Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird Feeders: A Comprehensive Guide
Hummingbirds are some of the most enchanting creatures on the planet, with their iridescent feathers and awe-inspiring flight abilities. Their high metabolism requires them to feed frequently, making them regular visitors to well-placed and well-stocked hummingbird feeders. Providing a reliable source of nectar can help these tiny birds maintain their energy and support their health, especially during migration periods.

To cater to the specific needs of hummingbirds, hummingbird feeders are designed with feeding ports that mimic the flowers from which these birds naturally sip nectar. In this guide, we have compiled a list of some of the best hummingbird feeders available on Amazon and other websites, offering you an opportunity to attract these fascinating birds to your yard.

1. Aspects HummZinger HighView 12 oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder
   Available on Amazon and the Aspects website, the HummZinger HighView Feeder comes with an elevated perch that offers hummingbirds a comfortable place to rest and provides bird watchers an unobstructed view of the birds. The feeder features a built-in ant moat, is easy to clean, and has four feeding ports.
2. First Nature 3055 32-ounce Hummingbird Feeder
   The First Nature 3055 Hummingbird Feeder, purchasable on Amazon, boasts a 32-ounce capacity, perfect for areas with a large hummingbird population. It features ten feeding ports with an easy-to-fill wide-mouth reservoir and two-part base, making cleaning and refilling a breeze. Its bright red color helps attract hummingbirds to your yard.
3. Perky-Pet Antique Bottle Glass Hummingbird Feeder
   Found on Amazon, the Perky-Pet Antique Bottle Glass Hummingbird Feeder combines aesthetic charm and functionality. Its vintage bottle design and brushed copper base add an elegant touch to your outdoor space, while its four feeding ports offer enough space for multiple hummingbirds to feed simultaneously.
4. More Birds Glory Hummingbird Feeder
   The More Birds Glory Hummingbird Feeder, available on Amazon and the More Birds website, features a beautiful design with a glass bottle adorned with a painted hummingbird scene. It has five feeding ports and a built-in ant moat to deter ants. Its wide opening and detachable flat base make cleaning and filling easy.
5. Juegoal 12 oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder
   Sold on Amazon, the Juegoal 12 oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder features a simple yet effective design with a built-in ant moat and six red feeding ports. It’s constructed of hardened glass and a plastic base, ensuring durability, and its flat top and wide mouth make filling and cleaning straightforward.
6. Dr. JB’s Clean Feeder
   Available on Amazon and the Dr. JB’s website, the Clean Feeder is noted for its innovative design that makes it exceptionally easy to clean and refill. Its wide-mouth jar and two-piece base are dishwasher safe, making maintenance a breeze. The feeder comes in several sizes, with a selection of either red or yellow feeding ports.

What is best to feed hummingbirds?
The best food to provide hummingbirds is a homemade nectar solution, which replicates the natural sugars found in the flowers that hummingbirds feed on. This nectar can be made easily at home using plain, white granulated sugar and water. Commercially available hummingbird nectar can also be used, but it’s important to avoid those with added red dye, as it can be harmful to the birds. Hummingbirds can also feed on small insects and spiders for protein.

What is the correct ratio of sugar to water for hummingbirds?
The recommended sugar-to-water ratio for hummingbird food is 1:4, that is, one part sugar to four parts water. This ratio closely replicates the natural nectar that hummingbirds get from flowers. To make the solution, mix one cup of sugar with four cups of water and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Where is the best place to hang a hummingbird feeder?
Hummingbird feeders should be hung where they’re easy for the birds to find and safe from predators. A quiet, sheltered spot near nectar-rich flowers can be ideal. It’s also best to hang the feeder near a window or another location where you can enjoy watching the birds. Keep feeders at least four to five feet above the ground to deter predators.

Should hummingbird feeders be in sun or shade?
Hummingbird feeders can be hung in either sun or shade, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. A feeder in the sun may attract hummingbirds more quickly because the sunlight can cause the nectar to glisten, which can be attractive to hummingbirds. However, nectar in a feeder in direct sunlight will spoil faster, so it will need to be changed more often.

Why do you need to boil hummingbird sugar water?
Boiling the water before adding sugar helps dissolve the sugar more effectively and create a clear solution that’s attractive to hummingbirds. It also helps kill any potential bacteria or fungi in the water that could multiply in the feeder and potentially harm the birds.

Is tap water OK for hummingbirds?
Yes, tap water is generally safe for hummingbirds as long as it’s safe for human consumption. However, if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or contains high levels of minerals or other contaminants, it might be safer to use filtered or distilled water.

Why won’t my hummingbirds drink my sugar water?
Several factors might deter hummingbirds from drinking your sugar water. The feeder might not be clean, or the nectar may have fermented or spoiled, especially if it’s left out in the sun. The ratio of sugar to water might be off, or you might be using a type of sugar that’s not safe for hummingbirds, such as honey or artificial sweeteners. Finally, the feeder itself may not be attractive to the birds, or it may be in a location where the birds don’t feel safe.

Choosing the right hummingbird feeder can help turn your yard into a buzzing hub of activity and color. Remember to clean your feeders regularly to prevent the growth of mold and harmful bacteria. Also, stick to using a homemade nectar solution of four parts water to one part white granulated sugar, as commercial red nectars can be harmful to hummingbirds. Each of the feeders listed above offers a blend of practicality, style, and hummingbird appeal, ensuring you a front-row seat to the fascinating world of hummingbirds. Enjoy the spectacle of these mesmerizing birds with these top-notch hummingbird feeders.