With a glittery feather coat and a sound as sweet as can be, hummingbirds are among the most impressive birds. So, it comes as no surprise that people love attracting these birds to their yards. But, hummingbirds are not typically drawn to a standard feeder with seeds. Instead, they are more likely to feed on nectar poured into feeders specifically designed to accommodate their long tongues and slender bills.
Types of hummingbird feeders
There are a few common types of hummingbird feeders based on their design, but most are made from materials like plastic, glass, or metal.
Bottle feeders
Also called a vacuum or tube feeder, a bottle feeder is an inverted glass or plastic bottle that screws into a base to create a tight seal. Once hung, the bottle releases nectar into the feeding ports at the bottom as and when a bird feeds. Some bottle feeders also have a built-in ant moat, which prevents insects from crawling inside and drinking the nectar.
Saucer feeders
This type of feeder usually has a bowl-like structure that a hummingbird can access from a feeding port placed above. This design makes the saucer feeder not as messy and less likely to leak than other options. So, it is also easier to clean, say, than a bottle feeder. Also, saucer feeders may hold less nectar than other options, but they are easy to refill.
Horizontal bar feeders
This type comes with multiple ports that allow many hummingbirds to enjoy feeding at the same time. A bar feeder typically has a long, flute-like shape that hangs horizontally. One can consider installing several such feeders in the backyard to prevent overcrowding a single unit.
Decorative feeders
Some feeders are shaped like saucers or bottles, while others are decorative and feature abstract shapes. While a hummingbird does not pay much attention to the shape of a feeder, it notices the color. So, most decorative options feature a red color to attract the bird. A decorative feeder might take a little longer to clean but can add a visually appealing element to the garden.
Best hummingbird feeders
Finding the best hummingbird feeders is easy; all one has to do is take up a quick online search by typing in “10 best hummingbird feeders of 2024” and find relevant options on sale. Those who want to make a quicker pick could consider the five popular hummingbird feeders listed below.
First Nature 16 oz feeder
Available for just $9.90 on the brand website, this hummingbird feeder from First Nature comes with a red base that helps attract birds. Its perch has ten ports to allow multiple birds to feed at one time. Another benefit is that the feeder’s wide-mouth reservoir makes it easy to fill. It also comes with a patented two-part base that can be twisted open for a thorough cleanup.
More Birds® Vintage Glass 20 Oz Feeder
This glass-based feeder comes with a wide opening and flat bottom for easy refills. One can also disassemble it into three pieces for easy cleaning. The More Birds® Vintage Glass Feeder also has five durable metal perches to let hummingbirds rest while feeding. One could get this feeder for about $33 on multiple online e-commerce platforms.
Sewanta Handheld 1 Oz Feeder
The red hummingbird feeder comes in a set of two. It is crafted using durable plastic and glass. Its sturdy base comes with a suction cup for mounting the feeder. Also, one can always place it on their palms and hold it steady to attract the birds. One could buy the set on the brand’s website for about $13.
Perky-Pet® Elegant Copper Glass 12 Oz Feeder
Available online for $25–$29, this copper and glass feeder has a wide-mouthed bottle that reduces the risk of spills while filling it up. It comes with four flower-shaped ports on a circular perch for 360-degree hummingbird feeding. Its base is easily removable, making cleanup easier. The brushed copper material not only adds an artistic appeal but also provides durability. Another benefit is that this feeder has an in-built guard to protect the nectar against insects.
Aspects Hummzinger HighView 12 Oz Feeder
This is a saucer feeder, equipped with a perch that allows birds to rest comfortably while drinking the nectar from the feeding ports. Its design also offers an unobstructed view of the birds. One can find the product online for about $30.
Tips
While feeders do a good job of attracting the birds and holding the nectar, a few hummingbird feeder tricks can help one get the most out of them.
- The feeder should be visible but also comfortable for the birds. A hummingbird does not like to stay out in the open. So, one should consider placing it near sheltering plants to block the sun a bit. But the chosen spot should be completely unobstructed. This helps the birds spot the feeder.
- One must also place the feeder where they can easily see it. Unhindered visibility means one could step in immediately if they notice anything odd about the feeder. This way, one can spot messes and clean them or refill the feeder whenever it is empty.
- To avoid accidents and messes, one should fill just enough nectar to prevent it from escaping the container once the birds start feeding. This can also help prevent bees and ants from hovering or crawling into the feeder.
