Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders everywhere. With their flashy, iridescent plumage and acrobatic flying skills, it’s no wonder they are so popular. Providing food for hummingbirds is one of the best ways to attract them to your yard. But with so many hummingbird feeder options on the market, how do you choose the right one?
The best wide mouth hummingbird feeders have a few key features that make them superior to other feeder styles. Wide mouth feeders have large reservoirs that can hold more nectar. This means you don’t have to refill them as often. The wide openings also allow for easier cleaning. Hummingbirds have long slender beaks that can easily reach the nectar in wide mouth feeders. Many of these feeders also have built-in ant moats or other insect deterrents to keep bugs out of the nectar. Durable and leakproof construction is also important.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of wide mouth hummingbird feeders and recommend the top choices on the market. We will cover what to look for when shopping for a quality wide mouth feeder and provide tips on how to get the most out of your feeder. Whether you are a seasoned hummingbird enthusiast or are thinking about setting up your first feeder, this article will help you pick the perfect wide mouth hummingbird feeder.
Benefits of Wide Mouth Hummingbird Feeders
There are several key reasons why wide mouth feeders are among the best hummingbird feeders available:
Holds More Nectar
The large reservoir allows you to fill the feeder with more nectar so you don’t have to refill it as often. Standard feeders may only hold up to 12 ounces, while wide mouth feeders can hold up to 40 ounces. This means fewer interruptions when the birds are feeding.
Easier to Clean
Wide mouth feeders have large openings that allow you to easily access inside to clean. You can fit your hand or a brush inside to scrub away mold, bacteria, and caked-on sugar. Proper cleaning helps keep your nectar fresh and prevents disease.
Accommodates Hummingbird Beaks
Hummingbirds have slender, pointed beaks perfectly adapted for retrieving nectar from flowers. Wide mouth feeders mimic the shape of blooms with their wide openings. This makes it easier for hummingbirds to access the nectar.
Deters Bees and Ants
The wider openings and steep angles of these feeders make it hard for bees and ants to reach the nectar. Many wide mouth feeders also have built-in ant moats or bee guards to further prevent infiltration by insects. This keeps the nectar pure for the hummingbirds.
Minimizes Nectar Leakage
The top-fill design and secure lids of wide mouth feeders prevent nectar from leaking out. This helps keep their feeding area clean. Less mess means cleaner hummingbirds and less wasted nectar.
Top 5 Wide Mouth Hummingbird Feeders
If you’ve decided a wide mouth feeder is the best option for your yard, here are 5 excellent choices:
1. Aspects HummZinger Excel
The Aspects HummZinger Excel is a customer favorite when it comes to wide mouth hummingbird feeders. It stands out for its large nectar reservoir that can hold an impressive 12-40 ounces of nectar. It features three moisture-wicking “flowers” made of UV-resistant polypropylene that keeps the nectar fresh.
The wide mouth basin allows for easy filling and cleaning. It also has an integrated ant moat and bee guard to deter crawling insects. Drip-free design prevents messy nectar leaks. The HummZinger disassembles easily for cleaning and tops offs. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty.
2. First Nature 3055 32-ounce Hummingbird Flower Feeder
This brightly colored feeder from First Nature is made from durable, weather-resistant glass. It can hold 32 ounces of nectar. The integrated perch gives hummingbirds a place to rest their feet while feeding.
The wide mouth reservoir provides easy fill access and cleaning. It features 10 feeding ports from which the hummingbirds can drink from any direction. An S-shaped hook lets you easily hang it in your desired location.
3. Perky-Pet 8108 Panorama Birdbath Hummingbird Feeder
The Perky-Pet Panorama feeder is a wide mouth hummingbird feeder with a unique design. It holds up to 2 cups of nectar and features a bail wire for hanging.
The nectar basin is transparent so you can easily see when it needs refilled. It has four feeding ports made of durable glass. An integrated perch ring surrounds the basin so birds can comfortably drink.
The wide mouth allows for easy cleaning to prevent mold or bacteria. It comes apart into sections for thorough scrubbing. The red accents attract hummingbirds to start feeding.
4. Stokes Select 37800 Glass Hummingbird Feeder
Made by Bird Feeder Experts, the Stokes Select feeder provides 32 ounces of nectar capacity in a stylish blown glass reservoir. The wide mouth opening has a locking cap for easy filling and cleaning.
It has five flower feeding ports made from durable polycarbonate plastic that won’t fade in sunlight. An S-hook allows for quick installation. The red flower accents attract hummingbirds to your yard.
5. More Birds Dawn Hummingbird Feeder
The More Birds Dawn Feeder is made in the USA from durable copolyester plastic that won’t crack in extreme weather. It holds up to 40 ounces of nectar.
The feeder features a built-in ant moat and bee guard to prevent ants, bees, and wasps from getting into the nectar. The wide mouth opening has a screw-on cap so you can easily fill and clean.
It has four feeding ports made from sturdy glass. Foam grip allows you to tightly secure the feeder where desired. Backed by a lifetime warranty.
How to Choose the Right Wide Mouth Hummingbird Feeder
When choosing a wide mouth hummingbird feeder, there are a few key factors to consider:
Capacity
Look for a feeder that can hold at least 12 ounces of nectar. Larger capacity feeders up to 40 ounces are ideal so you don’t have to refill as frequently.
Number of Feeding Ports
The more feeding ports or “flowers”, the more hummingbirds that can feed at one time. Look for at least two ports, but 4-10 ports is optimal for multiple hummingbirds.
Durability
Your feeder will be exposed to weather, so look for durable materials like glass, stainless steel, or UV-resistant plastic. Avoid cheap plastic models.
Ease of Cleaning
Choose a feeder with a super wide mouth or that comes apart into sections so you can thoroughly clean the inside. This prevents mold and bacteria.
Nectar Guard
Integrated ant moats, bee guards, and sealing caps help keep nectar pure by deterring crawling insects. This ensures only hummingbirds can access the nectar.
Here is a comparison table of the top features to look for in a quality wide mouth hummingbird feeder:
| Features | Minimum Recommendations | Ideal Features |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 ounces | 32-40 ounces |
| Feeding Ports | 2 ports | 4-10 ports |
| Materials | Durable plastic or glass | UV-resistant, lealkproof |
| Mouth Size | 1.5 inch opening | 2-3 inch opening |
| Nectar Guard | Sealing cap | Built-in ant moat |
Tips for Using a Wide Mouth Hummingbird Feeder
Follow these tips to get the most enjoyment out of your wide mouth hummingbird feeder:
Use the Proper Nectar
Fill your feeder with a simple sugar and water nectar solution – 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid red dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners. Change nectar every 2-3 days.
Clean Regularly
Every 2 weeks, take feeders apart and wash with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly. Let dry completely before refilling.
Prevent Leaking
Always fill your feeder to the fill line, not over the top. Check for leaks and replace any faulty gaskets or seals. Store feeders upright when not in use.
Deter Bees and Ants
Use integrated ant moats or traps. Coat pole mounts with petroleum jelly. Move feeders away from bee or ant nests.
Choose Protected Location
Hang feeders in a shady area protected from direct sun and rain. Near trees or shrubs provides natural protection.
Attend Feeder Regularly
Refill nectar and clean mold before it accumulates. Fresher nectar will attract more hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Wide mouth hummingbird feeders provide an ideal feeding experience for hummingbirds. Their large reservoirs hold more nectar so you don’t have to refill as often. The wider openings allow hummingbirds easy access to the nectar with their slender beaks. These feeders are also easier to clean and help deter pesky insects.
When choosing a wide mouth feeder, look for durable construction, enough feeding ports, large capacity, and features to guard the nectar like ant moats. Top-rated options include the Aspects HummZinger Excel, Stokes Select, and First Nature feeders which hold up to 40 ounces.
Place your feeder in a visible spot and keep it freshly filled and clean. The hummingbirds will thank you with amazing aerial shows in your backyard all season long. A quality wide mouth feeder designed just for hummingbirds is sure to attract these special pollinators to your yard.
