Do hummingbirds like the color purple is a question I asked the first time a tiny bird hovered over my purple blooms. I saw how fast it moved and how it paused as if it knew something sweet was close. That moment made me watch these birds with care. I learned that simple colors can guide them. This guide shares what I found in a clear and warm way.
Table of Contents
Do Hummingbirds Like the Color Purple?
Short answer: Yes, hummingbirds do like purple because it stands out and often signals nectar.
I’ve seen hummingbirds pause at my garden when my purple morning glories open at dawn. The way they hover there, almost as if they are thinking, always makes me smile. Purple flowers have a glow that pops in the sun, and hummingbirds seem to notice that glow right away. They don’t love purple as much as red, but they still check it out with real interest.
The simple truth is this: hummingbirds like purple because it hints at food. Their eyes pick up colors fast, and purple is easy to spot. In my yard, the purple blooms are never empty. There is always at least one bird sipping nectar or testing the petals.
Why they like purple:
- Purple flowers often have rich nectar.
- The color stands out in green spaces.
- Hummingbirds recognize purple as a “possible food” signal.
What Colors Do Hummingbirds Not Like?
Short answer: Hummingbirds don’t like dull or dark colors like brown, black, or grey.
When I first started feeding hummingbirds, I used a feeder with a brown base because it looked “natural.” The birds ignored it for days. Only when I switched to a bright red top did they start visiting. That was the moment I learned how picky they can be.
They avoid colors that blend in with the background because those shades do not point to flowers. Brown or dark tones signal “nothing to eat here.” In nature, nectar comes with bright colors, so dull tones do not catch their eye.
Colors hummingbirds avoid:
- Brown
- Black
- Grey
- Dark green (too shadowy)
What Colors Are Hummingbirds Attracted To?
Short answer: Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors like red, orange, pink, and purple.
If you have ever watched a hummingbird dart through a garden, you’ll notice they move like little flashes of light. Bright colors guide them like signs on a busy road. I once planted a row of mixed flowers, and the red and orange ones were always the first to get visitors. It felt like watching kids run to candy they already knew by heart.
They see color differently from us. Their eyes catch ultraviolet hues that we cannot see. So when we think a flower looks “nice,” they might see a neon beacon calling their name.
Best colors for attracting hummingbirds:
- Red
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple
- Magenta
Do Hummingbirds Like the Color Blue?
Short answer: Yes, hummingbirds like blue, but it is not their top choice.
In my own garden, blue flowers get some visits, but not as many as the red ones. The birds hover, check the bloom, and take a quick sip if the nectar is good. Blue is calming to us, but to hummingbirds it may not shine as bright as other shades.
Still, blue flowers like salvia and bluebell are winners when paired with a feeder. I’ve seen hummingbirds circle my blue salvia patch during sunset, and it always feels like a small blessing.
Why hummingbirds like blue:
- Blue flowers often offer nectar.
- The color stands out against green leaves.
- Blue shapes and petals attract curious birds.
Do Hummingbirds Like Green?
Short answer: Hummingbirds don’t dislike green, but they don’t treat it as a nectar signal.
Green is everywhere in nature. It blends in. When I tried a feeder with a green base, birds still came, but only because the red top grabbed their attention. Green alone does not call to them the way bright colors do.
That said, they love green spaces. When lush plants surround a feeder, they feel safe. I’ve noticed they linger longer when there is shade and shelter. So while green is not their “favorite nectar color,” it is their favorite comfort color.
Role of green in hummingbird behavior:
- Creates a natural and safe environment.
- Helps hide birds from predators.
- Supports longer feeding sessions.
Why Are Hummingbirds Attracted to Red?
Short answer: Hummingbirds are attracted to red because it signals rich nectar and stands out vividly in nature.
Red is their classic color. When I first hung a red feeder, the results were instant. Within hours, a hummingbird zipped toward it like it had been waiting all day. Red works almost like a magnet for them.
Science says hummingbirds evolved to favor red flowers because insects avoid them, leaving more nectar for birds. That means red equals “more food” in their minds. Over time, this instinct has grown stronger.
Why red is irresistible:
- Red flowers usually have more nectar.
- Red stands out in green landscapes.
- Evolution linked red to reliable food.
Are Hummingbirds Attracted to Light?
Short answer: No, hummingbirds are not drawn to light itself, but they may check glowing objects out of curiosity.
One evening, I placed a feeder near a garden light. I thought it would look beautiful at night. Instead, a hummingbird hovered briefly, looked confused, and left. They don’t feed in the dark, and the light didn’t help them.
However, light can make glass or plastic shine, which sometimes catches their eye. But they will not stay or feed due to the light alone. They follow color, not brightness.
How light affects hummingbirds:
- Light may catch their attention.
- They do not feed at night.
- Light does not replace color cues.
Do Hummingbirds Like Yellow?
Short answer: Hummingbirds like yellow flowers, but feeders with yellow parts may attract bees instead.
I have a patch of yellow lantana in my yard, and hummingbirds visit it often. They love the nectar. But when I used a feeder with yellow flowers, bees showed up first. That made it hard for the birds to feed.
Yellow works great in nature, but on feeders it can cause trouble. I learned to remove yellow parts to keep bees away. The hummingbirds still came because the red base stayed inviting.
Yellow cues:
- Birds like yellow blooms.
- Bees love yellow more than hummingbirds.
- Yellow feeders may cause crowding.
Do Hummingbirds Like Tulips?
Short answer: Hummingbirds may visit tulips, but tulips are not ideal because they offer little nectar.
I planted tulips once, hoping for hummingbirds to sip from them. They looked at the blooms, hovered for a moment, and left. It felt like watching someone open a fridge and find nothing to eat. Tulips are beautiful but not rich in nectar.
Still, hummingbirds may inspect tulips out of curiosity. They check anything that looks bright. But they won’t stay long because the payoff is low.
Why tulips are not a top choice:
- Low nectar content.
- Not shaped for hummingbird feeding.
- Birds test them but do not rely on them.
Bullet Point Summary
- Purple: Yes, hummingbirds like it.
- Colors they avoid: Brown, grey, black.
- Best colors: Red, orange, pink, purple.
- Blue: They like it, but not the most.
- Green: Neutral, not a nectar cue.
- Red: Their strongest attraction.
- Light: Not a real attraction.
- Yellow: Good in flowers, risky on feeders.
- Tulips: Curious visits, but not preferred.
Do hummingbirds like the color purple?
Yes, hummingbirds like the color purple because it stands out and often means nectar. I see them hover over my purple blooms each spring. Learn more about what they prefer.
What colors do hummingbirds avoid?
Hummingbirds avoid dark shades like black or brown because these tones do not signal nectar. They fly past them fast. Learn more about the colors they ignore.
Why are hummingbirds attracted to red?
Red tells hummingbirds that sweet nectar may be close. I see them rush to red blooms in my yard. Learn more about why this color works so well.
Conclusion
Do hummingbirds like the color purple is a simple question with a sweet answer. They do like it, and I see it each time they stop at my purple flowers. Color plays a big role in how they find food. When we use the right shades, we help them feel welcome. Let your yard glow with bright blooms and let these tiny birds bring joy to your space.
My name is Steven, and I studied Biology at Duke University. My academic journey deepened my interest in ecology and wildlife sciences, with a special focus on birds. I conduct research on avian behavior, migration, and their role in natural ecosystems. My work is driven by a passion for understanding how birds adapt, survive, and interact with their environments. I also enjoy sharing knowledge to raise awareness about bird conservation and the importance of protecting their habitats.