A hummingbird house, also known as a hummingbird feeder or nectar feeder, is designed to provide food for hummingbirds in the form of sugar water or “nectar”. The ideal hummingbird house mimics the shape and size of a natural flower, with a reservoir to hold the nectar and openings for the hummingbirds to access it.
Size and Capacity
Hummingbird feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but a good rule of thumb is that the feeder should hold between 2 to 12 ounces of nectar. This allows adequate nectar for multiple hummingbirds while not going bad between refills. The feeding ports themselves should be small, typically a quarter inch in diameter, to accommodate the long narrow beaks of hummingbirds. Having multiple ports allows more than one hummingbird to feed at once.
Feeder Material
Hummingbird feeders can be made of glass, plastic or ceramic. Glass and ceramic are preferred over plastic as they do not retain odors and are easier to clean. Red is the most attractive color for hummingbirds as it mimics bird-pollinated flowers. However other bright colors like yellow, orange and pink will also attract hummingbirds. Avoid clear or green colored feeders as those blend in with foliage.
Nectar
Fill your feeder with homemade nectar instead of artificial commercial nectars. Boil one part white granulated sugar with four parts water for a few minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let this cool completely before filling your feeder, as hot nectar could burn the hummingbird’s tongue. Do not add food coloring, honey or any other ingredients besides white sugar and water. Change the nectar every few days, or daily in hot weather, to prevent spoilage.
Ant Moats and Bee Guards
To discourage ants, bees and wasps from getting into the nectar, select a feeder with an ant moat. This is a water-filled chamber that surrounds the wire hanger. Insects cannot cross the water barrier to access the nectar. Another option is a bee guard. This acts as a barrier around each feeding port to prevent bees from reaching the nectar.
Placement
Hang your hummingbird feeder in a shady spot near trees, shrubs or other plants that provide perches for hummingbirds to rest. Near a garden full of flowering plants is ideal so hummingbirds can alternate between the feeder and natural flowers. Place it at eye level or slightly above so you can easily observe hummingbird activity from inside your home. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight or where it will swing or blow in the wind.
Feeder Styles
There are a few common feeder styles and shapes to choose from:
- Saucer – A wide, shallow dish with multiple feeding ports. Easy to clean and fill but nectar exposure can lead to faster spoilage.
- Bottle/Jar – Nectar is enclosed in a bottle or glass reservoir with built-in feeding ports. More protected from elements and pests.
- Bell – Covered feeder with a bell-shaped lid and feeding ports pointing down from roof. Ports help protect nectar.
- Basin -Container with vertical feeding ports accessing nectar from below. Ports may drip.
Perches
Hummingbirds will come to a feeder without perches but including perches allows them to conveniently rest near the nectar source. Look for perching wires around the feeding ports or a central perch ring above the reservoir. Avoid plastic perches attached to feeding ports as they can prevent full access to the nectar.
Cleaning the Feeder
A dirty feeder can breed bacteria and mold harmful to hummingbirds. Follow these steps about every 5 days during hummingbird season:
- Disassemble the feeder completely and remove all nectar.
- Wash all parts in hot soapy water, scrubbing away any residual nectar or buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Soak feeder and components in a vinegar and water solution for 15-20 minutes to remove deposits and kill mold spores.
- Rinse again and air dry completely before refilling with fresh nectar.
Be sure no soap residue remains on the feeder parts after washing. Consider purchasing a specialty hummingbird feeder cleaning brush to effectively scrub away debris.
Drippers and Leaks
A hummingbird feeder that drips can attract insects and lead to waste of unused nectar. Leaks also allow nectar to become exposed to air and sunlight, causing it to spoil more quickly. Causes of drips and leaks include:
- Worn gaskets around feeding ports or base.
- Cracked base or reservoir.
- Feeding ports out of alignment.
- Mineral deposits preventing proper seal.
- Too much nectar in reservoir.
Replace any worn or cracked parts. Soak in vinegar and water solution to remove mineral buildup. Refill with less nectar and adjust feeding port alignment. Consider purchasing a new leakproof feeder if issues persist.
Deterring Unwanted Visitors
In addition to hummingbirds, you may get some other visitors at your feeder attracted to the nectar including:
- Ants: Use an ant moat or smear petroleum jelly on hanging wire to block their path.
- Bees: Look for bee guards around feeding ports or get a feeder with short ports.
- Wasps: Try traps or relocate feeder away from nests.
- Orioles: Offer oranges, jelly or an oriole-specific nectar feeder.
Squirrels may also be attracted to the sugar water. Place feeder at least 5-6 feet off the ground on a pulley or pole system for easy refilling. Avoid mesh feeders squirrels can destroy.
Safety Tips
- Never add food coloring or honey to the nectar – these are harmful to hummingbirds.
- Keep nectar fresh by changing every few days, more often in hot weather.
- Wash feeder thoroughly before first use and before refilling.
- Avoid leaving feeder up without nectar during migration as birds may starve.
- Bring feeder inside during freezing weather to prevent nectar from turning to ice.
Follow these guidelines for an optimal hummingbird feeding experience that is healthy and safe for hummingbirds. With a properly prepared and maintained feeder, you can provide much needed supplemental nutrition for visiting hummingbirds.
FAQs
How do I attract hummingbirds to a new feeder?
Hang a new feeder in a visible location with some shade and perches. Add fresh homemade nectar and be patient – it may take a week or more for hummingbirds to discover it. Try moving a red ribbon or hanging red ornaments near the feeder to attract their attention.
How often should hummingbird nectar be changed?
In hot weather, nectar should be changed every 2-3 days. In more mild temperatures, nectar will stay fresh for 5-7 days. Check the nectar regularly for cloudiness, which indicates spoilage. Always change nectar immediately if it looks dirty or moldy.
What ratio of sugar to water is best?
A 1:4 ratio is ideal, meaning 1 part regular white sugar dissolved in 4 parts water. This approximates the natural nectar in flowers. Avoid adding anything besides sugar and water.
What is the best way to clean a hummingbird feeder?
Disassemble the feeder completely and wash in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Soak all parts in a vinegar/water solution to remove any buildup and kill mold. Rinse again and allow to dry fully before refilling with fresh nectar.
Should hummingbird feeders be taken down during migration?
No, leaving feeders up provides an essential food source as hummingbirds migrate. Just be diligent about changing nectar regularly so it stays fresh in case migrants pass through your yard.
Conclusion
Providing a clean, leak-proof hummingbird feeder filled with fresh sugar-water nectar offers supplemental nutrition for visiting hummingbirds. Place the red feeder with perches in a shady spot in view of your home to attract and observe hummingbirds all season long. With a properly maintained feeding area, you can experience the joy of watching jewel-toned hummingbirds fluttering about your garden.
