Is the red dye found in premixed hummingbird solutions bad for hummingbirds?
Though no conclusive scientific evidence exists showing harmful effects of red food dye on hummingbirds, this chemical additive is certainly not a necessary ingredient in hummingbird solution. Many commercially available brands of hummingbird solution contain red food coloring, which is meant to be attractive both to hummingbirds and to shopping bird watchers. Brightly colored flowers are nature’s way of attracting the eye of a foraging hummingbird. So the red solution in feeders is aimed at attracting hummingbirds. Bright red feeder parts (which most hummer feeders have) or a bright red ribbon hung near the feeder can be just as attractive as red-dyed solution. Red dye or food coloring may or may not be harmful to hummingbirds, but it is completely unnecessary.
