Guide to Hummingbird Feeders: Styles, Top Picks, and Expert Recommendations

Hummingbirds, with their vibrant feathers and melodious sounds, are among the most admired avian visitors. Many bird enthusiasts enjoy attracting these tiny creatures to their gardens. Unlike seeds, hummingbirds prefer nectar, which is best offered in specially designed feeders that accommodate their long tongues and delicate bills. Choosing the right feeder can enhance your birdwatching experience and help keep these birds coming back.

Types of hummingbird feeders

Hummingbird feeders come in various designs, primarily made from plastic, glass, or metal. The main types include:

Bottle Feeders
Often called vacuum or tube feeders, these feature an inverted container that releases nectar at feeding ports. They sometimes have ant moats to prevent insects from accessing the nectar.

Saucer Feeders
These have a shallow bowl with mealworm or nectar ports. Their design minimizes mess and makes refills easy, although they typically hold less nectar.

Horizontal Bar Feeders
Designed for multiple birds at once, these long, horizontal feeders have several feeding ports, making communal feeding convenient and reducing overcrowding.

Decorative Feeders
These come in various shapes and colors, primarily in red to attract hummingbirds. While they add aesthetic value, they may require more maintenance for cleaning.

Top hummingbird feeders of 2024

Finding the ideal feeder is straightforward. A quick online search for "best hummingbird feeders 2024" yields many options. Here are five popular picks:

First Nature 16 oz Feeding Station
Price: ~$10. Features a red base with ten ports, a wide-mouth reservoir for easy filling, and a twist-open base for cleaning.

More Birds Vintage Glass 20 oz Feeder
Price: ~$33. Crafted from glass with a wide opening, three-part disassembly for cleaning, and five sturdy perches.

Sewanta Handheld 1 oz Pair
Price: ~$13. Includes two units with durable plastic and glass, mounted with suction cups or held on palms for attracting hummingbirds.

Perky-Pet Copper Glass 12 oz Feeder
Price: ~$28. Features a copper and glass body, wide-mouth design, four feeding ports, and insect guards; easy to clean.

Aspect Hummzinger HighView 12 oz
Price: ~$30. Designed as a saucer feeder with a perch and clear view, facilitating comfortable feeding and visual observation.

Helpful tips for using hummingbird feeders

Place feeders where hummingbirds feel safe but can easily spot them. Position near plants to shield from direct sunlight yet keep the feeder visible.

Ensure the feeder is accessible for quick checks and refills to maintain cleanliness and prevent spoilage.

Fill only as much nectar as needed to avoid spills and deter ants and bees from invading the feeder.