The call for change comes after recent incidents reported by the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI), a wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit based in Antigo, Wisconsin. The group shared that several hummingbirds were brought in covered in sticky jelly, leading to feather damage and, in some cases, death. These cases have raised urgent concerns among bird conservationists.
The Issue With Grape Jelly
Feeding orioles grape jelly is a widespread practice across the Midwest, particularly in spring and early summer when the birds migrate north. The sugar-rich food is thought to give orioles a quick energy boost and help attract them to feeders. But as REGI explains, this sugary treat isn’t safe for all birds.
In one Facebook post, REGI revealed that three hummingbirds were recently rescued after becoming trapped in grape jelly. “They were completely stuck,” the organization wrote. “It’s heartbreaking. One of them didn’t make it.” The jelly’s sticky texture clings to hummingbirds’ delicate feathers, preventing them from flying, regulating body temperature, or even escaping predators.
Not only is grape jelly physically hazardous, but it also lacks the nutritional content hummingbirds require. These birds rely on a specific nectar ratio—roughly 1 part sugar to 4 parts water—which is not matched by jelly or other sweet human foods.
Bird rehabilitator and ornithologist Laura Erickson also addressed the issue on her blog, stating, “Even small amounts of jelly can coat a hummingbird’s bill or feathers, which can be fatal in the wild.”
How Hummingbirds Are Affected
Hummingbirds are incredibly lightweight, with feathers designed for precision flying. When even a small amount of jelly sticks to them, they can no longer control their flight path. In colder regions like Minnesota and Wisconsin, wet and sticky feathers can also lead to hypothermia.
Moreover, some hummingbirds are drawn to the sweet scent of jelly and may hover near feeders intended for orioles. Without proper feeder designs that block access to small birds, they can easily get trapped.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, both hummingbirds and orioles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Causing harm—even unintentionally—could lead to greater scrutiny of certain feeding practices.
Recommendations for Safe Bird Feeding
To keep both orioles and hummingbirds safe, experts are encouraging bird enthusiasts to switch to safer options:
- Stop offering grape jelly, especially during spring migration, when hummingbirds are most vulnerable.
- Use oriole nectar feeders, which use sugar water similar to hummingbird feeders, but are designed for larger birds.
- Offer natural fruits like oranges, which are a healthier, safer alternative and loved by orioles.
- Avoid overfilling feeders, and always clean them regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
“Bird feeding should be joyful and safe—for the birds and the people watching them,” Erickson noted. “Let’s make sure we’re not unintentionally hurting the very wildlife we love.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also support using responsible bird feeding practices and encourage residents to focus on habitat enrichment over sugar-based feeds.
What to Watch For
Bird lovers should monitor their feeders for signs of hummingbird activity around jelly stations. If smaller birds seem to be visiting or appear distressed, it’s a sign to change up the feeding method.
It’s also important to remember that bird feeding should mimic nature, not disrupt it. “The closer we get to feeding them what they’d find in the wild, the better for their health and safety,” said a REGI representative.