15 of the Best Hummingbird Feeders: What to Look for When Buying

Hummingbirds are easy to attract to your garden as long as you have a good feeder filled with fresh nectar. They fly south when it gets too cold, so if you are in Canada or a Northern US state, start hanging the feeders early, in March-April. You can take them down if you see no birds around the feeders for over a week at a stretch. Some species, like Anna’s hummingbird, can remain in the cold regions and still visit your yard. In the southern US states, along with South America, hummingbirds keep coming all year round.

Hummingbirds Feeder

Things to Check When Buying a Hummingbird Feeder

  • Get a feeder of bright and vibrant color, as the tiny birds have keen eyesight and are likely to quickly notice things that stand out.
  • Choose those with attached perches, as this gives a place for the birds to rest, and gives you a better view too. However, this sometimes attracts other birds to the feeder, in which case you can put up a feeder without perches.
  • Find out what materials are used in its making, as sometimes, some metal parts are galvanized (coated with zinc to keep them from rusting), and then the zinc can contaminate the nectar and harm the hummingbirds, as the metal is toxic for them.
  • Pick a feeder with inbuilt insect guards, though you can also get nectar guard tips later.
  • Consider the cleaning part too, as a feeder that’s difficult to open and clean is less likely to get cleaned as often as it should be, which is about twice a week.

If you get a lot of frost in your area, you can get a heated hummingbird feeder that keeps the nectar flowing even in freezing temperatures.

15 of the Best Modern Hummingbird Feeders

1. Perky-Pet 203CPBR Pinchwaist Red Glass Hummingbird Feeder With Perches

Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder

The durable red glass feeder comes with four feeding ports, and though the perches may look small, they are wide enough to accommodate the tiny birds well. Additionally, it is cheaper than other most other glass feeders. Despite being leakproof, some users claim that theirs drip if hanged under constant direct sunlight.

There is a clear variant too, but the red one might be better at attracting hummingbirds.

Capacity: 8oz, 16oz

Check Price

2. First Nature 3055 Large Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird Feeder

A large feeder with 8 feeding ports, it’s suitable for gardens where large groups of hummingbirds are likely to visit. A rather inexpensive option, the light yet tough clear plastic feeder works well with colored nectar, so you can try the one offered by the same manufacturer.

It might be better to use separate nectar guard tips as the large feeding holes might attract bees.

Capacity: 32oz

Check Price

3. Aspects HummZinger HighView Hanging Flat/Saucer Hummingbird Feeder

Hanging Hummingbird Feeder

For its flat shape, it is easier to open and clean, compared to top-filled and bottle-shaped variants. Users also claim that the saucer-style feeder works well in keeping ants and bees away. The elevated perch also gives a better view of the birds.

Though claimed to be unbreakable, some users complain the container can break easily, and some even claim that it is not manufactured by the original Aspects Inc. Others still claim it to work well and attract lots of hummingbirds.

Capacity: 12 oz

Check Price

4. Best-1 Small Glass Hummingbird Feeder With Perches

Hummingbird Feeder Picture

A simple yet functional design consisting of a glass bottle, and a red plastic base with perches and 8 feeding holes. The manufacturers also offer replacement bottoms so you don’t have to get a whole new one if one gets damaged.

Some users do face problems with bees, especially since it is difficult to use nectar guards as there are no feeder tubes, just holes.

Capacity: 8oz

Check Price

5. Droll Yankees H82 8 Port Hummingbird Feeder With Nectar Guard

Hummingbird Feeder Nectar Guard

A large saucer feeder with 8 ports that are protected from bees and wasps with inbuilt nectar guards. Made with UV stabilized polycarbonate, meaning it doesn’t get discolored easily. The brass hanging rod is also quite secure, though according to some, it could have been slightly longer.

Capacity: 32oz

Check Price

6. Dr JB’s 16CLY Hummingbird Feeder with Yellow Petals

Hummingbird Feeder with Yellow Petals

Another basic, plastic feeder with a simple clear tube-shaped nectar pot and a red base with four flower feeding stations that come in both yellow and red.

According to users, the glue used for securing the top with the plastic body may give way when it gets too hot. Though it is easy to reattach.

Capacity: 16oz

Check Price

7. More Birds Glory Metal Hummingbird Feeder With Copper Finish

Glory Hummingbird Feeder

An elegant metal feeder with rustic copper finish, it has a compact look that suits all types of gardens. There are five feeding holes marked by pretty red metal flowers.

Slightly more expensive compared to other similar products. Some people also complain of the metal parts rusting after 5-6 months of use.

Capacity: 13oz

Check Price

8. Grateful Gnome Hand Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder – Fiery Bell Tower

Hand Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder

An eye-catching large glass feeder, it comes with an S-hook for hanging it wherever you want. There are 5 metal flower feeding stations with perches. The flowers may rust over time.

Capacity: 20oz

Check Price

9. Nature’s Way Vintage-Looking Top-Fill Hummingbird Feeder

Modern Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder

Yet another hand-blown glass feeder that can add a vintage charm to your garden. The frame and hooks come in the package and the raised perches provide a better view of the birds. According to users, it is both leak- and rust-proof. It is costlier than other glass feeders and the small size may be an issue if there are too many hummingbirds to feed.

Capacity: 18oz

Check Price

10. Best Home Products Cobalt Blue Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder With Parasol Feeding Tubes

Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder

In summer, when all the flowers are in bloom, this decorative cobalt blue feeder will bring some more color to your garden. And it is also available in green and red, so you can have the whole set too. Some users complain about the flower tubes coming off when the birds try to drink from them, but fixing them tightly seems to work.

Capacity: 24oz

Check Price

11. Perky-Pet Hummerbar Hummingbird Feeder (2 feet)

Hummerbar Hummingbird Feeder

A bar feeder with 22 feeding ports, it can accommodate a whole flock at once. It comes with a string for hanging, which makes it move a lot. So you can get chains and S-hooks, or even attach it to poles to keep it steady. The tube is leakproof, and there is a rubber funnel for refilling. There are no perches though, which can be a minus point for bird watchers.

You can go for the 4 feet long variant with 44 feeding stations as well.

Capacity: 16oz

Check Price

12. More Birds Vintage Style Antique Glass Bottle Hummingbird Feeder

Glass Hummingbird Feeders

Rustic glass jar design with 5 feeding ports, it is suitable for any kind of outdoor space. Some users have experienced the top portion of the glass bottle coming off due to some manufacturing defect. So, check it well before starting use.

Capacity: 20oz

Check Price

13. Perky-Pet Looking Glass Hummingbird Feeder

Looking Glass Hummingbird Feeder

A beautiful glass feeder that adds a kind of fairy charm to a garden. It does have a drawback in having a narrow neck, making it difficult to clean and refill. Still, it looks unique, works well, and doesn’t leak (when aligned properly).

Capacity: 32oz

Check Price

14. EJWOX Miniature Hummingbird Feeder (Pack of 4)

Hummingbird Feeder with Hanging Wires

A set of four tiny feeders with a feeding port each, you can either hang them separately at different spots or together on a chandelier-style hanger. The feeders are leak-proof but need to be refilled quite often.

Capacity: 2.3oz

Check Price

15. Audubon Cap Strawberry-Shaped Hummingbird Feeder

Cap Strawberry Hummingbird Feeder

The unique shape and red color are good at attracting hummingbirds. The plastic material is durable, and the feeder has 4 feeding stations with detachable white plastic flowers. The wide shape and large size make it easier to clean.

Capacity: 40oz

Check Price

Few Tips on Where to Hang a Hummingbird Feeder

  • Find a safe spot where the feeder cannot easily be accessed by animals like dogs and cats to get the hummingbirds that come to feed.
  • It should be visible from a distance, so placing it near objects of vibrant colors, like over blooming mixed flowerbeds, makes it easier for the birds to spot them. You can also use colorful crystal decorations to make the feeder more eye-catching.
  • Hang it in a shaded spot where the hummingbirds can have some privacy, instead of having to dodge larger birds and other animals to get to the feeder.
  • Hummingbirds are territorial, and can get defensive about a certain feeder; so it is better to hang more than one so they have enough spots to go to.
  • Lastly, try to keep it close to your house so it is easier for you to check on it, and maintain it.

When it comes to placing any feeders in your garden, make sure to keep them safe for visitors. There should be nothing nearby that can be a threat to the birds, like an electrical outlet, or anything that might heat up, like a bulb. Also, keep the feeders under surveillance at all times.

by | Updated: July 27, 2019

Email

Newsletter

Get email updates about what's new for gardeners this season