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Hummingbirds are absolutely gorgeous, with their bright and vibrant colors they are the ultimate prize in a bird watchers yard.
From the Ruby Throated Hummingbird with its bright red neck to the Violetear with its striking greens and violets, these are beautiful birds that any bird watcher would love having perched in their garden.
While these birds are notoriously fast and have a sweet tooth that’s always seeking the next sugary meal, having the right feeder can ensure you attract these colorful creatures.
Hummingbird feeders come in a variety of materials, there’s glass, plastic and copper models, also with unique feeders like the glass blown models.
Each one has its pros and cons and everyone seems to have an opinion about which is best, we’ve made sure to add at least one feeder from each category so that you’ll find one you love.
- For a full list of the best bird feeders of all types, see our best picks list
Attracting hummingbirds requires using the right colors and foods, much like with orioles who love the color orange and sweet foods, hummingbirds are also highly specific in their search for feeders. They’re selective, but highly suggestible if you use the right feeder.
While orange might work with them, hummingbirds really love the color red.
They also demand sweet foods. You won’t get far with birdseed unfortunately. Hummingbirds only eat nectar. Thankfully, making your own nectar is very simple but you will need a specific feeder such as the ones below to hold the nectar safely.
- Prefer wood? Try these wooden bird feeders out for size
- Need bigger? See the best gazebo bird feeders you can get online
- Want to keep squirrels away? Try these top squirrel proof bird feeders
7 Best Feeders for Hummingbirds Reviewed
1. Classic Brands Glass Hummingbird Feeder
Here’s a top bird feeder with a very classic look. Made from aqua-tinted glass and a metal basin. With a nectar capacity of 20oz and five feeding ports, this will have no problem accommodating all the birds that visit your yard. It has an antique, vintage design that’s timeless and truly beautiful.
You might be worried there’s not enough red with the blue glass and burnt penny basin. The five metal feeding ports are red and shaped like flowers. When it’s time to clean and fill, the feeder can be disassembled and the wide mouth makes adding nectar a simple endeavor.
This is an elegant feeder that you’ll be proud to hang in your yard.
Key Features
- Made from aqua-tinted glass and a metal base
- 20oz nectar capacity and five feeding ports
- Red metal flowers for attracting hummingbirds
- To feed squirrels for a change, we picked the best squirrel feeders around
- For feeding birds with Suet, we suggest trying these Suet Bird Feeders designed specifically for that
2. Aspects Window Hummingbird Feeder
This hummingbird window feeder uses suction cups to securely attach to any window. Whether you don’t have the space or simply don’t have a good place to hang a more traditional bird feeder, this unit allows you to enjoy the sight of colorful hummingbirds visiting your home. With an 8oz capacity and three feeding ports, you’ll definitely get more than a few birds coming your way.
Made entirely from plastic, this lightweight unit uses two suction cups to stick to any clean glass surface. There’s also an ant moat to prevent bugs from reaching the nectar. Built with a hinged lid for easy feeding and cleaning. The top is red to ensure hummingbirds zero in on this feeder.
If you want these colorful birds to come directly to your window, then this is the right model for you.
Key Features
- Made from plastic, lightweight and durable
- Suction cups connect to your window, 8oz nectar capacity
- Red lid and a removable ant moat
- For peanuts, we chose the best peanut bird feeders on the market, see our results
- Want to view birds feeding from the comfort of your own home? Try these window bird feeders that stick onto the windows via suction cups
3. Aspects HummZinger HighView 12oz Hanging Feeder
Here’s a product with a strong hook perfect for hanging. Made with a HighView perch that’s not only inviting to hummingbirds, but also makes it easier to see them while feeding. There are four feeding ports each with a raised flower design. This is important because the raised design diverts rain away from the nectar.
The lid is a bright red and can be easily removed to clean the feeder and reload with nectar or water for the built-in ant moat. This model is made from unbreakable polycarbonate that’s extremely durable.
Key Features
- Made from strong polycarbonate and a red lid to attract hummingbirds
- 12oz nectar capacity
- Four feeding ports and a raised perch for a perfect view
4. Perky-Pet 209B Our Best Glass Hummingbird Feeder
This feeder is perfect if you want a simple piece that hits all the right marks. It has a 30oz nectar capacity and a wide-mouth opening to easily fill and clean. The glass cylinder is highly durable and allows you to see how much food is left. Comes with six feeding ports, a red base, and flower designs so hummingbirds know exactly where to feed from.
There’s also a built-in ant moat and bee guard. Just fill the top ant moat with water to prevent ants from reaching the nectar. The feeding ports are too small for bees to steal the nectar, thus ensuring that only hummingbirds can enjoy the food.
From keeping away pests to being simple to fill and clean, the Perky-Pet 209B is the perfect feeder for hummingbirds.
Key Features
- 30oz nectar capacity
- Glass body to monitor remaining food, highly durable
- Built-in ant moat and bee guard
5. Rezipo Hand Blown Glass Feeder
This handmade feeder works wonderfully at attracting your favorite birds, while being an artistic piece for your yard. Made from hand blown glass and metal, this is a durable piece with rustic, artisanal charm. The top piece is a blue egg with painted flowers while the base is metal with a silver perch and red flowers.
The egg is transparent so that you can see how much nectar is remaining. There are five feeding ports and a 36oz capacity. An included S-hook makes this simple to hang and the piece is easy to disassemble to clean and maintain.
If you prefer an artisanal piece that is expertly made, then this is the right piece for your hummingbirds.
Key Features
- Made from hand blown glass, blue egg shape with painted flowers
- Metal base, silver perch and five red flowers
- Simple to assemble, transparent to monitor food level
6. First Nature 3055 32oz Hummingbird Feeder
You get two plastic feeders that each have a 32oz nectar capacity with 10 feeding ports. That’s plenty for even the busiest yard. The base, top, and ant guard are all a bright red to attract your favorite birds. The ant guard is attachable and the feeding ports prevent bees.
All the pieces can be removed for easy cleaning. Each feeding port stops bees, ensuring that only hummingbirds can enjoy the sweet nectar. The construction also resists leaking and will prevent rainwater from filling the feeder and contaminating the food.
If you’re looking for multiple feeders that stop pests and have a large nectar capacity, then these are the feeders for you.
Key Features
- The feeding ports resist bees and there’s an attachable ant guard
- Bright right base, top, and ant guard to attract hummingbirds
- Prevents rain from mixing with the nectar
7. Sweet Feeders Window Copper Feeder
This feeder for windows might look a little strange at first, but it’s effective and hummingbirds love it. This product is made to stick to your window with two strong suction cups. The copper wire holds several vials, each one has a small feeding port so hummingbirds can collect all the nectar they need. Plus, the front of the feeding port is red, ensuring that these birds can see them.
The glass bottles are sturdy and require little effort to remove or place in the copper wire. When they’re empty, simply remove the red lid, clean it out, and fill with more nectar. This is a trendy and modern design that’s minimalist while making it easy to see these birds as they feast.
Key Features
- Made from copper wire with glass vials
- The two suction cups will stick to any clean window
- Simple to remove and clean the glass vials
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Hang Hummingbird Feeder?
Aside from feeders that stick to your window, you have the ability to hang feeders anywhere you like.
However, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the best placement for hummingbirds.
Make sure the feeder isn’t tucked away because hummingbirds may not notice them. It’s even better if they get a little light because hummingbirds are attracted to reflections and the color red.
Put the feeder a little higher so that predators like cats can’t reach it.
If you have other feeders for different birds, then make sure they are far away from the hummingbird feeder. These birds are territorial and will avoid areas with too much bird activity.
Since you’ll be hanging these feeders during the warmer months, you’ll want to keep them shaded so that the nectar doesn’t spoil too quickly.
You’ll also want to consider how you interact with the feeder. You don’t want it in a high traffic area.
One bump and you might spill nectar everywhere. You’ll also want to ensure the feeder is close enough so that you can see these colorful birds as they feed.
How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder?
Cleaning the feeder is simple and requires just a few materials.
You’ll need mild soap that’s preferably unscented, a bucket, and a bottle brush or tiny cleaning mop. Start by removing all nectar and rinsing with water. Remove as much nectar as possible before proceeding.
Fill the bucket with hot water and add a tiny bit of soap. Some people believe that hummingbirds can taste soap.
Unscented soap reduces the chances of this, plus using only a little should make it easy to remove the soap. Allow all the pieces of the feeder to soak for at least one or two hours.
When done, scrub the feeder and all its parts with the brush. Rinse the feeder thoroughly and then allow to air dry until completely dry.
How to Keep Bees away from your Hummingbird Feeder?
There are several ways to prevent bees from stealing your nectar.
Bees and wasps will sneak in through the feeding ports and get into the nectar.
There are stoppers you can place over the ports that close the hole. Hummingbirds can still feed, but bees won’t be able to sneak through.
You’ll also want to watch out for the color yellow.
Just like how hummingbirds are attracted to red, bees are attracted to yellow. Paint over or remove any yellow accents on the feeder. This may not keep them entirely away, but it should reduce their numbers.
Some people also paint a little oil over the feeding ports as bees hate this oil. Be careful with this because the oil might get on the hummingbird’s face, which could be problematic for them.
When to Put Out a Hummingbird Feeder?
This largely depends on your climate and location.
Most people will find that April to early May are the best as hummingbirds will be highly active this time of year. However, warmer climates, such as Florida or Arizona, might get hummingbirds all year round.
Those close to or within Canada will find that late May to early June is the best time. That’s when the temperature starts warming up and you’ll see these busy birds flying about.
What do you put in a Hummingbird Feeder?
Hummingbirds adore nectar.
While some birds eat different types of foods, hummingbirds only go after nectar.
You can either buy nectar or make your own. Simply boil four parts water to one part sugar and let cool.
Some people are tempted to add red food dye to the nectar to make it more attractive to hummingbirds. Resist this urge. Many food dyes can harm birds, so it’s best to avoid them.
How Often Should I Change the Nectar?
There are different philosophies on how often to change the nectar.
When the temperature is cooler, around the 60s to 70s, you can change the nectar every few days to once a week. You’ll want to increase this to daily or every other day when the temperature is closer to 85 or 90. You’ll know the nectar is starting to spoil when it looks cloudy.
