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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Hummingbird feeders are specifically designed to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Sounds idyllic, right? It certainly can be, but just remember that some maintenance is required, too. “When you’re looking for a hummingbird feeder, one of the best features is something easy to take apart and clean, because you’ll be doing it often,” says Emma Greig, director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
When researching the best hummingbird bird feeders, we evaluated products based on their size, shape, and material, as well as ease of filling and cleaning to bring you this list of the best options.
Best Overall
Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Multiple feeding ports
Wide-mouth bottle for easy filling
Built-in bee guards and ant moat
All parts can be disassembled for easy cleaning
Small capacity
With its appealing and user-friendly design, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder is our top choice for attracting backyard birds. This glass feeder comes in two colors—red or clear—and it features four flower-shaped feeding ports to draw in hummingbirds. Each feeding port has a built-in bee guard to prevent insects from poaching the nectar. There is also a perch below every port so multiple birds can feed at once. This feeder also has a built-in ant moat at the top of the lid to further deter insects.
This feeder is conveniently designed for easy filling and cleaning. Thanks to the wide-mouth bottle, it’s easy to pour the nectar in without spilling it. All of the parts—even the built-in bee guards–can be disassembled for a thorough cleaning. The only potential downside to this hummingbird feeder is its relatively small reservoir, which holds up to 8 ounces of nectar. Despite their small size, hummingbirds have a good appetite, so you’ll likely have to refill the feeder frequently. The bottle is made of clear glass, however, allowing you to monitor the nectar levels.
Price at time of publish: $16
Size: 8 ounces | Shape: Inverted, Hourglass | Material: Glass
Best Budget
First Nature Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Simple yet effective design
10 feeding ports
Circular perch at the base
Easy to fill and clean
Includes an S hook for hanging
Not as attractive as other options
Slightly tricky to open base
This hummingbird feeder from First Nature features a simple yet effective design, and it comes at a very affordable price. Plus, the bright red color drew regular visitors to our yard during testing. There's a ring at the bottom where birds can perch, as well as ten flower-shaped feeding ports–providing plenty of space for your feathered friends. The feeder is made of plastic, and while it doesn't feel as nice as glass and metal, the price reflects the materials. One advantage to plastic, however, is that it’s less likely to break or rust.
The First Nature feeder holds 16 ounces of nectar, and we liked that the clear bottle allows you to see how much nectar remains. Plus, the wide mouth makes it super easy to fill and clean this feeder. It also comes with an S hook, which slips easily onto a tree. We did find it a bit tricky to open the two pieces on the base, and some nectar spilled out during the cleaning process. Though, on the bright side, the base is equipped with latches and a sealing ring, which prevent the feeder from leaking when it’s fully assembled.
Price at time of publish: $15
Size: 16 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Plastic
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Glass
More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Attractive, vintage-inspired design
Five feeding ports and perches
Made of transparent glass to monitor nectar
Easy to clean and fill
Awkward hanging mechanism
May not hang entirely straight
Our favorite glass option, the More Birds Hummingbird Feeder has a vintage-inspired design and is available in several antique bottle shapes, including an elixir bottle and a mason jar. You can also choose among four different colors: blue, purple, aqua-mint, and red. We especially appreciated that the detachable base is not plastic (many on the market are), but metal with an elegant burnt penny finish. Plus, the transparent glass makes it easy to monitor the nectar glass. And speaking of the glass, we tested the aqua-mint version, and suspect that a red hue would likely attract more birds.
With a 20-ounce capacity and five flower-shaped feeding ports (each with its own perch), this feeder offers plenty of room for multiple birds to feed comfortably. The wide-mouth bottle is removable for easy filling and cleaning. We found that the bottle and the base come apart, so the feeder is easy to clean with a brush in warm, soapy water. The only hiccup to the otherwise solid design is the hanging mechanism. The metal ring at the top of the feeder doesn’t fit snugly, causing it to tilt a bit when hanging. On a positive note, this minor flaw doesn’t seem to discourage regular visitors.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: 20 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Glass
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
Best Plastic
SEWANTA Plastic Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Multiple feeding ports and perches
Built-in ant moat
Wide-mouth reservoir for easy filling
Base comes part for easy cleaning
Smaller capacity in reservoir
May attract bees
This plastic hummingbird feeder from Sewanta is lightweight, well-designed, and affordably priced. It has a 10-ounce clear reservoir so you can easily keep an eye on the nectar level. With five flower-shaped feeding ports and a circular preach below each one, several birds can comfortably feed at one time. Another welcome feature is the built-in ant guard at the top, which prevents insects from contaminating the nectar.
The wide-mouth reservoir allows for easy filling, and the two-part bases twist apart for a thorough cleaning. A tight seal prevents the feeder from leaking, even when it’s turned upside down. As an added convenience, this feeder comes with two hanging options: a metal S hook and a tie-wrap. Note that this feeder is on the smaller side, so it’s best suited for a couple of birds at a time. The smaller capacity also means that you will likely have to refill it more frequently. We have also read some reports that this feeder attracts bees, which isn’t a big surprise, considering there aren’t any bee guards on the feeding ports.
Price at time of publish: $18
Size: 10 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Plastic
Best Metal
Perky-Pet Elegant Glass Copper Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Elegant design
Wide-mouth bottle for easy filling
Base comes apart for easy cleaning
Multiple feeding ports and 360-degree perch
Copper finish may rust
Lacks an ant moat
With a brushed copper lid and base, this elegant hummingbird feeder from Perky Pet will make a stylish addition to your yard. Four flower-shaped feeding ports encourage multiple birds to feed at once, while the circular perch at the bottom allows birds to feed from all angles. The reservoir holds up to 12 ounces of nectar, and it’s made of sturdy, clear glass so you can easily monitor its usage. The built-in bee guard is a great feature (but this feeder lacks an ant moat for optimal insect deterrence).
Thanks to a wide-mouth opening on the bottle, this feeder is easy to fill, and the base comes apart for a quick, thorough cleaning. It’s important to note that a metal feeder is more prone to rust (unlike plastic and glass options). We have read some reports of rust spots appearing within a few months of use, so be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any damage or defects.
Price at time of publish: $18
Size: 12 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Glass, brushed copper finish
Best Saucer
Aspects HummZinger HighView Hanging Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Durable construction
Ant moat protects against insects
Built-in hook for easy hanging
Easy to fill and clean
Smaller capacity
Hanging hook is a bit short
Thanks to its high perch, this hummingbird feeder offers an obstructed view of birds. It has four feeding ports and holds up to 12 ounces of nectar. The raised flowers on the feeding ports add to its visual appeal and also help to divert rain. This particular model has a smaller capacity, which means it will need to be refilled more often (though, it’s also available in a larger, 64-ounce version). The bright red cover attracts hummingbirds from a distance, and it’s removable for easy cleaning and filling. It also has a built-in moat to prevent ants and other insects from crawling into the nectar.
The Aspect Hummingbird Feeder is made of durable polycarbonate, which is highly resistant to heat, cold, and impact. It comes with a metal hook for easy hanging, though some say the hook is a tad short. We found a few reports of parts breaking over time; however, this product is backed by a lifetime warranty against any flaws or defects.
Price at time of publish: $30
Size: 12 ounces | Shape: Saucer | Material: Polycarbonate
Best Window-Mounted
Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Easily attaches to a window
Allows for up-close bird-watching
Tapered feeding ports keep bees out
Easily to fill and clean
Smaller reservoir capacity
Parts may break over time
This acrylic hummingbird feeder attaches to a window via a suction cup, providing an up-close view of the action. It can also be hung from a post or tree using a screw or nail. The reservoir holds up to 8 ounces of nectar, and it’s made of transparent plastic, so it’s a breeze to monitor. It has three flower-shaping feeding ports with removable perches, so you can make adjustments if your feeder is attracting unwanted birds. The long, tapered stems on the feeding ports help keep bees and other insects out of the nectar, too. This unit has yellow flower feeding ports, but you can purchase replacement ports in a variety of colors.
Compared to most other options, the reservoir has a fairly small capacity. So, while it won’t bring in a large flock, it’s an ideal size for a few hummingbirds. The feeder has a wide-mouth opening for easy filling, and all of the pieces come apart for a thorough cleanup. We have read some reports of pieces breaking over time; however, this product is backed by a one-year warranty.
Price at time of publish: $16
Size: 8 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Acrylic
Best Decorative
LUJII Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder
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Amazon
Available in multiple colors
Unique and versatile design
Multiple perches and feeding ports
Has a built-in ant guard
Hook isn’t that sturdy
Must be cleaned with a bottle brush
Constructed from hand-blown glass, this hummingbird feeder is as eye-catching as it is functional. The bright, flower-shaped design will attract birds to your yard, and it can also be used as a vase or candlestick holder in the off-season. This model comes in four different colors—blue, purple, red, and yellow—all with a combination of vibrant florals. It has five feeding ports to accommodate multiple birds, as well as five perches where they can rest and stick around longer. The feeder holds up to 25 ounces of nectar, and there is an ant guard at the top of the bottle to protect it from invading insects.
This unit has a rust-resistant metal base that is completely sealed, preventing any spills or leaks. A wide opening on the bottle makes it easy to fill, but it will need to be cleaned with a bottle brush. The feeder comes with an S hook, so you can easily hang it from a tree. Although the two-layer glass is very durable, we have read some reports that the hook isn’t that sturdy, which may cause the feeder to tilt, sway, or fall off completely. You may want to use a shepherd’s hook to keep it securely fastened.
Price at time of publish: $34
Size: 25 ounces | Shape: Flower | Material: Glass, metal base
Our best overall pick, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder, allows hummers to comfortably perch as they feed. It protects the nectar from invading insects and is easy to fill and clean. If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly option, the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder offers plenty of feeding and perching space, though it lacks any insect protection.
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
What to Look for in a Hummingbird Feeder
Size
The size of your hummingbird feeder will determine how many birds it can accommodate, as well as how often it needs to be filled. A smaller, 8- to 10-ounce feeder (like the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder) will work just fine if you’re only catering to a couple of birds. Feeders in the mid-size range of 16 to 32 ounces can store nectar for several days and serve multiple birds—the More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder is a great example of this size.
Shape
There are two common hummingbird feeder shapes: inverted and saucer. An inverted feeder, which is essentially an inverted bottle, has a central reservoir that releases nectar into feeding ports at the bottom. Inverted feeders typically have a larger capacity, and their design makes it easier to monitor the nectar level from a distance. Our pick for best overall, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder, is a great example of an inverted feeder. It's worth noting, however, that because they contain more pieces, inverted feeders are usually more prone to leaking and harder to clean.
A saucer feeder, like Aspects HummZinger HighView Hanging Hummingbird Feeder contains nectar in a shallow dish or tray, allowing ports to be positioned in the reservoir, so the birds can feed through the cover. Unlike inverted feeders, saucer feeders are easy to fill and clean and are more resistant to leaks. They also provide an open view of hummingbird activity. Since saucer feeders don’t hold as much food as inverted feeders, they have to be filled more frequently.
Cleaning
Hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. “Change the sugar water solution, and wash your hummingbird feeder with warm, soapy water every couple of days, especially if it is hot outside,” says Emma Greig, director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Features like a wide-mouth reservoir and removable pieces can make hummingbird feeders much easier to clean than certain other styles, so you may want to prioritize models with one or both. Many hummingbird feeders have an ant moat built into their design, which creates a water barrier and prevents them from accessing the nectar. Once again, our recommendation for best overall, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder, is an example of all of these features in one feeder.
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How do hummingbirds find feeders?
You may have noticed that most hummingbird feeders have some type of red or yellow accent, and that is because hummingbirds find food using their keen eyesight. The sweetest flowers are typically bright shades, so hummingbirds look for shades of red, orange, and yellow when searching for food. For that reason, the best hummingbird feeder placement is often in a spot where the bright color is clearly visible and might even reflect the sun. You can even place them near natural sources of pollen or red yard accents to encourage attraction even more.
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When should I put out hummingbird feeders?
Hummingbirds appear at different times of the year, depending on where you live. Hummingbirds are often found year-round in certain parts of Florida, Arizona, and Texas, but for other southern areas, you’ll likely want to put out feeders in mid to late February. In northern parts of the U.S., hummingbirds will probably not arrive until late April or early May. According to Greig, “In much of the Northeast and Midwest, however, you only have hummingbirds in spring and summer (and only one species – Ruby-throated), so that’s the time to put out feeders.”
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What do I put in a hummingbird feeder?
Hummingbird food, often referred to as "nectar," is surprisingly easy to make at home. The Spruce's hummingbird nectar recipe simply involves dissolving one part granulated sugar in four parts water. “It’s best to boil the water before you add the sugar, to make sure it’s bacteria-free when you fill the feeder,” Greig says. The two ingredients are typically heated on the stove for a few minutes to help the sugar dissolve and to slow fermentation. Once it’s cooled, you can simply pour it into your feeders.
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How often should I clean hummingbird feeders?
It’s important to clean hummingbird feeders on a regular basis to prevent mold and bacteria growth. You’ll know that a feeder needs cleaning if the nectar is cloudy or if there are pieces of debris or even dead insects inside it. One good rule of thumb is to clean your feeders at least once a week.
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How do I keep insects off my hummingbird feeder?
Bees, ants, and other insects are often attracted to sweet hummingbird nectar, but there are a few ways to keep bugs away from hummingbird feeders. You may want to look for a feeder that has a built-in ant moat or bee guard. (These accessories can also be purchased separately.) “Some feeders are designed in a way that keeps the sugar water solution a bit distant from the feeding port, so only hummingbirds, with their long bills, can reach it,” Greig notes. “These can help prevent yellow jackets from feasting on your sugar water.” You can also try placing your feeder in a shady area, moving the feeder around, or even providing an alternative feeder just for insects.
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Are plastic or glass better for hummingbird feeders?
Hummingbird feeders with a glass reservoir are easier to clean than plastic. Over time, plastic can absorb liquids or clouds, whereas glass will stay clear as long as you keep it clean. Feeders made with glass are also heavier, which helps to prevent tipping and leaking caused by windy conditions and feathered feasters.
However, plastic hummingbird feeders may have an edge when it comes to durability. They're much more likely to survive a drop, for example. If you have troublesome squirrels, high winds, or any other conditions that may cause your hummingbird feeder to get knocked to the ground, a plastic feeder is a safer option.
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Why Trust The Spruce?
Sage McHugh specializes in the home and garden sector and has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She makes sure to recommend products that are stylish, functional, and well-reviewed by consumers. For this roundup, McHugh considered dozens of hummingbird feeders, carefully evaluating each product’s size, shape, material, and ease of filling and cleaning. For expert insight on hummingbird feeders, she interviewed Emma Greig, director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.