Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that have captured the fascination of people for centuries. Their rapid wing beats, acrobatic flying, and ability to hover in midair make them a joy to watch. Many people want to attract hummingbirds to their yards so they can observe these amazing creatures up close. One way to draw in hummingbirds is by setting up specialized bird feeders or houses designed just for hummingbirds.
Hummingbird houses, also sometimes called hummingbird feeders or nectar feeders, are an excellent way to provide food and shelter for hummingbirds. But what exactly are hummingbird houses made out of? The materials used can vary, but most follow general guidelines to create a safe, durable home for hummingbirds that also allows people to easily watch the birds.
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting materials for hummingbird houses. First, you want materials that are sturdy and weatherproof. Hummingbird houses are hung outside and exposed to the elements, so they need to stand up to rain, sun, wind, and temperature extremes. Second, you want materials that are easy to keep clean. Nectar and other debris can build up quickly, so cleanability is essential. Third, you want transparent or translucent materials so you can see the birds. And fourth, you want materials that will not react with the sugar in hummingbird nectar or harbor bacteria.
With those criteria in mind, below are the most common materials used in constructing hummingbird feeders and the key properties of each one.
Plastic
Plastic is a very common material used in commercially made hummingbird feeders or houses. There are several types of plastic used:
- Polycarbonate – This extremely strong, transparent plastic is shatter-resistant. It allows for excellent visibility of birds.
- ABS – ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. This versatile plastic is durable, hard, and easy to manufacture.
- Polypropylene – Polypropylene is flexible but sturdy. It also does not react with the nectar.
- Nylon – Nylon is weather resistant and durable.
Key advantages of plastic include:
- Strong and durable
- Transparent for visibility
- Withstands weather extremes
- Easy to clean and keep sanitized
- Inexpensive
- Can be molded into many shapes
Potential disadvantages of plastic are that lower quality plastic may allow for more bacterial growth, and plastic can become brittle and degraded over time with prolonged UV exposure.
Glass
Glass was more commonly used in earlier hummingbird feeders, though some glass feeders are still available today. Soda lime glass or borosilicate glass may be used. Glass provides excellent transparency for easy viewing, and it does not degrade over time with sun exposure. It is also very easy to keep clean and sanitize. However, it can break or shatter more easily than plastic. Currently, plastic has surpassed glass in popularity for hummingbird feeders.
Metal
Some hummingbird feeders incorporate metal elements, particularly in the feeding ports, perches, hanger hook, and lid. Common metals include:
- Stainless steel – Stainless steel is rust resistant, strong, and easy to clean.
- Copper – Copper is naturally antimicrobial, helping to inhibit bacteria growth. Its antimicrobial properties last a long time.
- Brass – Decorative brass accents may be included but require more cleaning to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Aluminum – Aluminum is lightweight, rust resistant, and inexpensive.
Metal allows for strong, durable feeder parts that will last a long time. All metals used should be rust resistant and non-reactive. Stainless steel and copper provide the extra advantage of inhibiting bacterial and algae growth.
Wood
Some hummingbird feeders incorporate decorative wood elements or perches. Hardwoods like birch or maple are preferred. Cedar wood naturally resists decay and insect damage but requires thorough cleaning and sealing to prevent nectar contamination. Wood perches provide a comfortable place for hummingbirds to rest, but any wood used near nectar should be coated to prevent damage over time.
Ceramic
Ceramic has historically been used to create flower shaped hummingbird feeders that mimic the look of real flowers. Red colored ceramic has been popular to attract the birds. Ceramic is break resistant but can chip over time. It can develop cracks that harbor bacteria if the glazing is compromised. Higher-fired ceramic with a smooth glaze provides the most durable option for longevity and cleanability.
Nectar Container Materials
The nectar reservoir is one of the most important parts of a hummingbird feeder. This is the container that will hold the sugary nectar that provides food for hummingbirds. The ideal materials used for nectar containers are:
- Glass – As mentioned above, glass allows for excellent visibility and is easy to clean and sanitize by simply washing with soap and water. Borosilicate glass is preferable for increased durability and heat resistance.
- Polypropylene Plastic – Polypropylene plastic is flexible, shatterproof, easy to clean, and does not react with nectar. It also inhibits bacterial growth better than many other plastics.
- Nylon Plastic – Nylon provides excellent durability and resistance to cracking over time. It also limits bacterial growth.
- Stainless Steel – High quality stainless steel is rust resistant, easy to clean, and durable over many seasons of use.
Avoid lower grade plastics for nectar containers, as they can warp, crack, and harbor more bacteria. Also avoid crystals and ceramics, as their small pores make thorough cleaning difficult.
Nectar Port Materials
Nectar ports are the openings that allow hummingbirds to access the nectar. These ports need to be made of materials that will not react with nectar and are easy to clean. Recommended materials include:
- Stainless Steel – Stainless steel nectar ports resist corrosion, are easy to clean, and have a smooth surface that avoids trapping nectar residue.
- Plastics – Polypropylene or nylon ports help limit microbial growth while providing a durable, well-sealed opening.
- Rubber – Rubber tips are sometimes used. Ensure any rubber does not contain latex, as this can damage hummingbird health.
Avoid metals besides stainless steel, as they can corrode. Heavily textured ports also trap debris and organic matter, so smoother surfaces are ideal.
Other Materials
Some other materials that may be used in hummingbird feeder construction include:
- Silicone – Food-grade silicone is sometimes used for seals and gaskets. Ensure any silicone used is non-toxic.
- Felts – Felt pads may be used on perches or as guards to avoid damage.
- Foam – Foam may act as a nectar port cover to keep out bees and ants when the feeder is not in use.
- Rubber – O-rings or sealing gaskets may be made of rubber.
Any component that directly contacts nectar should be plastic, glass, stainless steel, nylon or rubber. Avoid any material that could flake or deteriorate over time.
Ideal Material Combinations
The best hummingbird feeders use plastic or glass nectar containers, stainless steel nectar ports and feeding components, and durable, weatherproof outer materials like ABS plastic or aluminum. Here are some excellent combinations of materials:
- Nectar container: Glass or polypropylene plastic
- Nectar port: Stainless steel
- Perches: Stainless steel with plastic coatings
- Outer cover: Polycarbonate, ABS, or nylon plastic
- Hanger: Steel or aluminum with powder coating
This combination provides a visible nectar chamber that is easy to clean, durable metal feeding components that won’t corrode, tough outer construction, and a hanger that won’t rust. Such a feeder will last for many years while keeping nectar fresh and offering a safe feeding experience for hummingbirds.
Avoid Harmful Materials
When selecting a hummingbird feeder, there are a few materials to avoid:
- Lead – Any lead content risks poisoning birds.
- PVC – Can leach chemicals into nectar.
- Paint – Painted parts may flake; use colored plastic instead.
- Crystal – Porous and difficult to clean fully.
- Ceramic – Unglazed ceramics harbor bacteria.
- Mineral deposits – Avoid materials like clay that leave mineral residue.
- Galvanized metal – May flake or contaminate nectar over time.
Carefully inspect any hummingbird feeder to ensure it avoids these harmful materials and uses only bird safe plastics, glass, or stainless steel for any nectar contact parts.
Outdoor Durability Considerations
Since hummingbird feeders are hung outside exposed to the weather, it’s important to select materials that will hold up in the elements. Some considerations for outdoor durability include:
- UV resistance – Plastics like polycarbonate and nylon resist UV damage from sunlight.
- Freeze/thaw – Materials won’t become brittle and crack in cold temperatures.
- Heat – Withstands heat without deforming or degrading.
- Water – Does not absorb water or leak, even in rain or sprinklers.
- Rust – Metals will not corrode.
- Strength – Sturdy construction and hangers.
Outdoor-rated materials used for deck furniture, boating, and outdoor equipment are good choices. Strong plastics and stainless steel generally perform best outside over years of use.
Cleaning Considerations
Easy cleaning and disinfecting is crucial for hummingbird feeders. The ideal materials make this process simple and prevent buildup of residue:
- Smooth surfaces – Smoother plastics, glass, and stainless steel leave less areas for organic debris and bacteria.
- Removable parts – Nectar containers and ports should remove for cleaning and soaking.
- Dishwasher safe – Feeder components should withstand dishwasher cleaning.
- No small cracks – Tight seals and smooth construction without pits and cracks that trap gunk.
- Non-porous – Avoid materials like unglazed ceramics or terra cotta that absorb residues.
Following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions is important. Take feeders apart fully and clean all parts on a regular basis for optimal hummingbird health.
Conclusion
Hummingbird feeders and houses are engineered to provide an attractive and safe place for hummingbirds to eat. The best ones are made from durable, easy-to-clean materials that resist degradation from sunlight, heat, freezing temperatures, and moisture. While many different materials may be used, the most common and recommended options include polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene, nylon or glass for the nectar chamber; stainless steel for nectar ports and feeding components; and metal or sturdy plastic for outer construction. Avoid any materials that could interact with nectar, harbor bacteria, or leach chemicals. With a well-made feeder using quality construction materials, you can enjoy watching and learning about hummingbirds for many years.