Hummingbirds are one of the most beloved backyard birds. Their iridescent feathers and acrobatic flight make them a joy to watch. Hummingbirds are also very important pollinators. Their long bills and tongues allow them to access the nectar hidden deep within flowers.
To attract these flying jewels to your yard, many people use hummingbird feeders. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which feeder is best? Should you choose plastic or glass? Here is a look at the pros and cons of each material.
Nutritional Needs of Hummingbirds
Before determining the best feeder material, it helps to understand what hummingbirds need in their diet. Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from drinking nectar. They have specially adapted tongues that allows them to lick nectar. Their diet consists of:
- Water – Hummingbirds need water to avoid dehydration. They get much of their water from nectar.
- Sugar – Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need lots of energy. They get this from the natural sugars found in nectar.
- Electrolytes – Just like people, hummingbirds need electrolytes to maintain bodily functions. Electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and magnesium are found in nectar.
- Amino acids – Amino acids help hummingbirds build muscle and maintain healthy tissues. Amino acids are found in insect prey, which hummingbirds eat along with nectar.
In the wild, hummingbirds meet all their nutritional requirements by feeding on flower nectar and catching insects. At backyard feeders, they rely entirely on artificial nectars for their food. It’s important the nectar recipe and feeding setup meets their dietary needs.
Benefits of Plastic Feeders
Plastic is a very common material used to make hummingbird feeders. There are several reasons plastic feeders are so popular:
- Affordable – Plastic is an inexpensive material, so plastic feeders tend to be very budget friendly.
- Lightweight – Plastic has a low density, which makes these feeders lightweight and easy to hang.
- Colorful – Plastic can be tinted and colored with dyes, allowing for bright, decorative feeders.
- Durable – Plastic holds up well to bumps and drops. Feeders made from tough plastics will last a long time.
- Insulating – The low conductivity of plastic helps maintain the temperature of the nectar.
With these advantages, it’s easy to see why plastic dominates the affordable feeder market. But plastic does have some downsides…
Drawbacks of Plastic Feeders
Despite their popularity, plastic feeders have a few disadvantages:
- Can leak – Plastic feeders with thin walls or poor molding can leak. Leaking lets in bacteria and dilutes nectar concentration.
- Can crack – Plastic becomes brittle when exposed to UV light. Cracks allow leaks and bacterial contamination.
- Mold risk – Microscopic pores in plastic provide places for mold to establish.
- Can warp – Plastic can warp and deform over time, especially in high heat conditions.
- May contain BPA – Some plastics contain bisphenol A (BPA), which may be harmful if consumed.
Due to these cons, higher priced feeders tend to steer away from plastic. Glass and metal are popular alternatives.
Benefits of Glass Feeders
Here are some of the reasons glass makes an excellent hummingbird feeder material:
- Impervious – Smooth glass won’t absorb liquids, meaning no nectar leaks.
- Scratch resistant – Glass is very hard, so it holds up well to beaks and claws without showing scratches.
- Nonporous – Glass lacks pores for mold to take hold in.
- Easily cleaned – Smooth glass cleans up well with mild detergent.
- Chemically inert – Glass won’t react with or leech chemicals into the nectar.
- Durable – Glass is very strong. Feeders may break with harsh impacts but won’t degrade over time.
With these benefits, glass seems like the ideal hummingbird feeder material. But glass feeders also have some disadvantages…
Drawbacks of Glass Feeders
Here are a few potential cons associated with glass hummingbird feeders:
- Heavy – Due to its higher density, glass is heavier than plastic. Large feeders can be difficult to hang.
- Breakable – Glass obviously can shatter if hit hard or dropped.
- High cost – Molding and refining glass is more expensive than producing plastic.
- Temperature sensitivite – The nectar temperature is more impacted by ambient air in glass versus insulating plastic.
- Clear look – Glass lacks color options unless painted or tinted.
While very durable if handled with care, glass feeders are probably not the best choice for households with rambunctious pets or clumsy gardners. The potential to shatter makes plastic a safer bet for some situations.
Comparing Plastic and Glass Performance
When it comes to what hummingbirds prefer, we need to look at how plastic and glass feeders differ in real-world performance. Several factors affect the feeding experience:
Nectar Temperature
Hummingbirds prefer nectar temperatures between 60-70°F. Colder nectar may not taste as sweet. Hot nectar can accelerate spoilage. Due to its insulating properties, plastic maintains temperature better than conductive glass. However, both materials work fine in moderate climates.
Cleanability
To prevent mold and bacterial growth, feeders need regular cleaning. Smooth glass cleans up a bit easier than textured plastic. But both can be cleaned well with bottle brushes and non-abrasive scrubbers.
Nectar Exposure
| Material | Nectar Exposure |
|---|---|
| Glass | Minimal |
| Plastic | Higher risk |
Thin or poorly molded plastics can allow more nectar exposure to air. This accelerates mold growth. Thick glass is impervious.
Durability
Both glass and plastic hold up well to environmental factors. Plastic better withstands impact while glass resists scratches. The thick-walled glass used in quality feeders makes them very durable.
Key Considerations
The optimal feeder depends on your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between plastic and glass:
- How is the climate? Plastic better insulates nectar in hot or cold weather.
- Will pets or children be around? Plastic may be safer if breakage is a concern.
- Are you comfortable cleaning glass? Some prefer plastic for easier cleaning.
- Do you want color options? Plastic comes in more colors than bare glass.
- Is cost a factor? Quality glass costs more than plastic.
- Will the feeder be moved around? Glass is heavier and less portable.
Recommendations
Based on all the factors looked at, here are my feeder recommendations:
Best Plastic Feeder
For plastic, I recommend the Aspects HummZinger HighView feeder. Reasons why:
- Made from durable polycarbonate plastic.
- Leak-proof sealing prevents mold.
- Perches accommodate multiple hummingbirds.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Bright colors attract hummingbirds.
Best Glass Feeder
For glass, I recommend the Grateful Gnome Glass Hummingbird Feeder. Reasons why:
- Hand-blown borosilicate glass won’t leach chemicals.
- Wide mouth and removable base simplify cleaning.
- Dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing.
- Perches accommodate several birds at once.
- Minimal exposed nectar to prevent mold.
The Verdict
After looking at all the evidence, my verdict is: Hummingbirds do not show a strong preference between plastic and glass feeders. The most important factors are quality construction and proper care. A cheap plastic feeder is more likely to drive hummingbirds away than a high-end glass model. Similarly, a dirty glass feeder can be worse than clean plastic.
Focus less on the material and more on the design features. Look for a leak-proof model that seals nectar from air and is easy to thoroughly clean. Make sure it has enough perch space and feeding ports for multiple hummingbirds. With quality feeders that are properly maintained, hummingbirds will visit plastic and glass equally.
The biggest advantage of glass is durability, as quality glass feeders outlive cheaper plastic models. But for buyers on a budget or concerned about breakage issues, plastic is a fine choice that hummingbirds will visit. Follow best practices for nectar mixing, cleaning, and maintenance and hummingbirds are sure to frequent your yard – whether you choose plastic or glass!
