Photo: Mytour / David HattanWitnessing hummingbirds darting through your garden is an enchanting sight that never loses its charm. Planting flowers that are rich in nectar, which hummingbirds adore, is an excellent way to bring these fascinating birds into your garden. However, to attract even more of them to your space, installing a hummingbird feeder can be a fantastic way to do so.
Hummingbird feeders are available in various sizes, materials, and styles. According to gardening expert and author Rhonda Fleming Hayes, "When choosing hummingbird feeders, I prefer simple, durable designs that are easy to refill and clean." We evaluated different models based on mounting style, cleaning ease, and long-lasting quality. Additionally, we consulted gardening specialist Jen McGuinness for advice on what to look for when picking the perfect feeder for your garden.
Top Choice
More Birds Glass Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonIts sleek design ensures it won't disrupt the aesthetic of your yard.
It requires hand washing.
For those seeking a simple yet stylish design for their first hummingbird feeder or looking to add to their collection, the More Birds Bird Health+ Glass Feeder is our top recommendation. It features a 10-ounce glass bottle with four white flower-shaped feeding ports and a circular perch, allowing the hummingbirds to either hover or rest while feeding. Additionally, with a built-in ant moat at the top, you won’t have to worry about ants spoiling the nectar.
To refill or clean, simply detach the bottle from the base and wash it by hand with warm water and soap. While placing the feeder in the dishwasher is not recommended, the extra few minutes it takes to hand-wash makes it worthwhile. Additionally, it features a built-in hook for effortless hanging on a tree branch or pole.
Type: Inverted/hanging | Material: Glass, plastic | Size: 10 ounces
Best Value
Nature’s Way Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonIts dishwasher-friendly design makes cleaning a breeze.
It lacks an ant guard to prevent pests.
If you're looking to add a new hummingbird feeder to your collection or considering your first one, this budget-friendly wide-mouth glass feeder is a great option. The Nature's Way Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeder features four vibrant red flower feeding ports. Plus, the jar is engraved with a nectar recipe, helping you always get the perfect sugar-water ratio when refilling.
This compact and convenient feeder is simple to clean, as both the glass jar and removable flower feeding ports are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, or you can wash them by hand. Keep in mind, you might need to refill it more often since the smaller reservoir empties quickly depending on the frequency of hummingbird visits. The benefit of this is that the nectar won't have a chance to spoil, keeping it safe for the birds.
Type: Hanging | Material: Glass | Capacity: 6 ounces
Top-Quality Glass
Birds Choice Hummingbird Feeder Glass
IMAGE: AmazonDesigned to be completely leak-proof, preventing any nectar from being wasted.
The price is on the higher end compared to other feeders.
The Birds Choice Hummingbird Feeder offers a great solution for those seeking a minimalist design. Featuring a sturdy, clear glass bottle, this sleek feeder allows you to easily monitor nectar levels, ensuring timely refills. The eight-ounce capacity bottle is connected to a red polycarbonate base with eight feeding ports, making it perfect for multiple birds to feed at once. The included wrap-around perch also gives birds a place to rest while enjoying the nectar.
Thanks to its built-in brass hanger, this feeder can be hung from branches, hooks, or poles, providing flexible placement options. The leak-proof reservoir ensures that no nectar is wasted or spilled, keeping unwanted animals away. While the simple, no-nonsense design is a highlight, it's worth noting that it comes at a premium price compared to other similar products on the market.
Type: Hanging | Material: Glass and polycarbonate | Size: 8 ounces
Top Plastic Option
Sewanta Plastic Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonIts removable screw-tops make it simple to clean and refill.
It isn't safe for the dishwasher.
The Sewanta Plastic Hummingbird Feeder features five feeding ports, each with a vibrant yellow flower. Its transparent 10-ounce plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor nectar levels and know when it needs a refill. Plus, it includes a perch for hummingbirds to rest while sipping the sugary nectar.
Although the feeder is hand-wash only, cleaning it is made easy thanks to the screwable top and saucer that can be removed. The tight seal ensures no leaks or spills, and the built-in ant moat at the top keeps these insects from reaching the nectar, making it a convenient and hassle-free option for bird enthusiasts.
Style: Hanging | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 10 ounces
Top Metal Selection
Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonThe wide-mouth design of the bottle makes refilling a breeze.
It may rust and trap heat, requiring careful placement.
If you're in search of an elegant yet durable bird feeder, this Perky-Pet metal model is an excellent choice. The 12-ounce glass bottle with a wide opening makes refilling simple, and the base opens easily. Four red flower-shaped feeding ports allow multiple birds to feed simultaneously, either hovering or resting on the perch at the bottom of the feeder.
Keep in mind that metal parts may rust over time. However, if rust appears within the first year, you're covered by a one-year warranty for any defects or damage. Metal also tends to heat up more quickly than glass or plastic, so it's best to place this feeder in a shaded area to avoid overheating.
Style: Hanging | Material: Metal, glass bottle | Capacity: 12 ounces
Top Stand Option
Feed Garden Adjustable Shepherd's Hook
PHOTO: AmazonIt's easy to set up and crafted from rust-resistant materials.
It lacks the visual appeal of a hanging feeder design.
If you don't have an accessible tree branch for hanging a feeder, using a stand like the Feed Garden Adjustable Shepherd's Hook can be a great alternative. This stand is sturdy, flexible, and offers adjustable heights to suit your needs perfectly.
This durable stand is built to withstand various weather conditions, whether it’s rain, snow, or heat, thanks to its rust-resistant coating. You won’t have to worry much about it tipping over either, as its seven-prong base ensures stability by anchoring it to the ground. With its minimalist design, this hummingbird feeder fits effortlessly into any outdoor setting, though we do feel it could have a bit more visual charm compared to other hanging stands.
Type: Stand with hook | Material: Metal | Size: 60–108 inches
Top Saucer
Aspects Mini Hummzinger Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonThe compact size allows for the placement of multiple feeders on a single tree.
Due to its smaller size, it may need to be refilled more often.
The hanging saucer-style feeder provides easy access for hummingbirds to feed on nectar. The Aspects HummZinger Hummingbird Feeder is vivid red with four feeding ports and includes a built-in ant moat to keep ants away from the nectar. Like many saucer-style feeders, it has a perch so that hummingbirds can rest and conserve energy while feeding.
Equipped with a brass hanger, this feeder can be hung on a tree branch, pole, or hook. Hayes notes that hummingbirds can be territorial, so using smaller feeders like this one can be an ideal solution. This polycarbonate feeder holds 8 ounces, so you’ll need to change the nectar regularly. The good news is that it’s simple to clean and refill.
Type: Hanging | Material: Polycarbonate | Size: 8 ounces
Top Decorative Choice
Juegoal Glass Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonIt offers a spacious reservoir for holding nectar.
Due to its larger capacity, you may need to monitor it more often to ensure the nectar doesn’t spoil.
If you’re looking for a practical yet decorative feeder for your garden, the Juegoal Glass Hummingbird Feeder is an excellent choice. Featuring a stunning red inverted glass bottle that securely attaches to a black plastic base, it also includes five red flower-shaped feeding ports. Each port has its own perch, allowing hummingbirds to conserve energy while feeding or hovering.
With a 28-ounce capacity, this feeder is perfect for those with a large number of visiting hummingbirds. However, due to its larger size, you’ll need to regularly check the nectar levels and ensure it doesn’t spoil, ferment, or develop mold or mildew. To clean this feeder, the glass bottle is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, but it’s best to hand-wash the remaining parts.
Type: Hanging | Material: Glass and plastic | Size: 28 ounces
Top Horizontal Design
Aspects Jewel Box Window Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonIt’s quick and easy to install, and includes a removable ant moat for added convenience.
Due to its smaller size, more frequent refills may be needed.
Choosing a horizontal-style hummingbird feeder provides an unobstructed view, allowing you to observe these magnificent creatures up close as they feed. The Aspects Jewel Box Window Hummingbird Feeder securely mounts to the window with two suction cups. It features three feeding ports and a red polycarbonate cover that helps attract hummingbirds. Additionally, a built-in perch allows hummingbirds to enjoy the nectar at their leisure, letting you observe them closely without needing to hover in midair.
With its clear 8-ounce reservoir, this feeder makes it easy to track when it’s time for a refill or a cleaning. Due to its smaller capacity, however, more frequent refills may be necessary. Removing the feeder from the holder is simple and doesn’t require detaching the suction cups, making maintenance a breeze. The detachable ant moat is a helpful feature as well, giving you the option to use it as needed.
Type: Horizontal | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 8 ounces
Ideal for Window Mounting
Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTO: AmazonThe inverted bottle design is unique for a window-mounted feeder.
This feeder is not dishwasher safe.
If you want to enjoy watching hummingbirds up close from the comfort of your home or lack a suitable tree branch, a window-mounted feeder like the Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder is a great choice. It’s incredibly easy to set up—simply attach its suction cup to your window, and you're good to go. This feeder features an inverted bottle design, which is not commonly found in window feeders.
The plastic bottle connects to a red half-saucer with three soft yellow flower-shaped feeding ports. For cleaning, the feeding ports can be detached for a quick and thorough cleanse. We also appreciate that this feeder includes detachable perches, allowing you to customize whether all three feeding ports should have a perch. Keep in mind that none of the parts are dishwasher-safe, so you'll need to wash each component by hand.
Type: Window mount | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 8 ounces
Final Thoughts
The More Birds Bird Health+ Ruby Glass Hummingbird Feeder is our top recommendation due to its affordability, durability, and ease of assembly. If you're looking for a smaller capacity, budget-friendly option, the Nature's Way Bird Mason Jar Hummingbird Dish Feeder is a great choice. Just keep in mind that it lacks an ant guard, which could be an issue if you're trying to keep pests at bay.
Expert Guide to Shopping for Hummingbird Feeders
Type
Hummingbird feeders come in designs that either hang from a tree, shrub, hook, or pole, or are mounted on a window with suction cups. If you prefer a hanging style but don't have a suitable place to hang it, consider buying a stand or shepherd's hook. This gives you the flexibility to choose the best spot for your feeder while ensuring the hummingbirds are safe. "I look for shepherd’s hooks that are sturdy and can support a fair amount of weight," says McGuinness.
For those without places to hang a feeder, window-mounted options offer an excellent solution, providing a front-row view when hummingbirds visit to feed. "I enjoy using [window feeders] because I can place them in various spots in my garden, near other plants where the hummingbirds might also feed, or along a garden path,” shares Hayes.
Hummingbird feeders come in various shapes, primarily either tubular or saucer-shaped (disc-shaped). Saucer feeders are typically smaller with a lower nectar capacity, but they are convenient to fill as you can pour sugar water directly into them. On the other hand, tubular feeders are larger and usually require you to remove the base for refilling.
Tubular feeders have the benefit of being available in multiple sizes, so you won’t be forced to choose a large one. However, if you have frequent hummingbird visitors and prefer a single feeder with a higher nectar capacity rather than using several smaller feeders, this style may be the ideal choice.
Material
The material of a hummingbird feeder affects its performance, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and design preferences. Below are some of the most common materials used for hummingbird feeders:
Glass: Glass is commonly used for hummingbird feeders, particularly in the form of an inverted bottle design that is both attractive and functional. However, glass is heavier and more durable than plastic, though it is more prone to breaking if it falls and hits a hard surface.
Plastic: Hummingbird feeders made of plastic are typically more affordable and can withstand drops better than other materials. However, their lightweight design makes them prone to tipping over in windy conditions.
Metal: Metal feeders offer excellent durability, but they come with some drawbacks. The material tends to absorb heat, which can cause harm to the hummingbirds if they perch on it. Metal feeders are best suited for regions with moderate climates, as they are also prone to rust when exposed to weather elements.
Features
When choosing a hummingbird feeder, it's important to consider several features. "The main feature I look for in a hummingbird feeder is ease of cleaning," says McGuinness, who prefers smaller feeders because they are easier to maintain. "Since they don’t hold much sugar water, they empty quickly. This way, the food doesn’t sit around for too long in the feeder,” she adds.
Similarly, feeders with simple designs are easier to maintain. According to Hayes, "You’re more likely to stay on top of cleaning if it’s easy to take apart and refill." Feeders with smaller reservoirs are also easier to clean and are ideal for areas with fewer hummingbirds.
"For urban residents, an 8-ounce feeder reservoir should suffice," explains Hayes. "However, in rural areas where there may be a greater number of birds vying for the same food source, a 32-ounce feeder might be more appropriate." A smaller reservoir also reduces the risk of nectar fermentation, or the growth of harmful bacteria and mold, which can be dangerous to birds.
Another factor to consider is whether the feeder includes an ant moat to keep insects from contaminating the nectar. If the model you like lacks this feature, don't worry—separate ant moats can be purchased and added to some feeders.
Common Questions You May Have
What is the ideal location to hang a hummingbird feeder?
Proper placement of your hummingbird feeder is key to attracting these birds. "I place mine in a garden near plants that hummingbirds love, like salvia and bee balm," shares Hayes. It's also essential to ensure the birds are protected from predators and feel comfortable. Hanging the feeder in a shaded tree branch is a great choice. "Positioning it near a small tree or shrub gives the tiny bird a safe place to retreat when needed," Hayes adds.
Do hummingbirds have a preference for red feeders?
Hummingbirds are drawn to red flowers, among other bright hues such as orange, yellow, and purple. To attract them even more, McGuinness often uses red items on her feeders. She shares, 'I save my red bows from holiday wreaths and hang them above the feeder in April.' However, both experts advise against adding red dye to the nectar as a means to lure the birds.
Is it necessary to clean a hummingbird feeder regularly?
Keeping a hummingbird feeder clean is essential for frequent visits and for the birds' health, as it prevents bacteria from growing in the sugar water. Hayes points out that cleaning is particularly crucial during warmer weather, as the sugar solution can ferment quickly. She recommends cleaning the feeder weekly, or more often in hot weather. Special brushes are available to make the task easier.
Trust Us on This
This piece was authored by Lauren David, a gardening writer at Mytour. To identify the top hummingbird feeders, she explored various options from leading brands, assessing factors such as styles, designs, size, and ease of cleaning and filling. She also consulted gardening expert Rhonda Fleming Hayes, the author of Pollinator Friendly Gardening; Gardening for Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators, and Jen McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening: Guidance and Projects for Supporting Birds in Your Landscape, to gain insights into what to consider when choosing a hummingbird feeder.
