Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved backyard birds. Their jewel-toned feathers shimmer in the sunlight as they dart from flower to flower or hang suspended in midair by rapidly beating wings. Watching hummingbirds is a joy, but attracting them to your yard takes a little effort. The best way to bring in more hummingbirds is by setting up feeders with homemade nectar.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and the tiny insects they find inside flowers. Their long, slender beaks and tongues are perfectly adapted for retrieving nectar from tubular flowers. Backyard hummingbird feeders that mimic flowers are easy sources of nutrition that will attract these busy birds. Avoid offering honey or artificially colored nectar, which can harm hummingbird health.
What is the best hummingbird food?
Fill your feeder with homemade nectar that provides the carbs, sugars, and electrolytes hummingbirds need. The standard ratio is 1 cup white sugar boiled with 4 cups water. Allow this mixture to cool fully before filling your feeder. Boiling the water helps kill any bacteria or mold spores. Store extra nectar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Avoid adding red food coloring, which is unnecessary and may be harmful to the birds.
What features should you look for in a hummingbird feeder?
An ideal hummingbird feeder has the following features:
- Brightly colored to attract the birds
- A design that keeps the nectar shaded and cool
- A moat or ant guard to keep away insects
- Built-in perches
- Easy to clean and fill
- Multiple feeding ports
The 5 best hummingbird feeders
With so many hummingbird feeders on the market, it can be tricky to find the right one. Here are 5 of the best options:
1. Aspects Jewel Box Hummingbird Feeder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Holds 40 oz of nectar | – Only 2 feeding ports |
| – Vibrant colored glass | – No ant moat | – Built-in perches | – Glass can break |
This beautifully crafted feeder features a hand-blown colored glass reservoir with two flower-shaped feeding ports. The generous 40-ounce capacity minimizes refilling. But with only two perches, more aggressive hummingbirds may monopolize the feeder. The colorful glass helps attract the birds, but it lacks an ant moat.
2. First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – 10 feeding ports | – Can leak | – Built-in ant moat | – Cap is hard to remove | – Easy to clean and fill | – Nectar can spoil quickly in heat |
This simple plastic feeder has one of the highest port counts, allowing multiple hummingbirds to feed at once. The integrated circular moat prevents ants from reaching the nectar. But the nectar can heat up and spoil quickly in hot weather. And the lid can be tricky to remove for cleaning.
3. More Birds Hummingbird Feeder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Glass reservoir | – Only holds 20 oz |
| – Built-in perch | – No ant moat |
| – Unique U-shaped ports | – Only one feeding port |
The gorgeous red glass reservoir on this feeder looks beautiful in any yard. The U-shaped feeding ports accommodate both upright and hovering hummingbirds. However, the small 20-ounce capacity requires frequent refilling. There’s only one feeding port, and no ant moat.
4. Aspects Upside Down Hummingbird Feeder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Large 32 oz capacity | – Can leak |
| – Ant moat | – Only 2 feeding ports |
| – Easy cleaning | – Plastic can fade in sun |
This feeder has an innovative upside-down design that prevents nectar from spoiling in hot weather. The large capacity means less frequent refilling. A round ant moat helps protect the nectar. But the plastic construction isn’t super durable. And aggressive hummers could crowd others out at the two ports.
5. Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Feeder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Holds up to 32 oz | – Only 2 feeding ports |
| – Ant moat | – Copper can stain easily |
| – Removable bee guards | – Small perches |
This beautifully designed copper feeder can hold a generous 32 ounces of nectar. The round moat prevents crawling insects from getting inside. Two feeding ports are positioned on either side with perches above. But the small perches and limited feeding ports mean only a few hummers can feed at once. And copper requires polishing to maintain its bright shine.
How to choose the best feeder
When choosing a hummingbird feeder, keep these key considerations in mind:
Capacity
Look for a larger capacity around 32 ounces to minimize refilling frequency. This is especially important in hot climates where nectar spoils faster.
Number of feeding ports
The more feeding ports, the more hummers can feed simultaneously. 4-6 ports is ideal for preventing squabbles.
Durability
Select a sturdy feeder made from quality materials like UV-resistant plastic, glass, or metal that can withstand weather.
Ease of cleaning
Find a feeder with removable parts so you can thoroughly clean the inside. This prevents mold and bacteria growth.
Where to place your feeder
Proper placement sets your feeder up for success:
- Hang in a semi-shaded spot so the nectar doesn’t overheat.
- Near red tubular flowers or feeders to attract the birds.
- Close to trees or shrubs where hummers can rest between sips.
- Sheltered from wind and rain to prevent spoilage.
- Away from corners and enclosed spaces to reduce territorial behavior.
Avoid swinging the feeder excessively. Hummers prefer a stable feeding experience. Make sure to clean and refresh your feeder’s nectar every few days, or when it looks dirty.
Conclusion
An ideal hummingbird feeder appeals to the bird’s preferences and needs. When selecting a feeder, prioritize features like multiple feeding ports, nectar capacity, durability, and ease of cleaning. Avoid cheap designs prone to leaking and ant infestations. Position your feeder carefully to maximize hummingbird traffic. With a quality feeder and fresh nectar, you’re sure to have happy hummers flocking to your yard all season long!
