When it comes to hummingbird feeders, there are literally dozens of different types, styles, and features to choose from, which can make it difficult to choose one that you’re confident will attract more birds to your yard. Should you buy a model that’s made out of glass or plastic?
Are higher-priced feeders a better indication of quality? Will the feeder leak? Is it easy to maintain and refill? The best hummingbird feeder will be designed with both durability and ease of use in mind. What if you want to increase the number of visitors you get each season? If you want to set up several feeders and encourage more birds to visit your yard, the model you choose will be even more crucial, since you’ll risk buying multiples of the wrong model.
These are all important, valid questions to consider before you hit that buy now button. I’ve tried several different models and styles and chose eight feeders that have what it takes to withstand the elements, heavy-duty use, intense heat, and sunlight, and the type of easy to refill design that makes a feeder more convenient and user-friendly.
Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each of the feeders that have made it onto my best-of list.
Best Hummingbird feeders for Backyard Birding Top Picks!
- Brand: FIRST NATURE
- Color: Red
- Item weight: 5.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 24 x 7.25 x 9 inches
- Extra: Feeder is slipped onto a tree with an s-shaped hook
- Brand: Grateful Gnome
- Color: Fiery Red
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 9 inches
- Extra: Has all necessary accessories in same package
- Brand: More Birds
- Color: Multicolor
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.4 x 6.4 x 10.6 inches
- Extra: 5 rounded metal perches for comfortable feeding
Best Hummingbird Feeders for Backyard Birding Comparison Chart
| Product | Material | Feeding Ports | Capacity | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
First Nature 993051-546  | Plastic | 10 | 16 Ounces | |
Grateful Gnome Feeder  | Glass | 4 | 20 Ounces | |
More Birds Glory Feeder  | Glass | 5 | 14 Ounces | |
Muse Garden Feeder  | Glass | 4 | 25 Ounces | |
BOLITE 18005 Feeder  | Glass | 5 | 22 Ounces | |
More Birds Vintage Feeder  | Plastic | 5 | 20 Ounces |
1- First Nature 993051- Top Rated Backyard Hummingbird Feeder
Our Rating:
This popular model by First Nature is a plastic bottle-style feeder that’s bright red and designed to attract these beautiful birds. The large, wide-mouth top makes it easy to fill. The manufacturer claims that this is one of the easiest feeders to refill, due to the two-part base and the jar reservoir design. The feeder has several feeding ports, so you can feed up to eight hummingbirds at the same time. The feeder also comes with a bag of nectar concentrate, which can be mixed up directly in the feeder. This model is pretty standard in design, but the durable bottle, combined with the wide-mouth opening makes it a great buy for the beginner and birders who are looking for a low-maintenance feeder.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Includes free concentrated nectar
- Wide-mouth opening
- Durable plastic
Cons
- Plastic will turn yellow after constant sun exposure
- Concentrated nectar contains dyes and additives
Conclusion
This model is a great buy if you’re looking for a feeder that’s easy to clean, maintain, and refill. However, I would not recommend using the free concentrated nectar that comes with the feeder since it contains dyes and additives, both of which can be harmful to birds.
Additionally, over time, the plastic bottle will begin to turn yellow, which can make it a true eyesore and can also make it difficult for users to determine if the nectar has spoiled.
2- Grateful Gnome – Best Budget Backyard Hummingbird Feeder
Our Rating:
This glass, bottle-style feeder is beautifully designed and will definitely attract more hummingbirds to your yard. Each feeder is handmade and features a unique fingerprint, so no two feeders are alike. The handblown glass is thick, sturdy, and durable.
The colors in the glass are embedded, using two layers of thick glass, so the color will not fade, while the thicker design works wonders in terms of improving the feeder’s durability, preventing cracks and chips in the event it’s blown out of a tree. The big drawback here is the narrow opening, which can make it difficult to clean out thoroughly and refill without spilling nectar.
Pros
- Durable design
- Handmade
- Vivid colors
- Two-layer glass design
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- Difficult to refill
Conclusion
This beautifully made handblown glass bird feeder is sure to quickly become the focal point in your garden and will definitely bring in more bird traffic. The dual-layer design will prevent the feeder from cracking, breaking, or chipping, in the event it’s blown out a tree or you drop it. However, the narrow opening at the top of the bottle can make it difficult to refill and clean.
3- More Birds- Best Glory Hummingbird Backyard Feeder
Our Rating:
This model offers a thirteen-ounce nectar capacity, which is perfect if you don’t want to refill your feeder too often, but you don’t want a high-capacity feeder since the nectar tends to spoil within a matter of a few days. The feeding ports are flower-shaped and designed to accommodate multiple birds feeding at the same time. On the base and the top of the bottle, you’ll find brushed copper accents that are both beautiful and functional. The copper will catch the sunlight, which can make the feeder more visible to birds that are flying overhead. The wide-mouth opening will allow for easier cleaning and refilling, which is a huge plus for every buyer.
Pros
- Easy to clean and refill
- Multiple feeding ports
- Low price
- Brushed copper accents
Cons
- Feeder can break if dropped
Conclusion
The thin glass design can be a concern for buyers who live in areas that are prone to windy weather conditions. Additionally, the feeder can easily chip or crack in the event you accidentally drop it. Aside from low durability, this model is very beginner-friendly and features a wide-mouth design that makes it much easier to fill and clean out the feeder.
4- Muse Garden- Best Size Hummingbird Backyard Feeder
Our Rating:
This bird feeder by Muse is colorful and consists of a blue bottle with brightly colored dots that are sure to attract many backyard visitors. This is a handmade feeder, which means no two bird feeders are alike. The base of the feeder features perches that will allow a tired bird to rest while they eat. The user-friendly design means the feeder is easy to clean and refill, while the base of the feeder is equipped with a gasket, for an effective, leak-proof design. The feeder is made out of one hundred percent recycled materials, which makes it a perfect choice for environmentally conscious buyers.
Pros
- Made out of recycled materials
- Colorful design
- Leak-proof gasket
- User-friendly
Cons
- Glass may crack or chip if dropped
Conclusion
This beautiful, handmade bird feeder is not only designed to attract more birds to your yard, but it will instantly add some elegance to your garden, thanks to the beautiful dot patterns in a variety of vivid colors.
The leak-proof gasket ensures that the bottle will not leak, while the moderate nectar capacity is perfect for the buyer who doesn’t want to have to fill up the feeders several times a week. The fact that it’s made out of glass takes away from its durability, but for most potential buyers this won’t be a deal-breaker.
5- BOLITE 18005- Best Lightweight Backyard Hummingbird Feeder
Our Rating:
This is a large capacity feeder that has a reservoir that can hold up to twenty-two ounces of nectar, so you won’t have to refill it very often. However, this can also be a drawback since nectar tends to spoil quickly, especially in hot weather. But if you have several hummingbirds that visit your yard daily, then this may not be an issue.
The feeder has a total of five, brightly colored feeding ports and perches to match, so a tired bird can drink their fill and rest while doing so. The number of feeding ports will also allow multiple birds to enjoy the feeder at the same time. The style is vintage-inspired and features a glass bottle and plastic base design that adds to the feeder’s durability. The feeder is easy to clean and refill and is designed to be taken apart for a more efficient cleanup job.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Easy to hang
- Five feeding ports
Cons
- Larger than average nectar reservoir can result in spoiled nectar
Conclusion
This model is very versatile and can be hung from poles, trees, used as a window hanger, or perfectly nestled on the branch of a tree. The bright red glass design is sure to attract many birds flying by, while the wide-mouth opening makes it super easy to refill and clean out the feeder once a week.
The larger than average nectar reservoir can lead to a number of problems since this will cause some unknowing bird enthusiasts to not refill the feeder as often until the nectar is low. Unfortunately, nectar tends to spoil within three to five days, especially during intense summer heat. Fortunately, the manufacturer has included instructions concerning feeder care and the importance of using only the freshest nectar.
6- Gray Bunny GB- Best Mini Backyard Hummingbird Feeders
Our Rating:
The Gray Bunny feeder set will allow you to evenly space out your bird feeders and cover a wide area in your yard. This is done in order to prevent aggressive birds from fighting over feeders and territory. These are very simple feeders that are made out of a premium grade durable plastic that will keep the nectar nice and fresh. These feeders can be hung on a variety of surfaces, or you can purchase the window suction cup hanger separately and place one of these feeders in your window for some entertainment for the whole family. The angled, flower nozzle design ports make it much easier for hovering birds to feed, yet there are no perches to allow a tired bird to rest while they eat. Each feeder comes with a single port, so only one bird can use it at a time.
Pros
- Four pack of feeders
- Made out of durable plastic
- Low maintenance
- Wide-mouth design for easy cleaning and refilling
Cons
- No perch
- Only features one feeding port per feeder
Conclusion
This four-pack of bird feeders is a great buy for the bird enthusiast on a budget, however, the set is not without its drawbacks. The lack of a perch can cause a tired bird to pass these feeders by, while the single feeding port design prevents multiple birds from using the feeder at the same time.
However, the single feeding port can also be a plus since it will prevent birds from fighting over the nectar. Overall, this set will give you plenty of bang for your buck, while allowing you to cover a larger area in your yard and feed every hungry visitor that flies through.
7- More Birds Vintage- Unique Designed Backyard Hummingbird Feeder
Our Rating:
This very basic bird feeder can hold up to twenty ounces of nectar per fill and comes with a total of five feeding ports, allowing you to feed five visitors at a time. The vintage bottle-inspired design features a burnt copper finish base, which not only adds to the elegance of the feeder but can also make it more visible to birds that are flying overhead. The wide-mouth design allows you to easily clean out or refill the feeder, while the durable plastic design ensures this model can withstand the elements or a fall, without breaking or leaking.
Pros
- Low price
- Holds up to twenty ounces of nectar
- Wide-mouth design for easy refills and cleanup
- Five feeding ports
Cons
- Price
Conclusion
This five-feeding port antique glass style bottle feeder is beautiful, offering the type of classic look that many birders are looking for. The number of ports will allow you to feed multiple birds at the same time, while the durable design makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a model that can withstand high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
Hummingbird Feeders Buyer’s Guide
If you love watching these beautiful, tiny birds and you’ve even gone so far as to plant flowers that attract hummingbirds, but you’re still not noticing an increase in visitors, then hanging multiple feeders around your yard may be the ticket. But since backyard birding has never been so popular, many manufacturers have produced dozens of models to choose from that are available in a variety of materials, colors, designs, and hanging options.
A hummingbird feeder will be hung outdoors and exposed to the elements.
Additionally, pests and rodents may try to break into it, high wind conditions can cause a feeder to fall off its hanger, and exposure to inclement weather can really put a feeder through the wringer. Bottom line? You need a tough feeder that features a durable design, and a model that you can easily take down when the weather gets rough or you need to clean or refill the feeder.
Furthermore, a good pair of budget-friendly binoculars will help you spot hummingbirds when they are further away. You can also add a nice low-cost harness with your binoculars and you now have some quality bird watching equipment without busting your budget.
A Leak-Proof Design
A leaky feeder can be a big problem since this can attract pests and rodents, can make a huge mess in your yard, and basically wastes nectar. Essentially, a feeder that leaks will be a total waste of money. It’s going to be difficult to determine whether or not you can anticipate that a feeder is going to leak. Because of this, it’s important to read hummingbird feeder reviews. Birders will give you more insight in terms of quality and whether or not the feeder offers a leak-proof design.
Window-Style Feeders
Buying a quality window feeder will allow you to get so much closer to your favorite tiny bird species. A feeder that hangs from your window can be a great addition to any outdoor space and a ton of fun to watch. However, not all window feeders are created equal.
Some will have issues when it comes to sticking to your window. This is a common issue with this type of feeder. But often, it’s a matter of a dirty window, which can prevent the feeder from sticking. So, before you hang a window feeder, make sure you thoroughly clean the outside of the window, without using soap.
You’ll also need to apply enough pressure to the suction cups to ensure it has a good hold on the glass. To prevent a bird from running into your window, place decals on the glass or a few small pieces of foil, which will reflect in the sun, showing the bird that there’s a solid surface they need to avoid.
Hangers and Hooks
A feeder will usually come with wire or a hook, or another type of hanging hardware that will allow you to hang it from your roof, a tree branch, or a pole. When you hang any type of bird feeder, it should be done in an area that provides some protection for the bird, against predators and harsh weather conditions. However, it shouldn’t be in an area that has a lot of brush and other types of coverage, since many predators, such as cats, tend to lie in wait in the hope of pouncing on a distracted, unsuspecting hummingbird.
Dish Feeder
A dish feeder holds the nectar in a saucer located below the feeding ports. This basic design allows you to pour the nectar directly into a dish, place the top of the dish back on and allow birds to start feeding right away. These feeders are very easy to clean and don’t usually have issues with leaking.
Bottle Feeder
A bottle feeder resembles a regular bottle and holds the nectar above the feeding ports and will lower as more of the nectar is consumed. Bottle feeders offer a more stylish option, but they can be very difficult to clean.
For this style, you’ll need to buy small brushes to get inside the bottle and wipe it out to remove old nectar and mold. This style of feeder is also more likely to leak compared to dish feeders.
The style you choose will be a matter of personal preference. If you’re not sure which style will work the best for you, your yard, and your backyard visitors, then try buying one of each style to determine which one you like the best. Most beginners choose the dish feeder design since they’re so much easier to clean, won’t leak, and are easier to refill.
Perches
While some feeders will not have perches, others will come equipped with two or three. It’s true that these birds love to hover when they feeder, they can also appreciate a nice comfortable place to sit while they feed.
Material Type
Glass and sturdy plastic tend to stand up the best to the elements. If you live in a part of the country that’s known for high-wind conditions, then you may want to avoid models that are made out of glass, since they can break the first time they’re blown off their hanger.
Plastic feeders are more durable, but they tend to be harder to clean and the plastic will quickly turn yellow if placed in an area in the yard that receives a lot of bright sunlight.
Moat
A moat is designed to drown ants and other small insects that climb the feeder and attempt to drink the nectar. If a bird notices that a feeder is overrun by ants, it will not attempt to drink from it.
Not only will you have fewer visitors, but if the ants happen to make their way inside the feeder and drown, you’ll have to keep tossing out the nectar. An ant moat is a handy feature to have. While simple, it’s very effective.
Nectar Capacity
Before you buy, learn how much nectar the feeder can hold. If you have plenty of visitors and only plan on hanging one feeder, then look for a model that offers a massive reservoir size at twenty to thirty ounces. If you want to hang several models around the yard to cut down on any bird fights, then choosing a smaller reservoir size can be smart since nectar that’s left in a feeder for more than three to five days can spoil. While you may need to refill these smaller feeders more frequently, you’ll cut down on waste.
Colors
Most hummingbird feeders are red. But why? Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, especially red and orange, which makes sense. In nature, the brighter the color, the sweeter the nectar, which is why hummingbirds tend to flock to red or orange flowers. A brightly colored feeder will be more likely to attract a hummingbird. Make sure the model you choose is predominantly red or orange.
Fortunately, most models will come in red. Feeders that are clear or feature light colors should be avoided. Avoid using commercial red nectar. These dyed nectars can be harmful to birds and also contain other ingredients that you’ll want to avoid such as preservatives and additives. A safer and more affordable option is making your own nectar. If you’d like to learn more, click here to read my article on how to make hummingbird sugar water.
How Many Feeders Should I Buy?
If you want to encourage more visitors, then it makes sense to purchase multiple bird feeders. Most people who are new to feeding hummingbirds make the mistake of purchasing a single feeder, but this can lead to hummingbirds fighting over territory and the use of the feeder. Purchasing multiple feeders and hanging them several feet apart will prevent aggressive birds from fighting and ensures that there’s enough nectar for everyone. If you’re not sure how many feeders to start off with, go for at least two or three and hang them strategically, out of sight from each feeder. This will prevent birds from defending all of the feeders.
Also, read! Best Bird Watching Binoculars
Is Placement Important?
Yes. Learning where and how to hang a bird feeder will not only have an impact on a bird’s safety, but it will also determine how much traffic you can anticipate. If you have the feeder partially hidden by dense foliage, then the feeder will be difficult for a bird flying overhead to spot.
Additionally, if a bird does spot the feeder and it’s placed above the brush, bushes, or other plants, the hummingbird may determine that it’s unsafe and will fly by in search of a safer spot to feed. To learn more about how to hang a feeder the right way, click here to read my article on the best place to put hummingbird feeders.
Wrapping Up- Best Hummingbird Feeders for Backyard Birding
All the above best hummingbird feeders for backyard birding are durable, leak-proof, will come equipped with features that will guard against pests, and are easy to clean. There are many models to choose from on the market, but I’m confident that you’ll find the perfect feeder in my top eight lineup.
Remember, if you’re hoping for plenty of visitors this season and you want to cut down on fights, make sure you buy more than one feeder so you can maintain the harmony in your yard while providing enough nectar for all of your visitors.