If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden, providing a suitable hummingbird feeder is the most effective strategy. Hummingbird feeders allow these small birds easy access to energy-rich nectar which they need to fuel their high metabolism. Positioning the feeder correctly, keeping it clean, and using an appropriate nectar mixture will encourage hummingbirds to become regular visitors.
Choosing a Hummingbird Feeder
When selecting a hummingbird feeder, look for the following features:
- A bright red color, which attracts hummingbirds
- Several feeding ports or tubes, so multiple birds can feed at once
- A moat or ant guard to keep insects out of the nectar
- Easy to disassemble and clean
- Made of sturdy glass or plastic
Feeders come in many shapes and styles, from simple tubes to elaborate blown glass models. While decorative feeders are attractive, keep in mind that functionality is most important. Make sure the feeder holds at least 8 ounces of nectar and has adequate feeding ports.
Where to Place the Feeder
Location is key when putting out a hummingbird feeder. Follow these tips:
- Hang the feeder from a tree branch, shepherd’s hook, patio eave, or other structure.
- Choose a shady spot so the nectar doesn’t spoil as quickly.
- Near flowers, bushes, or other landscaping that attracts hummingbirds.
- Within view of windows so you can observe activity.
- Away from areas where squirrels or cats may disturb it.
Placing multiple feeders around your yard will accommodate more hummingbirds. Just be sure to space them at least 10 feet apart so dominant males don’t chase others away.
Filling the Feeder with Nectar
Hummingbirds feed on liquid nectar, not birdseed. Make your own nectar by mixing:
- 1 part white sugar
- 4 parts water
Boil the water first to dissolve the sugar thoroughly. Let cool before filling the feeder. Do not add red food coloring, which is unnecessary and may be harmful to the birds.
Change the nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. Rinse the feeder well before refilling. Keep extra nectar refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Avoid using honey, molasses, artificial sweeteners, or fruit juices in the nectar formula. Plain white sugar best mimics natural flower nectar that hummingbirds eat.
Encouraging the Birds to Visit
Be patient after first putting out a hummingbird feeder. It may take a few days for the birds to discover it. Try these tricks to speed up the process:
- Hang visual cues like shiny ribbons or colored plastic flowers near the feeder location.
- Provide a water mister or shallow bird bath for hummingbirds to bathe and drink.
- Set out a cut fruit feeder made by skewering chopped oranges, bananas, and other fruit on a shish kabob skewer.
- Plant lots of brightly colored tubular flowers like trumpet vine, fuchsia, and begonias which attract hummingbirds.
Once your feeder has some regular visitors, hummingbirds will remember the location and return year after year to feast on your nectar buffet.
Deterring Unwanted Guests
Bees, wasps, ants, and other insects are attracted to the sugary nectar too. Here are some strategies to discourage them:
- Use a feeder with a built-in moat or ant guard filled with water.
- Coat the feeder’s hanging wire with petroleum jelly to block crawling insects.
- Move the feeder to different locations periodically.
- Try a ‘bee guard’ accessory that keeps bees away but lets hummingbirds access the feeding ports.
Yellow jackets can be a real nuisance. Traps are available commercially, or try putting out dishes of sugar water laced with a tiny bit of insecticide away from the feeder.
Avoiding Mold and Fermentation
Nectar left in the feeder too long can spoil due to mold or fermentation. To prevent this:
- Change the nectar every 2-3 days in moderate temperatures.
- Daily in hot summer weather.
- Use boiling water when mixing up sugar nectar solution.
- Clean the feeder with a bottle brush and hot water every 1-2 weeks.
- Rinse thoroughly before refilling.
Black mold is unhealthy for hummingbirds. If mold becomes a persistent issue, consider switching to a glass feeder which inhibits mold growth.
Freezing Temperatures
Hummingbirds can survive below-freezing nights as long as they have food. To provide for them:
- Use nectar in the concentration they need – 25% sugar content – so it doesn’t freeze.
- Bring feeders in overnight when extreme cold is expected.
- Switch to antifreeze-style feeders which keep nectar thawed.
- Supplement their diet with suet feeders, nut butter, and mealworms.
Migratory hummingbirds will leave for their wintering grounds before it gets too cold. But Anna’s and other year-round species need a consistent food source to make it through the winter.
Safety and Predation Concerns
Take steps to ensure hummingbird feeders don’t pose safety hazards:
- Don’t hang feeders near windows where birds may collide with the glass.
- Place them in shady spots so nectar won’t overheat.
- Avoid locations where cats may pounce from hiding spots.
Hummingbirds fall prey to spiders that build webs near feeders. Check for webs and knock them down regularly. Hawks, falcons, and shrikes may ambush hummingbirds drawn to feeders. But don’t remove feeders entirely – providing food actually helps hummingbirds conserve energy to escape predators.
Specialty Feeders
While basic tube feeders work fine, here are some optional specialty feeders that provide unique benefits:
- Window feeders – Allow up-close observation.
- Oriole feeders – Also attract colorful orioles.
- Flower feeders – Mimic flower shapes.
- Glass feeders – Aid visibility and inhibit mold.
- Platform feeders – Accommodate many birds at once.
Consider your needs and space when choosing feeder types. Remember that no model is inherently better – simplicity and ease of cleaning should be the priorities.
Alternative Food Sources
While feeders provide an excellent source of nutrition, you can also supplement with these alternative hummingbird foods:
- Fruit and fruit trees – Ripening fruits like peaches attract hummingbirds.
- Flowers – Native wildflowers and flowering plants provide nectar.
- Sugar water – Made the same as nectar, presented in cups or troughs.
- Mealworms – High in protein to support nesting females.
- Oriole feeders – Contain fruit jelly which hummingbirds enjoy.
Having diverse food options will satisfy any cravings hummingbirds have. Just be sure feeders remain the primary stable source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size feeder opening should I get?
Look for feeders with multiple small openings or ports, or a few larger ports around 1 inch wide. Avoid narrow slits that hummingbird tongues may get caught in.
Where do hummingbirds sleep overnight?
Hummingbirds go into a hibernation-like state called torpor overnight to conserve energy. They choose protected sleeping spots like leafy branches, nests, or cavities.
How often do I need to clean the feeder?
Wash feeders with hot water every 1-2 weeks. Change the nectar every 2-3 days depending on temperatures. Keep things extremely clean to avoid mold.
Can I leave feeders up in winter?
In cold climates, only leave feeders up if you have observed hummingbirds through early winter. Migratory birds will have departed before true freezing weather begins.
How close together should multiple feeders be?
Space feeders at least 10 feet apart to minimize territorial disputes. Greater distance is better if space allows.
Enjoying the Experience
Part of the fun of attracting hummingbirds is sitting back and watching them come to your feeder. Consider these tips:
- Place feeders where they can be viewed from indoor windows.
- Set up comfortable outdoor seating areas near feeder locations.
- Keep binoculars handy for close-up viewing.
- Add accent lighting to illuminate evening feeding.
- Listen for the buzzing sound of hummingbird wings.
- Photograph and document your unique visitors.
Seeing hummingbirds regularly at your homemade nectar buffet is a rewarding experience. With the right feeder setup and care, you’ll be able to enjoy watching these energetic, colorful birds all season long.
