In case you need further motivation to keep your hummingbird feeders clean, here is a photo of a male Anna’s Hummingbird with a swollen tongue. The condition is caused by a fungal infection, usually acquired at hummingbird feeders. The condition is often, if not always, fatal.
If you feed hummingbirds, please use a mixture of one part WHITE sugar to four parts water, and clean the feeder at least once a week in cool weather, more often when temperatures are warmer. Using any other ingredients, or allowing the nectar to spoil, can be deadly.
Thanks! This is important information for people who get lazy about their feeder cleanliness.
Thank you for the information on sick Hummingbirds. I saw two Hummers in my backyard with their heads held high, and tongue sticking out, then a few days later found one hanging upside down on my climatis bush. It made me very sad, but gave him a little funeral. I have never used anything but sugar and purified water. But I am not the only one feeding the little Hummingbirds. At least now I know why they got sick.
is there anyhing you can do for them when they get the fungus?
Laura, If the bird could be taken immediately to a wildlife rehab facility, they might be able to help him. Sadly, if the bird is so sick that you can catch him, it is probably too late.
I live in western Illinois, it’s November 13, and there is one hummer STILL coming to our feeder several times a day and we’re certain he has a this fungus. His tongue is sticking out all the time. We’re desperately trying to find information on how to help this little bird. Help, please!!
I am wondering if this is contagious to the other hummers using the same feeder.
It is so heartbreaking to watch.
Theoretically, if the bird has the fungus spores on his tongue, he could spread it to the feeder. Another reason to keep up with feeder hygiene.
I appreciate your reply & all the posted info. My poor little guy died this afternoon. I first noticed him in panting in distress 2 days ago, with his swollen tongue. Today I saw another male attack him, leaving him lying dead afterwards on my patio near his perch. I decided to use your posted photo & info to pass around the neighborhood: people don’t realize the responsibility in putting up a feeder.
Thanks for everything!