Hummingbirds are one of the most beloved backyard birds. Their tiny size, flashy iridescent colors, and incredible flying skills make them a joy to watch. Providing nectar in a hummingbird feeder is the best way to attract these flying jewels to your yard. But with so many hummingbird feeder options available, how do you know which one is the best?
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from drinking nectar. They have specially adapted long, slender beaks and tongues that allow them to reach deep into flowers to sip the sweet nectar inside. While they get some nutrients from eating small insects, nectar is their primary food source.
In the wild, hummingbirds feed on the nectar of various brightly colored tubular flowers such as columbines, trumpet vines, and bee balms. They are attracted to red flowers in particular. When setting up a backyard feeding station, it’s important to simulate the natural nectar that wildflowers provide.
hummingbird nectar is simply a mixture of plain white sugar dissolved in water. The ideal ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. It’s best to avoid using artificial sweeteners, honey, or any other additives in homemade nectar. Plain white sugar best mimics the natural nectar hummingbirds are adapted to.
Key features of the best hummingbird feeder
When choosing a hummingbird feeder, here are the most important features to look for:
- Adequate nectar capacity
- Nectar accessibility for hummingbirds
- Easy to clean and refill
- Ant and bee proof
- Well-constructed with durable materials
The feeder should hold enough nectar so you don’t have to refill it every day, but not be so large that the nectar goes bad before the birds can drink it all. It should allow hummingbirds easy access to multiple feeding ports. And it needs to be easy to take apart and clean, as moldy nectar can make the birds sick.
The best hummingbird feeders
With these key criteria in mind, below are 5 of the top-rated hummingbird feeders on the market today:
1. Aspects 398 Hummzinger High View
The Aspects 398 Hummzinger High View is consistently rated the #1 hummingbird feeder by experts and consumers alike. This brightly colored red feeder holds a generous 12 ounces of nectar which is dispensed through four flower-shaped feeding ports. The wide mouth reservoir is easy to fill and clean. It also comes apart completely for thorough cleaning to prevent mold buildup. The flexible flower ports allow hummingbirds easy access to the nectar from any angle.
2. More Birds Glass Hummingbird Feeder
Hand blown glass feeders like this one from More Birds have a beautiful look that fits perfectly into any garden. The red glossy finish is attractive to hummingbirds. It holds up to 10 ounces of nectar in a wide mouth bottle. The feeding ports are composed of handcrafted glass flowers. Since glass doesn’t harbor bacteria, it stays cleaner longer and requires less frequent cleaning. The only downside is it’s more fragile than plastic feeders.
3. Perky-Pet 229PP Crystal
For a durable and affordable option, the Perky-Pet 229PP Crystal is a top choice. It features a clear glass bottle that lets you see the nectar level and 2 feeding ports shaped like flowers. At 16 ounces, it has one of the largest nectar capacities which means less frequent refilling. Mouthwatering nectar is always available to draw in more hummingbirds. The metal base and bee guards keep crawling insects out.
4. First Nature 3055 32-ounce Hummingbird Feeder
With an extra large capacity and wide oval shaped feeding ports, the First Nature 3055 feeder allows several hummingbirds to feed at once. The 32-ounce bottle can hold enough nectar for up to 2 weeks before needing a refill. The wide openings make it easy to fill and clean. The red base attracts hummingbirds while the bee guards keep bees away so nectar stays fresh longer.
5. Stokes Select 38710 Rectangular Hanging Feeder
The unique rectangular design of the Stokes Select feeder provides birds with several feeding angles. It has 5 feeding ports – three on the sides and two on the bottom. The large nectar reservoir holds 32 ounces of nectar which reduces refilling frequency. It comes apart easily for cleaning and has a removable ant moat to keep crawling insects out of the nectar.
How to choose the right hummingbird feeder
When selecting a hummingbird feeder for your yard, keep these tips in mind:
- Match capacity to number of hummingbirds – Consider how many hummingbirds visit your yard and choose a feeder with adequate nectar capacity. Don’t choose too large of a feeder if you only have a few birds.
- Select durable materials – Nectar feeders get a lot of use, so pick one made of durable materials like sturdy plastic, steel, or hand-blown glass.
- Include bee guards – Look for built-in bee guards or buy accessory bee guards to keep bees from stealing all the nectar.
- Choose easy to clean – Disassemble feeders and those with wide openings are easiest to thoroughly clean to prevent mold.
- Use more than one – Put up several smaller feeders around your yard rather than one overly large feeder to accommodate more hummingbirds.
Where to place your feeder
Proper feeder placement is just as important as choosing the right feeder. Follow these tips:
- Hang in a shady spot – Avoid direct sun which can cause the nectar to ferment faster.
- Near natural cover – Place it near trees, shrubs, or other plants so hummingbirds have a place to perch and take shelter.
- Within view of windows – Hang the feeder where you can enjoy watching the birds from inside your home.
- Shelter from wind – Choose a protected spot so the nectar doesn’t get blown out of the feeder.
- Away from ants – Keep the feeder as far away as possible from ant trails so they can’t reach the nectar.
Nectar tips
Filling your feeder with homemade nectar is essential. Follow these nectar tips:
- Use 1:4 sugar to water ratio – Mix 1 part plain white sugar with 4 parts hot water until completely dissolved.
- Avoid additives – Do not add food coloring, honey, artificial sweeteners or anything else to the nectar.
- Replace weekly – Empty and clean feeders, then refill with fresh nectar at least once a week.
- Store extra nectar in fridge – Keep leftover nectar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Conclusion
With the right hummingbird feeder filled with fresh nectar, you’re sure to have hordes of hummingbirds gracing your yard all season long. The Aspects 398 Hummzinger High View is the top choice among both experts and consumers. With it’s generous 12-ounce capacity, easy cleaning, and bright red color, the Hummzinger High View has all the features hummingbirds love.
Place your new feeder in a shady spot where you can enjoy the show. Be sure to change the nectar weekly so your tiny visitors have the energy they need to buzz around your yard. The humming of wings and flashy, iridescent colors will brighten any day.
