Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to watch in your own backyard. With their dizzying flight patterns, beautiful iridescent feathers, and insatiable appetites, it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy feeding hummingbirds. Using a quality hummingbird feeder is the best way to reliably attract these tiny birds to your yard. But with so many hummingbird feeder options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Keep reading as I break down the top 5 best hummingbird feeders for successfully attracting hummingbirds.
What Should You Look for in a Hummingbird Feeder?
When choosing a hummingbird feeder, there are a few key features to look out for:
- A bright red color – Red is highly attractive to hummingbirds and will help draw them to the feeder.
- Multiple feeding ports – Allowing multiple birds to feed at once reduces aggression and competition.
- A built-in ant moat – Keeps crawling insects out of the nectar.
- Easy cleaning and filling – Look for a wide mouth and parts that come apart easily.
- Leakproof/drip-free design – Prevents messy nectar drips that can attract bees, wasps and ants.
- High quality construction – Choose durable, weather-resistant materials like glass and stainless steel.
The most important factor is that the feeder is easy for the birds to use. A hummingbird’s tongue is about the same length as its bill, so they can only access nectar from shallow feeds. The feeder should also be easy for you to clean and fill on a regular basis.
Our Top 5 Hummingbird Feeder Picks
Based on the criteria above, these are my top recommendations for the best hummingbird feeders:
1. Aspects Jewel Box Hummingbird Feeder
The Aspects Jewel Box feeder lives up to its name with an elegant, decorative appearance. But it’s also designed for optimal hummingbird feeding with its eight flower feeding ports and built-in ant moat. The leak-proof sealing prevents messy drips and the plastic construction is durable while still being lightweight. It’s easy to clean and fill thanks to the wide mouth reservoir. This feeder looks beautiful hanging in any garden.
2. More Birds Hummingbird Feeder
For a budget-friendly option, the More Birds Hummingbird Feeder is hard to beat. At under $10, it provides great value without sacrificing quality or performance. It features a simple bright red bottle design with builtin perches and a wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning. With two flower feeding ports, it can accommodate a pair of hummingbirds at once. The leak-proof sealing ensures no messy drips. If you’re looking for an affordable but effective feeder, this is a great choice.
3. First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder
The First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder is specially designed to attract the most hummingbirds to your yard. It features a stunning 16 feeding flower ports surrounding a central reservoir. This allows multiple hummingbirds (up to 12 at a time) to feed simultaneously without aggression. The reservoir is easy to fill and clean through the wide mouth and perches provide a place for hummingbirds to rest while feeding. Ant moats and bee guards keep away unwanted insects. Overall, this is the best feeder for attracting large numbers of hummingbirds.
4. Perky-Pet Antique Bottle Feeder
For a unique, antique-inspired look, Perky-Pet’s Antique Bottle Feeder is sure to impress. The glass bottle gives it an old-fashioned feel while the metal base provides durability and stability when hanging. It features beautiful red flowers with feeding ports built into the tips along with perches for resting. The bottle can be easily removed from the base for cleaning and filling. While not as large as some other feeders, the artistic design makes it stand out in your garden while effectively feeding hummingbirds.
5. Stokes Select Hanging Hummingbird Feeder
Lastly, the Stokes Select Hanging Hummingbird Feeder provides excellent functionality combined with an attractive appearance. The vibrant red plastic reservoir catches the eye while resisting cracks and chips. It provides two flower feeding ports with a circular perch allowing easy access for hummingbirds. The wide mouth makes it a breeze to fill and clean. And at 32 oz, it has one of the largest capacities to avoid frequent refilling. An integrated hanger allows easy hanging placement in your ideal garden spot to draw in hummingbirds all season.
Important Tips for Using Your Hummingbird Feeder
Once you’ve selected the best hummingbird feeder for your needs, here are some key tips for using it successfully:
- Fill with nectar made from 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use any food coloring, honey or artificial sweeteners as these could be harmful.
- Change the nectar every 2-3 days, especially in hot weather when it spoils faster. Rinse and clean the feeder fully each time.
- Place your feeder in a shady spot near natural cover like trees or shrubs, with perches for hummingbirds to rest.
- Try moving the feeder around your yard to find the optimal placement the hummingbirds prefer.
- Avoid using pesticides which could be ingested by feeding hummingbirds.
- Be patient – it may take a week or two for hummingbirds to discover a new feeder location!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hummingbird feeder?
Based on design, ease of use, and capacity, the Aspects Jewel Box Hummingbird Feeder is our top overall pick. It features an attractive decorative design along with multiple feeding ports, built-in ant moat, leakproof sealing, and easy cleaning/filling.
How do you make hummingbird nectar?
Mix 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water. Heat until the sugar fully dissolves then allow to cool before filling your feeder. Do not add any food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners to the nectar.
How often should hummingbird feeders be cleaned?
It’s recommended to clean your hummingbird feeder every 2-3 days, especially in hot weather. Use a bottle brush and mild soap and water solution to fully remove any leftover nectar or mold buildup. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
What plants attract hummingbirds?
Some great flowering plants that attract hummingbirds include fuchsias, petunias, bee balm, lilacs, trumpet vines, impatiens, and cardinal flowers. Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular red and orange blossoms.
When do hummingbirds arrive in my area?
Hummingbird migration times vary by region. In the Southern states they may arrive as early as January/February. Those in the Northern states typically see the first arrivals in early-mid May. Use regional hummingbird range maps to determine when they’ll begin passing through your area.
Conclusion
Attracting beautiful hummingbirds to your yard is simple with the right type of feeder. The best hummingbird feeders feature bright colors, multiple feeding ports, ant moats, easy cleaning, and leakproof designs. Our top pick is the Aspects Jewel Box Hummingbird Feeder for its blend of visual appeal and optimal function. Place your feeder in a shady spot and keep it filled with fresh nectar to draw in these flying jewels all season long. With the right setup, you’ll be rewarded with amazing up-close views as hummingbirds come to feed right at your window.
