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About Agave Syrup
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Agave nectar is taken from the blue agave plant grown in Southern Mexico. Agave syrup comes from the agave plant found in the deserts of Mexico. It is a thick syrup commonly used as a replacement for honey and other sweeteners in cooking and baking. Although hummingbirds are known to feed from the agave plant, they cannot tolerate thick consistencies and prefer to feed from thinner nectar.
Preferred Foods
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Hummingbirds feed their babies small insects. Hummingbirds generally eat nectar from flowers or small insects. Homeowners commonly place hummingbird feeders with homemade sugar solutions near the home to provide more food for the birds.
Homemade Nectar Solution
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Create a homemade nectar solution by mixing four parts water to one part sugar. Never use honey or artificial sweeteners, and do not add vitamins or food coloring. Attach red-colored strings to the feeder to attract hummingbirds.
Considerations
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Regularly clean hummingbird feeders and replace old feeding solution every three to four days. Clean feeder with warm water and a brush; do not use cleaners or chemicals.
Types of Hummingbirds
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Example of a hummingbird in flight. According to the Smithsonian, there are more than 340 species of hummingbirds, which live almost exclusively in North America. While most live in tropical regions, they can also be found in places such as Alaska and the desert.
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Can Hummingbirds Eat Agave Syrup?
Hummingbirds are extremely small birds with high metabolisms. They are known for their high energy levels and for flitting from flower to flower. The agave plant is among the hummingbird's food sources, though it is not their preferred food.