Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that have captured the fascination of people for centuries. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and dazzling iridescent colors make them a joy to watch. Providing nectar feeders is one of the best ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard. But with so many types of feeders available, how do you know which style hummingbirds prefer?
What are the different styles of hummingbird feeders?
There are five main styles of hummingbird feeders:
Saucer Feeders
Saucer feeders, also known as tray feeders, are shallow, circular dishes filled with nectar. They are typically 3-5 inches deep and 5-10 inches in diameter. Saucer feeders allow multiple hummingbirds to feed at once and are easy to clean. However, the nectar is exposed, which allows it to ferment more quickly in hot weather.
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders feature upright glass or plastic tubes, with small feeding ports that the hummingbirds access. The nectar is more protected from the elements than in a saucer feeder. Tube feeders range in size from holding a few ounces of nectar to over a quart. Single-port tube feeders allow only one hummingbird to feed at a time, while multi-port tube feeders allow several hummers to feed simultaneously.
Hanging Basket Feeders
Hanging basket feeders have multiple feeding ports arranged in a circle or spiral pattern. They often incorporate a hanging basket of decorative flowers. The nectar is contained in the center reservoir. Like multi-port tube feeders, hanging basket feeders allow multiple hummingbirds to feed at once.
Window Feeders
Window feeders, as the name suggests, attach directly to windows using suction cups or magnets. This allows for easy viewing of the hummingbirds up close as they feed. Window feeders are usually smaller and hold only a few ounces of nectar.
Specialty Feeders
There are many unique and specialized feeder styles, like fountains, hummingbird houses, feeders made to look like flowers, and more. These are primarily decorative, but work the same way as other feeder styles.
Factors that influence hummingbird feeder preference
When choosing between the different feeder styles, there are several factors that affect which style hummingbirds may prefer:
Nectar Accessibility
Hummingbirds want to be able to easily access the nectar in a feeder. They prefer feeders with multiple ports, rather than single-port feeders, so they don’t have to wait for other birds to finish feeding. Hanging basket feeders and multi-port tube feeders allow the most accessibility.
Nectar Protection from Elements
Tube and window feeders with an enclosed nectar reservoir provide the most protection from rain, direct sun, and flying insects. Exposure can cause the nectar to ferment faster. Saucer feeders leave the nectar open and exposed.
Feeder Placement
Hummingbirds often prefer feeders placed in shaded areas away from direct sun and rain. For window feeders, a location where hummingbirds congregate naturally is ideal. Near flowers, bushes, and trees they frequent is best.
Color
Research shows that hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. Feeders with red components, especially red feeding ports, tend to attract more hummingbird activity.
Ease of Cleaning
Hummingbirds will avoid feeders with old, fermented nectar or debris like insects, spider webs, or dirt. Choose feeders with components that can be easily taken apart for thorough cleaning. Tube feeders tend to be the easiest to clean.
Most preferred hummingbird feeder styles
Based on the factors that appeal to hummingbirds, here are the feeder styles they tend to prefer the most:
Multi-Port Tube Feeders
Multi-port tube feeders seem to be the overall favorite, combining easy access for multiple hummingbirds with protection from the elements. As long as they are cleaned regularly, tube feeders are long-lasting and trouble-free.
Hanging Basket Feeders
Hanging basket feeders also allow multiple feeding ports in a decorative design that hummingbirds enjoy. The hanging aspect makes them more durable to wind and rain. As long as the reservoir is sealed, nectar lasts longer than in saucer feeders.
Window Feeders
Window feeders are preferred in the right set-up with a natural setting and shrubbery that attracts hummingbirds. Close-up viewing offers an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to clean them more frequently as the nectar exposure causes it to spoil faster.
Tips for using preferred hummingbird feeder styles
To get the most out of your hummingbird feeder, follow these tips:
Use the proper nectar concentration
– Mix 1 part granulated white sugar with 4 parts water. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red food coloring, which can be harmful to hummingbirds.
Avoid “ant moats”
– Ant moats are water-filled chambers designed to keep ants out of feeders. However, they can breed bacteria and algae that make hummingbirds sick. It’s better to simply hang feeders away from places ants can access them.
Clean feeders thoroughly
– Every 2-3 days, take feeders apart and wash all components with hot water. Let them air dry completely before refilling. Wash hanging basket flower cups too.
Use boiling water to sterilize
– Once a week, rinse feeder parts with boiling water to kill any bacteria or mold spores. Let dry completely before reassembling.
Consider a feeding shelter
– Hang a wooden shelter above your feeder to protect the nectar from hot sun and rain while making an attractive nesting area for hummingbirds.
Don’t crowd multiple feeders
– Hummingbirds are territorial and may fight over feeders placed too close together. Space feeders at least 10 feet apart for best results.
Try different locations
– Experiment with hanging feeders in various spots around your yard to find where hummingbirds feed the most. Near trees and flowering plants is ideal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hummingbirds appear to prefer feeder styles that allow easy access for multiple birds, and provide adequate protection of the nectar from spoiling in the heat and rain. Multi-port tube feeders and hanging basket feeders in particular attract the most hummingbird activity. Window feeders offer a thrilling up-close view. As long as the feeder is kept clean, any of these styles can provide enjoyment of hummingbirds feeding happily on nectar. With a quality feeder in a location hummingbirds frequent, you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling display from these special tiny birds.