What makes Topflite Nectar so good for native birds?

We often get asked about the ingredients in Topflite Wild Bird Nectar and how our recipe compares to sugar water. 

Tūī, korimako (bellbirds) and tauhou (silvereyes) are prolific feeders at nectar or sugar water stations, especially over the winter when native flowers and berries can be scarce. While some believe birds should be encouraged to find their own food, supplementing their feed can be an effective way to boost bird numbers and ensure the survival of our precious manu. After all, why make them rely on a flowering tree kilometres away when you could give them some nectar right here?

To make sure we’re having a positive impact with bird feeding, our Wild Bird Nectar is specially formulated to mimic the profile of natural native flower nectar. It contains a blend of natural sugars, dried honey powder, pollen, and appropriate vitamins and minerals, developed with input from an avian specialist.

For our very knowledgeable customer base, this ingredient list often brings about some fair questions, such as…

Is it bad to put honey in bird feeders?

The answer is usually yes, as liquid honey can breed bacteria. However, the honey in our blend is air-dried and powdered, which makes it stable and safe within our mix. While it is unpasteurised to begin with, the air drying process restricts bacterial growth to make it safe for birds.

It is also used in minimal amounts in the Topflite Nectar recipe, creating a balanced formula for native birds with a similar sweetness to the nectar of the harakeke (flax) flower.

What about the bees?

Bees can be attracted to sugar water or nectar mix, which is why we designed our Wild Bird Nectar Feeder with insect-safe openings in the base. Nectar-eating birds can access the sweet liquid with their long, brush-tipped tongues through these small holes, while bees won’t be able to fit. This also stops birds with conical beaks (e.g. sparrows, finches) from accessing the food, leaving it solely for the nectar-drinking bird species.

What kind of sugar is best for feeding tūī and bellbirds?

While it may seem counterintuitive, plain white sugar is the best choice for feeding birds. Brown sugar and some raw sugars contain molasses which isn’t suitable for birds due to its iron content. 

If you are making your own sugar water, use one cup of white sugar per litre of water. Research into bird health has linked this sugar concentration to better bird body condition than lower-sugar solutions. When feeding Topflite Nectar, use the same ratio: one cup of Nectar powder to one litre of water. 

What does Topflite Nectar Mix provide birds that sugar doesn’t?

We add Vetafarm’s Soluvite D Breeder to the sweet blend, which is a multi-vitamin specifically formulated for bird health, and is a go-to for New Zealand’s top bird breeders. It is also used by specialists at bird hospitals and wildlife sanctuaries around the country such as Kiwi Park and Wild Base. Naturally-produced nectar does not necessarily contain all of these so this addition provides a vitamin supplement that is slightly more nourishing that what birds can get from natural nectar. Soluvite D is formulated by vets and contains the 12 essential vitamins birds require for a balanced diet:

●    Vitamin A 
●    Thiamine (B1) 
●    Folic Acid (B9)
●    Vitamin D3
●    Pyridoxine (B6)
●    Riboflavin (B2) 
●    Vitamin E 
●    Vitamin B12
●    Choline Bitartrate 
●    Vitamin K 
●    Iodine
●    Biotin (H12) 
●    Vitamin B5 
●    Niacin (B3) 

How often should I change over my nectar feeder?

We recommend mixing fresh nectar every few days and cleaning feeders every refill to keep wild birds healthy and thriving. The same is true if you are feeding sugar water. The more feeders, the better, as this will disperse your birds around the yard more, meaning less interaction and less potential for the spread of germs.

What type of feeder is best for feeding native birds safely?

Make sure the feeder is designed for the unique beaks and feeding behaviour of native birds. Also, choose a feeder that is hygienic and can be easily cleaned (no open dishes!)

The Topflite Nectar Feeder was designed with a thin perching ring set at a distance from the feeding holes to minimise the contact between feathers and food. The design prevents droppings from accumulating on the feeder because a clean feeding zone is essential for stopping the spread of the disease between birds. We also prioritised hygiene in the design by making it dishwasher-safe. There's no need to worry about damaging the components; a sterilised Nectar Feeder will come out ready for refilling and hanging in the garden.

What else can I do to feed native birds?

Planting lots of native, fruiting trees and flowering shrubs is the very best way to feed the birds long-term. Check out the video we made with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust for their suggestions around what to plant). Natural food is always going to be the best option for birds. However, diluted sugars are part of the diet of many native birds, so providing them with a safe source is helpful for their ongoing strength and survival. 

Here’s where we roll out our much-used (but accurate) adage: the more they feed, the more they breed!