When purchasing a hummingbird feeder, you’re committing to keeping it clean for the health of your local hummer population. “Before shopping for a hummingbird feeder, make sure you are prepared for the necessary upkeep,” warns Sarah Barnard, avid birder and WELL and LEED accredited designer. “Feeders should be cleaned once to several times per week to keep feeders safe for birds, depending on season and climate.” Not all hummingbird feeders are created equal. We sifted through sizes, materials, styles, and other attributes to find the best hummingbird feeders. Our top pick is Perky-Pet’s pinchwaist feeder because of its overall functionality and affordability. Plus, it’s easy to refill, with a broad opening and un-screwable base. Here are the best hummingbird feeders available online. Many states have reported an increasing number of avian flu cases. Before setting out bird feeders, birdbaths, or birdhouses, please check with your state’s department of natural resources. Keep in Mind: The feeder is made up of lots of small parts that might be difficult to keep track of and reassemble when you’re cleaning it. A quality hummingbird feeder has several functions. It should be easy to take apart, clean, and refill. Hummingbirds should be able to relish on nectar in peace at a welcoming feeder. The red coloring on Perky-Pet’s pinchwaist feeder attracts hummers, and the bee guards keep the nectar supply insect-free. While this is our top pick, 16 ounces is a smaller capacity than the reservoirs of a lot of other feeders on this list, but since it’s important to clean feeders often, a smaller feeder can mean less wasted nectar when it’s time for a wash. With a wide opening and un-screwable base, the body of this feeder is easy to clean. But the bee guards and individual ports are small and detachable, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on them when you’re deep cleaning. Price at time of publish: $17 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 16 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Keep in Mind: This plastic feeder is very plain, so while it gets the job done, it’s not the prettiest pick on the list. If this is your first time purchasing a hummingbird feeder and you’re on a budget, this affordable, leak-free First Nature feeder is a great option. The 16-ounce plastic reservoir has a broad opening, which makes nectar refills quick and painless, and a two-component base that unscrews from the reservoir so it’s easy to clean. Ten flower-shaped feeding ports allow plenty of room for hummingbirds to feed happily. A 360-degree perch allows birds to land from any angle. This plastic budget feeder is complete with an S-hook for simple installation on a tree or wherever your heart desires. Available in a bright red hue, hummingbirds will flock to this feeder and begin to recognize it over time. Note that this hummingbird feeder isn’t dishwasher-safe, but the relatively few pieces mean it shouldn’t take long to clean. This new style was recently updated with narrow bee and wasp slots on the ant moat, rather than holes. Previously, it had one large hole at each feeding port. With the change, bees will move on and let hummingbirds feed in peace. Price at time of publish: $10 Product Details: Material: Plastic | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 16 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Keep in Mind: Since it’s so large, we recommend investing in a larger, sturdier s-hook when hanging this feeder. Looking for a sleek glass hummingbird feeder? Perky Pet’s 30-ounce clear glass hummingbird feeder makes it easy to monitor nectar levels, with a wide-mouth bottle for convenient refills and cleaning. Six flower-shaped feeding ports with built-in guards keep bees out of the nectar supply and a built-in ant moat safeguards nectar from other lingering insects. The bright yellow and red hues attract hummingbirds from yards away to relish on the wraparound perch. If you’re lucky, you may hear the beat of hummingbirds’ wings as they approach the feeder outside your window. To get you started, the feeder comes with enough nectar concentrate to make eight ounces of nectar. Note that you may need to purchase a chain separately to install this feeder and may want to invest in a larger, sturdier s-hook. Price at time of publish: $26 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 30 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Keep in Mind: With a max capacity of only 12 ounces, you’ll need to fill this particular feeder up regularly. Juegoal’s hanging hummingbird saucer feeder features eight feeding ports and holds 12 ounces of nectar. A built-in ant moat defends from unwanted insects and protects the nectar supply while supplying a hummingbird perch. With a bronze hanging rod opening, this plastic feeder can be hung on a hook or directly on a tree. The removable top makes cleaning and refilling a breeze. Despite the numerous feeding ports, hummingbirds can still become territorial, so it’s not a bad idea to place numerous feeders throughout your yard. Typically, saucer-style hummingbird feeders are the easiest to clean. When selecting the perfect hummingbird feeder for your needs, maintenance is an important factor to consider. Remember, hummingbird feeders require bi-weekly, sometimes daily, cleaning. Price at time of publish: $17 Product Details:
Material: Plastic | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 12 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Keep in Mind: With only two feeding ports, it’s unlikely you’ll see multiple hummingbirds at a time at the same feeder. Whether you live in the city or a rural setting, window-mounted bird feeders are the perfect accessory to observe hummingbirds in their natural setting, even if you’re enjoying a family meal around the dining room table. This Sweet Feeders two-piece copper feeder has two feeding ports with two glass bottles for easy refills and cleaning. The nectar is close to the feeding ports, so it’s easily accessible for hummingbirds. Crafted from copper, glass, and silicone rubber, this feeder is sturdy and built to withstand harsh weather. The glass bottles are dishwasher-safe, but the silicone tips are hand-wash only. Strong suction cups secure the feeder firmly to the window, with a modern aesthetic so it won’t be an eye-sore. Nectar levels are clearly visible, so you’ll always know when to refill. While this style feeder is great for easy birdwatching, if you have small children or nature-loving pets who are active by the window you’re feeder is attached to, they’ll likely scare hummingbirds away. Price at time of publish: $45 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Suctioned | Capacity: 6.7 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Keep in Mind: Despite its large size, the feeder only has five ports, so some hummingbirds might get territorial over it. If you’re constantly refilling your hummingbird feeders, it may be time to upgrade to larger vessels. More Birds created the Big Gulp 40-ounce glass feeder for your active avian population to feed on nectar from sun up to sundown. Multiple hummingbirds can feed at a time and perch with five feeding ports. Bee guards and a built-in ant moat reserve nectar just for hummingbirds, no insects nor unwanted pests are allowed. It’s easy to clean and refill with a wide-mouth glass bottle and detachable flat threaded base that screws on and off. The lid is leakproof, and the vibrant red draws hummingbirds from meters away. Hot temperatures can damage this feeder, so do not place it in the dishwasher. Wash by hand with warm, soapy water at least once a week, and more often in hot climates. Price at time of publish: $35 Product Details:
Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 40 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Keep in Mind: If your goal is to attract more birds, you’ll need to invest in—and clean—multiple feeders. If you find yourself wasting nectar when you go to clean out your hummingbird feeders, it may be time to downgrade in size. Aspects’ highview mini feeder has an 8-ounce capacity in a plastic, saucer-style dish. Three feeding ports and a high perch allow multiple hummingbirds to stop and smell the roses, or the nectar. Crafted in the U.S. from unbreakable polycarbonate plastic, this feeder can withstand a gnarly fall. Like other saucer-style feeders, this one has the benefit of being relatively straightforward to clean and refill. Rest assured, if you’re not happy with your purchase, Aspects offers a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $26 Product Details:
Material: Plastic | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 8 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Keep in Mind: This feeder doesn’t have a built-in ant moat, so you’ll need to clean it thoroughly and more often. Nature’s Way blown glass hummingbird feeder is as focused on being as functional as it is beautiful. This glass dish feeder is made from thick, sturdy glass and holds 16 ounces of nectar, with a wide opening and dishwasher-safe components that are simple to remove. Outside rings let hummingbirds perch and bask in the sun while feeding. The lid and flowers are sealed with silicone, so leaking won’t be an issue, also providing a sufficient feeding distance for hummingbirds as they perch. Bee guards aren’t built-in on this feeder, but aren’t necessary with the intentional design of the feeding ports. Keep in mind that this feeder doesn’t have an ant moat to protect from insect intrusion, so it should be cleaned a bit more regularly than other feeders. The aesthetics of this feeder make it a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re focused on visual appeal. Hummingbirds don’t care about the feeder’s ornate details, but if your feeder is on a patio or covered porch, you’ll certainly appreciate the design. Price at time of publish: $42 Product Details:
Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Amount of Food Held: 16 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Keep in Mind: Unlike plastic and glass, copper will show weathering over time, so you might want to take this feeder in during colder months or keep it shielded from rain. Perky-Pet created this 12-ounce feeder with style and functionality in mind. With a metal lid, clear glass reservoir, and brushed copper finish, this feeder doesn’t follow the usual red and yellow color theme. Metal frames also provide hummingbird feeders with the most stability. As with any feeder with metal components, this feeder might rust over time, so it might be a good pick for a covered porch, rather than leaving it exposed to rain. A wide-mouth opening makes for easy refills, and the base disassembles into multiple pieces for simple cleaning. Each of the four feeding ports has a red flower with built-in bee guards to draw birds in and a 360-degree perch for birds to serenely sip nectar. Price at time of publish: $55 Product Details:
Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 12 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Keep in Mind: The decorative glass container makes it much harder to see how much nectar is left in your feeder. If you’re on the hunt for an effective hummingbird feeder that doubles as an artistic statement, Muse Garden has just the feeder you’ve been longing for. Since this unique feeder is handmade, each one will look a little different. This gorgeous fade-resistant, hand-blown glass feeder can hold 34 ounces of nectar. A wide, threaded mouth makes for easy cleaning and refilling. The base is composed of metal and plastic and each component comes apart for cleaning. This sustainable feeder is crafted from recycled materials. As an added bonus, hardware is included to mount this feeder three different ways. Not only is this feeder a work of art, but it also has no trouble attracting multitudes of hummingbirds with its bright coloring. If you have a large yard, it’s not a bad idea to install a few of these feeders for hummers who are extra territorial. Some birds do insist on having their own feeder. Price at time of publish: $43 Product Details:
Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 34 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No

What to Know About Hummingbird Feeders Before Shopping

Size

Reservoir capacity impacts how many birds can feed at a time and how often you need to refill your feeder. Nectar should be switched out every three to four days at most, and cleaned between refills. The more hummingbird feeders placed throughout your yard, the more hummingbirds you’ll see. Note that hummingbirds get competitive and are protective of their feeders. Sixteen to 32-ounce feeders are the most popular. This size prevents waste and provides enough nectar for a few days. It’s often better to get a few smaller hummingbird feeders spaced out across your yard rather than one large feeder since nectar spoils after five days. The hotter it is outside, the quicker nectar spoils.

Material

Plastic and glass don’t rust over time, so they’re ideal for hummingbird feeders. Both materials are affordable, sturdy, and clean effortlessly. When feeders hit the ground (and they will), you want something durable that won’t break. Plastic feeders are cheap, lightweight, and crack-resistant but may warp, fade, or crack over time in the sun. Some plastic feeders are dishwasher safe. Glass feeders are sturdier and last longer than plastic feeders. Plus, they’re easier to clean. Simply soak glass feeder components in warm water. One drawback with glass feeders is that they’re more susceptible to breaking if they fall.

Design

Naturally, hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially red. While it’s important to have a bright hummingbird feeder, color isn’t everything. Plastic and glass hummingbird feeders come in two main styles, inverted (tube) and saucer (dish). Tube feeders hang upside down, holding nectar at an ideal pressure. Saucer feeders are shallow dishes either uncovered or stocked with ports, allowing a hummingbird to completely immerse its beak in nectar. Depending the model, inverted or saucer feeders may have a single feeding port or multiple. Unlike other avian species, hummingbirds aren’t social and prefer to feed alone without competition. They’re territorial creatures, so the more ports the better.

Installation

Hummingbird feeders need to be placed strategically in a sheltered location, like in a tree where hummingbirds can forage for food. It’s key to place a feeder close to other spots where birds can perch, possibly next to other bright flowers. When placed in the shade, nectar is less likely to spoil. Place your hummingbird feeder in a location where it can be easily enjoyed from a window in your home. You’ll need easy access to clean and refill your feeder regularly. “An excellent way to encourage hummingbirds to visit your garden is to pair feeders with native plants known to attract hummingbirds,” noted Sarah Barnard, avid birder and WELL and LEED accredited designer. “Offering a diversity of feeding options will appeal to a broader range of hummingbirds, keeping them nourished and happy while enhancing the visual enjoyment of the outdoors.” Hummingbird feeders can hang, sit on the tabletop, or be attached to a window. Hanging feeders should be elevated five feet off the ground and can be easily installed with a j-hook on a sturdy tree branch. If your dwelling has large windows, opt for a suction-cup feeder.

Questions for Your Questions, Answered

What should you feed hummingbirds?

Heat four parts water until boiling, then stir in one part sugar for the ideal hummingbird nectar concoction. Take off heat and stir the water until all of the sugar melts. Once the nectar cools, it can be added to the feeder. Excess nectar can live in the fridge for a week before spoiling. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, but we don’t recommend adding food dye to your nectar. Food dye can harm hummingbirds, so let the feeder serve as the brightness that draws them.

How do you clean a hummingbird feeder?

Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned once or twice a week with hot, sudsy water and liquid dish detergent. Rinse the feeder with cold water and let air dry before replenishing with nectar.

When should you put out a hummingbird feeder?

Hummingbirds start feeding from early March to early May. We recommend putting feeders out sooner rather than later, as male hummingbirds return earlier from migration than females. You’ll see higher volumes of hummingbirds once mid-summer arrives. There’s no harm in leaving feeders up into late fall in northern locations. Hummingbirds won’t delay their migration due to the presence of feeders. Some hummingbirds even dwell where it’s colder throughout the winter.

Who We Are

This article was written by Daria Smith, a Charleston-based freelance writer and editor who covers commerce for an array of Dotdash Meredith brands including Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, and Southern Living. To come up with this list, she thoroughly researched hummingbird feeders and considered factors like size, material, capacity, and extra features and spoke to Sarah Barnard, avid birder and WELL and LEED accredited designer for additional information on hummingbird feeders.