Finding the best hummingbird feeders is not as easy as it sounds!
There are hundreds of different options and styles, which leads to many questions: Should my feeder be made of plastic or glass? Are the expensive hummingbird feeders the best? Is this nectar feeder easy to clean?
It can be confusing, but this list of the 9 BEST hummingbird feeders should help.
I’ve organized this post into a few different sections, depending on the type of hummingbird feeder you want. (Best overall, window, or unique)
Table of Contents: The Best Hummingbird Feeders
The Overall BEST Hummingbird Feeders (2)
These two hummingbird feeders work well, even though they have different designs. They attract hummingbirds, are easy to clean, don’t leak, and are sturdy.
One reason why this nectar feeder works so well is because of its simple dish design. The sugar water sits in the glass dish BELOW the feeding ports. This design makes cleaning the feeder incredibly easy since there are no hard-to-reach areas way up inside a skinny bottle.
Another benefit of dish-style hummingbird feeders is they DON’T LEAK!
In addition, there is a built-in ant moat, which is very effective at preventing these insects from accessing the nectar. Just make sure to remember to fill it with water. (Speaking from experience 🙂 )
This 12 oz model has four feeding ports. If you want a bigger option, the HummZinger also comes in a 16 oz model with six feeding ports.
This product is definitely one of the BEST hummingbird feeders on the market. It’s a bit more expensive than some other options, but it’s worth the extra cost. You should have no hassle or frustration with cleaning or leaking nectar. It just works!
COMPARE PRICES!
As you can see, with this hummingbird feeder, the nectar sits ABOVE the feeding ports. The sugar water then drains down as it’s eaten. This style is referred to as a “bottle” design.
I think this is one of the best hummingbird feeders around because it doesn’t leak. I’ve personally used it for many years and have had much success!
The only time nectar has spilled is during EXTREME wind storms. You definitely don’t want a leaky nectar feeder, as the leftover sugar residue will attract ants and hornets!
Here are some other things that I like:
- The bottle that holds the nectar is relatively wide and simple to disassemble, making it easy to get inside and clean.
- It has 10 feeding ports on the 16-ounce model (pictured above), so there are plenty of spots for hummers to feed. However, if you have lots of hummingbirds and require a larger feeder, you will want to check out the 32-ounce model!
Want to see this hummingbird feeder in action in my yard?
Just press PLAY above! I set up my iPhone on a tripod and got incredible videos of my hummingbirds.
The 3 Best WINDOW Hummingbird Feeders
There is no better way to get close to hummingbirds than to buy a quality window hummingbird feeder. Hummingbird feeders that hang from your window are a lot of fun and make a great addition to any outdoor space.
If you’re concerned that putting up a window feeder will make hummingbirds start crashing into your windows, I want you to know that you shouldn’t worry. 🙂 Putting a feeder directly on your window actually helps to keep birds safe since they are close enough to know the window is there and that they need to fly in the other direction if frightened.
Honestly, putting a hummingbird feeder on a window should help PREVENT collisions on that window. The feeder breaks up the space and light reflection, letting all birds know that the window can’t be flown through.
This 8 oz window hummingbird feeder is one of the best available.
It includes three feeding ports AND perches for the hummingbirds, so they can sit while they eat. Once the hummers found this feeder at my house (it took a few days), they loved it and started visiting it multiple times per day.
The nectar reservoir comes out easily since it is NOT ATTACHED to the suction cups, which is super convenient for cleaning and refilling.
Check out my video review of the Aspects Jewel Box ABOVE!
And since the feeder has a simple dish design, the nectar can’t leak out and make your window sticky and gross. I also like that the flower feeding ports are raised, which helps divert rain and ensures the nectar doesn’t become diluted.
The two suction cups work great, and I’ve had no issues with the feeder sticking to my window. It helps a lot that the reservoir is small and only holds 8oz of nectar.
This Aspects Window Hummingbird Feeder even includes an ant moat! (This can be detached if ants are not a problem)
As far as appearance goes, this window hummingbird feeder is one of my favorites! I especially like the white flower feeding ports and how the bottle is skinnier at the bottom (even though this makes cleaning a bit more challenging).
Nature Anywhere includes THREE “industrial strength” suction cups, so you should have no problems with the feeder falling off your window. I like how the suction cups are attached to a bracket that the nectar reservoir snaps into, making refilling and cleaning much simpler.
If you have an active backyard with lots of hummingbirds, you will appreciate this feeder’s larger size, which holds up to 16 ounces of nectar! And refilling it is easy, as the bottom easily unscrews to provide access.
Lastly, Nature Anywhere provides a LIFETIME GUARANTEE. So if it leaks or breaks, they say to email them, and they will send a new one.
First, I know that this is not an actual hummingbird feeder!
But please hear me out because this hook may be the BEST window hummingbird feeder you buy. The reason is that this hook allows many of your existing feeders (hummingbird or not) to hang off your window.
I use this hook all the time on our kitchen windows. It allows me to rotate the feeders that I want to feature.
For example, I typically have my First Nature hummingbird feeder (#2 above) out during the warm summer months. When the hummingbirds migrate south (I live in Ohio), I put out a tube feeder filled with sunflower seeds, which attracts finches, chickadees, woodpeckers, etc.
Just be mindful of the weight of the feeder you will be hanging from this hook. It’s advertised as being able to support 4 pounds (1.8 kg). However, you may need to experiment with how much weight it can hold from your specific window.
The 4 Best Unique Hummingbird Feeders
Are you bored of the traditional look of most hummingbird feeders? Lucky for you, there is a whole world of beautiful and unique hummingbird feeders that can add some personality to your garden or patio.
Unfortunately, many of these non-traditional hummingbird feeders look GREAT but are not functional. They either leak, break easily, or hummingbirds never end up using them.
The unique hummingbird feeders below should give you a good start and point you in the right direction. However, if you don’t find something you like, keep exploring because the manufacturers featured below have MANY more designs available.
This blown glass hummingbird feeder is both beautiful AND functional.
The top is easy to remove, and the opening is wide, so it’s simple to fill and clean. The rings on the outside serve as perfect perches to let hummingbirds relax. This option gives a modern decorative look to your feeder collection.
The glass is relatively thick, giving the feeder a nice sturdy feel. While hummingbirds don’t necessarily care about the aesthetics of your feeder, it will look great in your garden!
Best Feature: The hanging frame doubles as a perch, giving your hummingbirds a spot to rest as they take a drink!
This hand-blown glass hummingbird feeder is gorgeous!
But what I like best about this feeder is that it’s functional. It not only attracts lots of hummingbirds, but it holds lots of nectar and includes perches for the hummingbirds to rest. In addition, you shouldn’t have any trouble with the base leaking with the included rubber ring, and it’s easy to take apart to refill the nectar and clean.
Don’t like the design or colors of this specific feeder?
I recommend checking out all of the unique hummingbird feeders that Grateful Gnome offers. This design (Blue Egg With Flowers) was my favorite, but they have many different models available.
Best Feature: Grateful Gnome has so many choices for color and shape that you’re sure to find the perfect hummingbird feeder for you!
This ring is the coolest hummingbird feeder on the list.
Seriously, just look at how close you will get to the hummers! A tiny reservoir for nectar is attached to a ring, which you can wear on your finger.
If you stay still, with a bit of training (and luck), you may get a hummingbird to come right up and say hello.
Watch this hummingbird feeder in action below!
Although quite a few colors are available, I recommend sticking to the RED flower. It will attract more hummingbirds than other colors. The best way to get hummingbirds to feel comfortable enough to feed from your hand is to train them! Here’s what I recommend you do:
First, buy the trainer stand picture above that Zummr makes. Then, place the ring feeder inside the stand and set it outside, either on a cup or attached to your window. This way, your hummingbirds will get used to drinking nectar from the ring feeder and not have to worry about YOU making them feel uncomfortable.
Once you observe hummingbirds drinking regularly from the ring, it’s time for you to put it on and sit outside. With a bit of patience, you should hopefully be able to watch hummingbirds from only a few feet away!
View Today’s Price! | Use Coupon Code “BWHQ850” to save 10%!
This option is definitely the most fun hummingbird feeder!
If you look at the picture above, you will see that the Netvue Birdfy Hummingbird Feeder has a camera built directly into the design. This camera allows you to watch YOUR hummingbirds directly from your phone! 🙂
The app makes it easy to record or capture interesting moments that can be shared quickly and easily. In addition, you can set up notifications to be alerted every time a hummingbird comes to the feeder. The camera is 1080p, which gives incredibly clear video and pictures of the hummers that visit!
Please note the feeder must be close enough to your house to connect to your Wifi to work.
One negative to this hummingbird feeder is that you have to recharge the batteries in the camera periodically. Netvue says that their battery lasts up to 6 months, but this will vary depending on how many birds visit your bird feeding station. But they also have the option to buy a small solar panel, which continuously charges the battery for you (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
7 Tips When Choosing a Hummingbird Feeder
Tip #1: Dish or bottle feeder?
There are two basic types of hummingbird feeders; the dish and the bottle.
Dish feeders (also called saucer feeders) hold the nectar in the saucer below the feeding ports. It’s a straightforward design, pour the nectar into the dish, put the top back on, and let the hummingbirds start drinking!
The main advantages to the dish feeders are they are EASY to clean and tend not to have as many leaking problems.
Bottle feeders (also called tube or vacuum feeders) resemble a bottle (hence the name!). The nectar is held above the feeding ports and lowers as more of the nectar is eaten.
Bottle feeders tend to look more stylish, in my opinion, but are much harder to clean. You usually need some brushes to get up into the bottle. Also, bottle feeders have a higher tendency to leak.
Every hummingbird enthusiast has their preference. My recommendation is to try and test both styles of nectar feeder to see what you and the hummingbirds like best. Personally, I love dish feeders because they are easier to clean!
Tip #2: Give your hummingbirds a place to rest with perches!
It’s not a requirement, but hummingbirds seem to enjoy having a place to sit and eat.
Tip #3: Make sure it’s constructed well.
Sturdy plastic and glass stand up the best. You don’t want it to break the first time it falls!
Tip #4: Does it have an ant moat?
Hummingbird feeders that leak typically have the biggest problem with ants. This is because ants are naturally attracted to the sugar in the nectar. As a result, many feeders come equipped with ant moats to deter these insects.
If you find a hummingbird feeder that you like, but it doesn’t have an ant moat, have no fear! Ant guards and traps can be purchased separately. (see links below)
Tip #5. Pay attention to the nectar capacity.
It is crucial to consider how much nectar your feeder holds. Many backyard bird watchers want to buy a feeder with a massive 32 oz reservoir.
BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER.
Here’s the problem: Nectar spoils typically within a week or two, depending on your local weather.
So if only a few hummingbirds visit your feeder, you will be wasting most of your nectar.
Instead of having one large hummingbird feeder, I recommend getting a few smaller ones and spacing them out in your yard. This also prevents a bully hummingbird from taking over and not allowing any other birds to feed.
Tip #6. Red works best!
Yes, it’s true. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red and other bright colors. Most flowers are bright, and hummingbirds have evolved to locate their preferred food sources as easily and quickly as possible.
So make sure your hummingbird feeder predominantly displays the color red (or another bright color). Luckily, most hummingbird feeders you find will already feature bright colors.
But it’s not recommended to dye your nectar with red food coloring. First, the reddening chemicals could prove detrimental to your hummers. Second, nectar is a clear liquid in the first place, so coloring is not necessary.
Tip #7. Set up multiple feeders around your yard.
Don’t let the small size of a hummingbird fool you. They can be very territorial and aggressive towards each other! It’s common for a dominant hummingbird to protect a feeder and prevent other hummers from visiting.
Instead of just hanging one feeder, I recommend buying a few and hanging them in different locations. A bully hummingbird can’t protect them all at once! And this allows you to test a few different feeder styles to see what you prefer and which works best.
Before you leave…
What is your favorite hummingbird feeder?
Why do you like it so much?
Source link
