Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders. With their lightning-fast wings and jewel-toned plumage, hummingbirds are a delight to watch as they buzz around flowers and feeders. Choosing the right hummingbird feeder for your yard is key to attracting these tiny birds. The best hummingbird feeders have features that entice hummers to feed while deterring bees, ants, and other unwanted visitors.
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 tubular flowers to sip the nectar inside. While nectar is their primary food source, hummingbirds also eat small insects for essential proteins and nutrients.
Artificial nectar made from white refined sugar and water is an excellent substitute for natural nectar. The optimal ratio is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water first to eliminate impurities, then stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners, or adding food coloring, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds.
What features make the best hummingbird feeders?
Easy to clean
Since artificial nectar spoils easily, especially in hot weather, it’s crucial to clean feeders thoroughly every 2-4 days. Look for feeders with removable parts that are simple to take apart, clean, and reassemble.
Leakproof
Nectar drips attract ants, bees, and wasps. Feeders with a sealed moat or reservoir base to catch leaks keep nectar off the ground and patio.
Bee and insect resistant
Many feeders now have built-in pest deterrents, like narrow feeding ports, mesh screens, or movable bee guards that allow hummingbird access but block insects.
Stable
A feeder with a wide, weighted base or sturdy hanging wire prevents tipping and spilling when busy hummers buzz around feeding. Models that hook or clamp onto platforms work well.
Bright colored feeding ports
Vivid yellow, red, or orange feeding ports attract hummingbirds from afar. Ports also should have a textured surface for better grip.
Large nectar capacity
Choose a size that requires refilling only every 2-3 days, so fresh nectar is always available. Larger capacity also means fewer cleanings required.
Reviews of the Top 5 Hummingbird Feeders
Based on extensive research and first-hand use, the following 5 feeders consistently rise to the top in several key categories.
1. Aspects Jewel Box
With a beautiful hand-blown glass reservoir and recycled copper feeding ports, the Aspects Jewel Box feeder is as lovely as the hummers visiting it. The leakproof, wide-mouth glass bottle is easy to fill and clean. There’s built-in ant moat, and the two feeding ports have raised textured rims. Holds 16 ounces of nectar.
2. Perky-Pet Glass
This affordable Perky-Pet model is made of clear glass with painted decorative accents, plastic base, and plastic feeding ports. The glass bottle allows easy viewing of nectar levels. Holds 16 ounces and has a removable base for no-mess filling and cleaning. Drained nectar flows back into the reservoir to prevent nectar waste.
3. First Nature 32 oz Plastic
With its huge 32-ounce capacity, durable plastic construction, and budget-friendly price, this extra-large feeder from First Nature is a top choice for high traffic areas. It features two feeding ports with yellow and red accents, a built-in ant moat, and a wide, stable base. Easy to disassemble and clean.
4. Blossom Saucer Magnolia
This lovely saucer-style feeder has an adjustable petal tray made of durable ABS plastic with UV coating. The wide tray accommodates up to 5 hummers at once. The saucer detaches from the reservoir for easy cleaning and filling. Holds 20 ounces of nectar. Comes in several color options.
5. Woodlink Copper
Handcrafted from genuine copper with bronze powder coating, the elegant Woodlink feeder is beautifully rustic. The detachable copper top portion separates from the glass reservoir for cleaning and filling. Holds 25 ounces of nectar. Made in the USA.
How to get hummingbirds to use your feeder
Here are some tips to entice hummers to start visiting your feeder:
- Place feeders in a visible spot with some shade and protection from wind.
- Hang more than one feeder to accommodate territorial behavior.
- Start feeding in early spring so hummers associate your yard with food.
- Add red flowers, feeders, or other décor nearby to attract them.
- Be patient, it may take a week or two for hummingbirds to discover the feeder.
- Avoid using pesticides that could be harmful to hummingbirds.
How to make homemade nectar
Follow this simple recipe to make homemade nectar:
Ingredients:
- 1 part white sugar
- 4 parts water
Directions:
- Boil water for 1-2 minutes then remove from heat.
- Stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
- Allow to cool before filling feeders.
- Store any extra nectar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid using honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or brown sugar, as these can be harmful.
Hummingbird feeding FAQs
What ratio of sugar water is best?
Use a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water. One part sugar dissolved into four parts water provides the right concentration of sweetness hummingbirds prefer.
Should I add red food coloring?
No, adding food coloring is unnecessary and could potentially be harmful. The red feeding ports sufficiently attract hummingbirds.
How often should I clean feeders?
Every 2-4 days during warm weather. In cooler climates, you may only need to clean once a week.
What is the best sugar for nectar?
Plain white cane or beet sugar is ideal. Avoid brown sugar, honey, and artificial sweeteners.
How much nectar do hummingbirds drink daily?
Up to 2-3 times their body weight per day! So smaller feeders require multiple daily refills.
Conclusion
Choosing the right feeder and proper nectar are key to attracting colorful hummingbirds to your yard. When shopping, look for durable, easy-clean feeders with bee guards, leak-proof bases, and bright feeding ports to bring in the hummers. With a quality feeder and fresh nectar, you’ll be rewarded with amazing up-close views of these energetic little birds in action.
