Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders. With their iridescent feathers and incredible flying skills, it’s no wonder that many people put up feeders specifically to attract hummingbirds. But with so many different types of hummingbird feeders available, how do you know which one is best? Do hummingbirds prefer a certain style or design of feeder over others? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of various hummingbird feeder options and look at the evidence for whether hummingbirds show a preference. Keep reading to learn what features are most important when choosing a hummingbird feeder!
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds subsist primarily on nectar from flowers. Their long, slender beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for extracting nectar. While they get protein from eating small insects, nectar provides the carbohydrates that fuel their incredibly high metabolism. A hummingbird may visit 1,000 flowers per day! Since they depend so heavily on nectar, providing an artificial nectar source in the form of feeders is an ideal way to attract and feed hummingbirds in your yard. Hummingbird nectar is typically made by mixing 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water. Never use honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners, or red food coloring, as these can be harmful. When you get the mixture right, hummingbirds will come flocking!
Tube feeders
Tube feeders are the most common style of hummingbird feeder. They consist of one or more tubes filled with nectar with feeding ports along the sides where the hummingbirds can insert their long beaks and tongues. The nectar level is viewable through clear plastic or glass. Tube feeders are easy to fill and clean, making them very convenient. They also limit where insects can access the nectar, reducing the likelihood of ants swarming the feeder. Here are some pros and cons of tube feeders:
Pros:
- Allow easy viewing of nectar level
- Typically easy to clean and refill
- Limit ant and wasp access
Cons:
- Can attract bees and wasps
- Nectar can get dirty from perching birds
- Need to be cleaned frequently to prevent mold
Overall, tube feeders are a great choice that both hummingbirds and humans find convenient. The main downsides relate to cleaning requirements and keeping flying insects away.
Saucer feeders
Saucer-style hummingbird feeders, also called dish feeders, consist of an open reservoir filled with nectar with feeding ports around the perimeter. Saucer feeders allow easy access for multiple hummingbirds to feed at once. Since there are no tubes, saucer feeders can be easier to keep clean and mold-free. The open design does make nectar more accessible to insects, so more frequent nectar replacement may be required. Here are the main pros and cons:
Pros:
- Allow multiple hummingbirds to feed at once
- Easy to view nectar level and clean
- No tubes to facilitate mold growth
Cons:
- Nectar is exposed to insects and airborne contaminants
- Require frequent nectar replacement
- Perching birds can foul the nectar
The great visibility and access are pluses, but saucer feeders may require more maintenance if you want to keep the nectar fresh. Frequent cleaning and nectar replacement will minimize problems.
Factors that influence preference
Hummingbirds can be territorial little birds, so having multiple feeding ports in any style of feeder is beneficial to reduce competition. Other aspects that may matter to hummingbirds when selecting a feeder include:
Nectar accessibility
Hummingbirds have to work hard for their food, visiting hundreds or thousands of flowers per day. At a feeder, easy access to nectar reduces their energy expenditure.
Perch space
Hummingbirds like to perch briefly when feeding. Perches near feeding ports allow them to conserve energy.
Color
Red feeders or parts seem to be preferred by hummingbirds, though brightly colored feeders of any kind will attract their attention.
Nectar visibility
Clear feeders where the nectar is visible seem to appeal to hummingbirds so they can judge the reward.
Position
Hummingbirds prefer feeders positioned in open areas about 5 feet off the ground without obstructions for easy fly-by access.
Studies on hummingbird feeder preference
To truly determine if hummingbirds prefer a certain feeder type, we need to look at scientific studies. Researchers have investigated hummingbird feeder design preferences by offering choices between different feeder styles and observing the results:
Saucer vs. tube feeders
A study in Canada provided hummingbirds access to a hanging tube-style feeder and a raised saucer feeder in the same open area. The hummingbirds showed no strong preference, using both feeders. However, more birds fed at once from the saucer feeder.
Red vs. yellow feeders
Multiple studies have found hummingbirds prefer red feeders over other colors. Adding red dye to clear nectar did not increase feeding rates, indicating it is feeder color that matters, not nectar color.
Funnel-style port vs open port
A 2017 study tested feeder ports with and without raised funnels that guide beaks into the openings. Hummingbirds made significantly more visits to the feeders with funnel-shaped ports compared to open ports.
Multi-level feeders
A multi-level feeder with tiered saucers was compared to a single-level saucer feeder. The hummingbirds made more visits to the multi-level design, likely because it decreased competition.
Conclusion
Based on both design features and scientific studies, the following conclusions can be drawn about hummingbird feeder preferences:
- Hummingbirds will readily use either tube or saucer style feeders.
- They prefer red feeders over other colors.
- Funnel-shaped feeding ports are preferred over open ports.
- Multi-level feeders reduce competition.
- Nectar should be readily visible in the reservoir.
- Perches make feeding more efficient.
- An open location about 5 feet up works best.
To best cater to hummingbird preferences, choose a red tube or saucer feeder with multiple funnel-shaped feeding ports, clear nectar visibility, and integrated perches. Position it in an open, elevated area free from obstructions. With the ideal setup, you’ll be rewarded with happy, healthy hummingbirds! Providing a nectar source with their preferred feeder features is a great way to attract these special birds.
