Is it detrimental at all for hummingbirds to consume the white sugar used in feeders?

I know they need an energy source, but in the absence of feeders they take nectar from flowers. Large amounts of processed white sugar is not good for humans, so I've wondered if the birds are missing some nutrients by visiting feeders.

Is it detrimental at all for hummingbirds to consume the white sugar used in feeders?
No, the sugar is not detrimental to the hummingbirds; however, it is still a hotly debated subject whether or not the red dyes used in some commercial (and home-made) hummingbird nectar is harmful.



When making the sugar-water for hummingbirds, make sure you ONLY use the processed white sugar, and not corn syrup, molassis, brown sugar, confectioner sugar , honey (VERY bad) or any other sweetener. The processed white sugar, in proper amounts (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) has been found to be the closest in nutritional and caloric value to the nectar consumed by hummingbirds in nature.



To the other person who answered: "I have both. If you leave out the red dye, they avoid the feeder as well. Should I try Sweet-N-Low?"



Use a feeder that has a lot of red on it. Do not use Sweet and Low. Having only one gram of carbohydrates per serving, it's caloric value is not high enough to provide the birds with the energy they need to survive.
Reply:I have both. If you leave out the red dye, they avoid the feeder as well. Should I try Sweet-N-Low?
Reply:Too much processed white sugar can make hummingbirds delerious and cause them to have flights of fantasy.