If you’ve ever put out a bright red hummingbird feeder, you might have noticed those tiny, energetic birds zipping toward it like it’s the hottest new restaurant in town. But have you ever wondered why hummingbirds are so obsessed with certain colors, especially red?

Is it just a preference, or is there real science behind it? Do they see colors the same way we do, or is their vision even better?

Do Hummingbirds Really Prefer Red?

For years, bird lovers have been told that hummingbirds are obsessed with red. You see it everywhere, red feeders, red flowers, even red decorations to “lure them in.”

And it’s true, hummingbirds are definitely drawn to red. But why?

• Contrast Against Green Backgrounds – Since most of a hummingbird’s environment is green foliage, red flowers stand out more visibly than other colors. It’s like a flashing neon sign saying, “Hey, nectar here!”
• Food Association – Over time, hummingbirds have learned that many nectar-rich flowers happen to be red. This positive reinforcement makes them naturally associate red with food.
• UV Reflection – Some red flowers reflect ultraviolet light, making them even more eye-catching in a way humans can’t see.

Hummingbirds See the World Differently

Just like other birds, Hummingbirds have four types of cones, meaning they can see an entire extra dimension of colors we can’t even imagine! This fourth cone allows them to detect ultraviolet (UV) light,  letting them see colors beyond human comprehension.

Other Colors Hummingbirds Love

If you want to make your yard a hummingbird hotspot, don’t limit yourself to just red. These little birds are also highly attracted to:

Orange

• Flowers like trumpet vine, honeysuckle, and daylilies are loaded with nectar, and their bright colors naturally attract hummingbirds.
• Studies show hummingbirds are almost as attracted to orange as they are to red.

Purple & Blue

• Though less common, some purple and blue flowers (like salvia and bluebells) also bring in hummingbirds.
• They don’t stand out as much against green, but if they contain nectar, hummingbirds will quickly learn to visit them.

Pink & White

• Some lighter colors, especially pink, are great for attracting hummingbirds when they contain UV-reflecting properties.
• White flowers like morning glories or jasmine can still work, especially in shaded areas.

So while red is king, diversifying your colors will give you even better results.

Do Hummingbirds Avoid Certain Colors?

Yes! Just as they’re drawn to some colors, they tend to ignore or even avoid others:

• Green & Brown – These blend in too much with their surroundings. A green feeder, for example, might as well be invisible to them.
• Blue & Black – Some research suggests hummingbirds associate blue with poor food sources.
• White (in large amounts) – While white flowers can attract them, too much white (like a large white feeder) may make them wary, since many of their natural predators (like hawks) have white plumage.

Final Thoughts

Hummingbirds don’t just like red, they see the world in a completely different spectrum than we do! While red appears to be their favorite, adding shades of orange, pink, and even purple can help turn your garden into a hummingbird paradise.

By choosing the right feeder colors, planting diverse flowers, and even wearing bright colors, you can attract more hummingbirds and enjoy these amazing little creatures up close.