird’s diet was 90% nectar, but other studies show that insects make up between 60% to 80% of a hummingbird’s diet! And spiders are a favorite. Oh and another reason to welcome spiders is that hummers use the fine sticky webs in the construction of their nests. Can you imagine how soft and comfy a bed made from these webs would be! So silky! And better than satin!
Spider webs can be very fertile hunting areas for our little jewels as well. The Hummers have been known to be thieves, stealing insects from spider’s webs to feast on! Naughty little birdies! They can’t pass up an easy meal on the run. A hummingbird’s ‘need for speed’ means a ‘need for fuel’. So I guess you could say it’s the ‘fast food’ for busy birds on the go.
Hummingbirds are not like other birds. They cannot use their beaks as pinchers and reach down and pick up an insect. They snatch up a tasty morsel in flight and we may not even be able to detect they have done so.
We can help ensure our feathered friends have enough protein for a healthy balanced diet. There are ways to help draw insects, such as setting out a plate of fruit or hanging a banana peel inside a mesh bag.
**Please note: As hummers will be eating insects from your garden, please do not use pesticides. This would cause harm to the birds.