Sugar concentration preference in the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).

Abstract

The purpose of my study was to determine sugar concentration preference of the Archilochus colubris (Ruby-throated Hummingbird). Feeders were arranged with 10, 25, and 40 percent solutions of sugar water. Sugar concentration preference was measured by duration of visits, time spent at the feeders, and the order of consumption (which feeder was consumed first). Data was taken during high feeding activity over four days. A previous study by Stromberg and Johnsen (1990) suggested that a higher concentration of sugar was preferred by hummingbirds. Because of this, I hypothesized that the hummingbird would prefer the 40% solution of sugar, because of its high rate of metabolism. I found that the hummingbirds did prefer the 40% sugar solution over the lower concentrations.