Birds can see color much better than humans. Their eyes have four color receptors compared to only three for human eyes. This allows birds to see ultraviolet light, which makes certain colors, patterns, and objects much more visible to them. As a result, color plays an important role in the lives of birds. It helps guide behaviors like finding food, choosing mates, avoiding predators, and more. Understanding what colors attract different species of birds can help people better meet the needs of their feathered visitors.
Why Does Color Matter to Birds?
Color is critical to birds for several reasons:
Food
Many birds rely heavily on fruits, berries, seeds, and nectar from flowers as food sources. These foods often have distinct, vibrant colors that signal ripeness and nutrition to birds. Red typically indicates ripe, sugary fruits while green signals unripe, sour fruit. Certain flower colors also help guide hummingbirds and other nectar feeders to nutrient-rich meals.
Mates
Brightly colored plumage helps male birds attract mates. Females often select males based on the brilliance of their feathers. Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows signal health, strength, and good genes. Duller males frequently fail to find a mate.
Territory
Some species use patches of colorful feathers to mark and defend nesting territories. The red breast of a robin, for example, warns other robins this area is occupied. Intruders may be attacked and chased away.
Camouflage
Drab colors help many birds blend into their surroundings as camouflage from predators. Brown, beige, gray, and black help birds look like tree bark, dirt, or shadows. Bright flashes of color are often hidden and only shown during flight.
Communication
Color conveys information between birds of the same species. Different colored beaks, eyes, and feathers can signal gender, age, social status, and mood. Cardinals, for instance, use crest position and beak coloring to signal aggression and courtship.
What Colors Attract Different Bird Species?
Here are some of the colors that tend to attract specific types of birds:
Hummingbirds
Bright red
Orange
Yellow
Pink
Purple
Hummingbirds are drawn to warm, energetic colors like red, orange, and yellow. These colors frequently signal nectar-rich flowers that provide fuel for their fast metabolism. Orange and yellow mimics favorite food sources like trumpet vines and honeysuckles.
Orioles
Orange
Red
Yellow
Pink
Orioles favor blossoms and fruits in sunny, tropical tones. Orange is especially attractive as it resembles native flowers and fruiting trees. Jelly and nectar feeders in these colors will draw orioles in.
Woodpeckers
Red
Yellow
Black
White
Woodpeckers prefer strong, contrasting colors like red, yellow, black, and white. These shades stand out against natural tree bark helping woodpeckers identify foods like insects, sap, and nuts. Suet feeders with these tones will attract them.
Bluebirds
Blue
Purple
Red
While blue is an obvious choice, bluebirds also favor the contrasting colors purple and red. Purple mimics the dogwood and elderberry fruits bluebirds feed on. Red signals nesting cavities placed by humans.
Tanagers
Red
Orange
Yellow
Scarlet, summer, and western tanagers flock to tube feeders filled with orange and yellow nectar formulas. Orange mimics their preferred flower color. Yellow stands out against leafy backgrounds helping guide them to food.
Goldfinches
Yellow
Orange
Red
Goldfinches are attracted to sunflower seeds and nyjer thistle in bright finch feeders. Yellow, orange, and red feeders are preferred as goldfinches associate these colors with food. Black oil sunflower seeds in a yellow feeder will quickly attract them.
Chickadees
Black
White
Gray
Chickadees are frequent bird feeder visitors. They prefer black oil sunflower seeds or suet cakes offered in simple black, white, or gray feeders that blend into their forest habitat. Avoid brightly colored feeders to attract them.
Cardinals
Red
Yellow
Orange
Cardinals are easy to attract with bright red feeders, dishes, and houses that match the color of the males. Yellow and orange fruits and seeds also entice them. Avoid green feeders, as these are harder for cardinals to spot.
Robins
Red
Orange
Ground-feeding robins seek out orange fruits and berries. Offering raisins, orange slices, or mealworms in red or orange dishes will get their attention. Avoid yellow, as robins cannot see this color well.
What Are the Best Bird Feeder Colors for Different Species?
Choosing feeders in colors birds are naturally attracted to will increase visits to your yard. Here are the best feeder colors to try for specific birds:
Goldfinches
Yellow tube feeder with black oil sunflower seeds
Orange mesh nyjer thistle feeder
Red hopper or platform feeder
Chickadees
Neutral colored tube feeder with black oil sunflower seeds
Black metal mesh feeder with hulled sunflower seeds
Plain wood suet feeder
Hummingbirds
Red liquid nectar feeder
Yellow or orange nectar feeder
Any bright, floral colored feeder
Woodpeckers
Red metal suet feeder
Yellow suet feeder with tail prop
Black tube feeder with sunflower seeds
Cardinals
Bright red hopper or tube feeder
Red platform or window feeder
Orange fruit feeder
Orioles
Orange jelly feeder
Red nectar feeder
Yellow orchard fruit feeder
Avoid placing brightly colored feeders in exposed areas. Opt for more natural wood tones and place feeders near cover to attract shy birds. Use bright colors only for accents and food.
Conclusion
Understanding what colors birds prefer can help attract more species to your yard. Warm, energetic tones like red, orange, and yellow appeal to hummingbirds, orioles, goldfinches, and tanagers. Neutral blacks, grays, and browns better attract skittish birds like chickadees.
Choose feeders in colors matching birds’ favorites foods and plumage for best effect. A red feeder filled with yellow sunflower hearts will lure cardinals, while orange fruit slices draw robins. Take care not to overwhelm small areas with too many bright feeders, though. Strategically use color as an accent to complement the natural landscape. This creates an enticing, welcoming habitat for many different birds.