Is it true that red dye No. 40, often used in hummingbird feeders, is hazardous to hummingbirds?
—Jane O’Malley, Austin, TX Even if the last thing kids need is to be hopped up on sugary snacks, hummingbirds actually do survive on the sweet stuff, which gives them the quick energy they require to perform their acrobatic high-speed flying maneuvers. Unlike natural flower nectar (the majority of which is clear), commercial hummingbird syrups often contain red food coloring. While no studies have been done on whether red dye No. 40 causes cancer or other diseases in hummingbirds, research shows that the artificial coloring is harmful to other animals, and it is certainly unnecessary to use it. For the rest of the answer, go to Audubon Magazine’s Green Guru page!
