The 5 Best Types Of Hummingbird Feeders
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Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating types of feathery fowl to watch. These speedy fliers are like tiny fighter jets, flying at unbelievable speeds while defending their territory. The fact that hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward makes them even more uniquely fascinating to observe. Because of their tiny stature and ability to move so quickly, they are difficult to find in the wild, so in order to catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures, you will need to bring the wild to you.
When you are shopping for feeders, there are a few features that will attract these birds better than others. Perhaps the most important thing to consider is color. The cones in the retina of hummingbirds are plentiful, making them especially attracted to the color red, which signals high levels of the sugary nectar they need for energy. With that in mind, here are a few of our favorite feeders for attracting these tiny birds to your yard.
Best overall
We love the design and price of the heavy Hanging Hummingbird Feeder on Amazon. With a 4.8 average rating, it's safe to say that buyers do, too. Unlike most feeders, this option has a round, flat design, making it easier to clean than those with bottlenecks. Visitors to these feeders have a perch to rest their weary little bodies as they eat. The removable top is red to attract hummingbirds, but the bottom is clear, making it easy to see when the nectar is running low or if it needs to be cleaned. Cleanliness is vital to the health of birds, so the ability to maintain a safe food source makes this feeder a favorite of birds and birders alike.
An unexpected but very welcome feature of this feeder is the built-in ant moat. Hummingbirds are not the only ones who love that sugary water, and ants can be a significant pest around feeders. Not only can they repel hungry hummers, but they can get into the nectar and taint the food source. You only need to fill the ant moat with water after hanging it to keep ants away from the nectar and feeding holes. As an extra benefit, at around $10 each, you can afford to get several.
Best budget feeder
To get the best bang for your buck, check out the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder from Walmart, which can hold up to 16 ounces of nectar. This is an excellent option for those lucky folks who have many tiny mouths to feed. At the bargain price of around $5 each, this is also a good choice for folks just starting the process of attracting hummingbirds — no big investment is required. If you want several feeders around your yard and garden, this product allows you to have as many as you desire without spending a lot of money.
We also like the design of this feeder because it comes apart in three pieces, making it easy to thoroughly clean without any special tools. If you have had issues with bees or wasps around your feeder in the past, the First Nature Feeder claims to be bee and wasp resistant.
Best window mounted feeder
What is better than waiting and watching for hummingbirds when you are spending time outside? Never missing a visit from your favorite feathered friends with the Redboat Window Hummingbird Feeder, of course! This $22 small feeder holds 10 ounces of nectar and attaches to your window with suction cups. Whether you're doing dishes or binging your favorite show, you can still enjoy a little bird watching.
The flat, simple design of this hummingbird feeder makes it easy to take apart to clean and refill. It even comes with a little brush so you can clean out the feeding holes. We also love that this feeder has a built-in ant moat. Also, unlike other suction-mounted feeders, this option features heavy-duty suction cups, which reviewers state keeps the feeder in place in spite of the amount of nectar and water it holds. Although the feeder adheres to glass with those suction cups, they are not attached to the feeder itself. You can lift off the reservoir portion for cleaning and slide it back on to refill. Easy peasy.
Best ornamental feeder
For those looking for something a little more ornamental to attract and feed hummingbirds, the WOSIBO Hummingbird Feeder ($27) in the Red Firework color is a gorgeous option. This product features a colorful hand-blown nectar reservoir. We love the semi-transparent look of this glass, which is primarily red with some hints of rainbow colors. This feeder offers four "flower" feeding holes with accompanying perches.
Although it is slightly more difficult to clean than some of the other options on this list, the clever design actually makes it fairly easy to take apart in four pieces to ensure it stays safe to use. You will need a bottle brush to clean the reservoir, which is not included, but it does come with a mini brush to clean around the flowers and scrub the feeding holes. Speaking of what is included, although not built in, this hummingbird feeder comes with an external ant moat that connects via the hook on top, keeping ants out. The moat is pretty small, though, so you may need to refill it with water frequently.
Best handheld feeder
Have you seen the viral videos of people feeding hummingbirds right out of their hands (or, in some cases, very interesting hats)? If you think you have the time and patience to sit still long enough to earn the trust of a hummingbird, the ZUMMR Hummingbird Ring Feeder may be for you. This one size fits all ring would make a fun gift, or just use it as a challenge to sit and be for a while. Although it comes in various colors, we suggest the red option for the reasons we stated earlier — hummingbirds just love red.
For under $5, the hummingbird ring feeder has only one hole and just holds a little bit of nectar. Although this product has a 4.2-star rating, reviewers have had mixed experiences. Experimenting with a handheld feeder is best used in areas with an established hummingbird population. If you are still trying to attract your first birds, you may be sitting a long time before you see one. But hey, even if it doesn't work, you get some quality quiet time outdoors, and that is a benefit in itself.