Best Hummingbird Feeder

The 13 Best Hummingbird Feeders: An Ultimate Guide and Review

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If you have been trying to attract hummingbirds to your yard, you might have considered a hummingbird feeder. After all, an excellent hummingbird feeder can bring these beautiful little birds right to your garden. 

What’s the best kind, though? What features should you look for? Is there anything to avoid when choosing a hummingbird feeder? It’s worth thinking about your options before buying the first hummingbird feeder you see. 

The thing is, there are many different well-made nectar feeder designs on the market. Choosing between the available options may be challenging, but this article will help you make an informed choice! 

Product Name
Top Glass Feeder
Muse Garden Glass Blown Hummingbird Feeder
Top Plastic Feeder
RayHome Leak proof Plastic Hummingbird Feeder
Large Capacity
Perky Pet Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder
Image
Muse Garden Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging, Hummingbird Gifts for Women, Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder, Garden Decor Backyard Decor, Unique Gardening Gifts for Older Women, 34OZ, Comet
Wosnows Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors, 26 Ounces Colorful Polymer Plastic Leakproof Hummingbird Feeders for Outside Garden Patio Hanging
Perky-Pet 9204-6 Top-Fill Grand Master Glass Hummingbird Feeder – 48 oz
Customer Rating
-
-
-
Material
Made From Glass
Made From Plastic
Made From Plastic
Capacity
34 oz Capacity
26 oz Capacity
48 oz Capacity
Feeding Ports
4 Feeding Ports
4 Feeding Ports
6 Feeding Ports
Size
6.3 x 6.3 x 9 inches
8.78 x 5.28 x 5.28 inches
7.87 x 7.87 x 14.57 inches
Top Glass Feeder
Product Name
Muse Garden Glass Blown Hummingbird Feeder
Image
Muse Garden Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging, Hummingbird Gifts for Women, Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder, Garden Decor Backyard Decor, Unique Gardening Gifts for Older Women, 34OZ, Comet
Customer Rating
-
Material
Made From Glass
Capacity
34 oz Capacity
Feeding Ports
4 Feeding Ports
Size
6.3 x 6.3 x 9 inches
Top Plastic Feeder
Product Name
RayHome Leak proof Plastic Hummingbird Feeder
Image
Wosnows Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors, 26 Ounces Colorful Polymer Plastic Leakproof Hummingbird Feeders for Outside Garden Patio Hanging
Customer Rating
-
Material
Made From Plastic
Capacity
26 oz Capacity
Feeding Ports
4 Feeding Ports
Size
8.78 x 5.28 x 5.28 inches
Large Capacity
Product Name
Perky Pet Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder
Image
Perky-Pet 9204-6 Top-Fill Grand Master Glass Hummingbird Feeder – 48 oz
Customer Rating
-
Material
Made From Plastic
Capacity
48 oz Capacity
Feeding Ports
6 Feeding Ports
Size
7.87 x 7.87 x 14.57 inches

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Benefits of a Hummingbird Feeder

Before we look at the features you should consider when choosing a hummingbird feeder, let’s talk about why hummingbird feeders can be such a great addition to your backyard. 

Even though hummingbirds don’t necessarily need a feeder, your chances of viewing hummingbirds increase if you can bring more of them to your yard or garden. That’s why, in addition to planting a garden full of colorful flowers, putting out a feeder is a great way to attract hummingbirds. 

Here are some additional benefits of hummingbird feeders:

  • You can enjoy hummingbirds earlier in the season before your flowers begin to bloom.
  • Similarly, at the end of the season, you can feed any hummingbirds who haven’t yet migrated with a feeder.
  • Providing additional sugar water to hummingbirds helps them recover from their long migration in the spring and prepare for their return south in the fall.
  • If you don’t have the space to plant a lot of flowers, you can still hang a feeder!
  • Hummingbird feeders are usually quite affordable, whereas planting a beautiful garden can require a significant financial investment.
  • Hummingbirds often return to the same feeders every year! That makes their arrival more predictable and their visits more consistent. 

With benefits like this, is it any surprise that so many people choose to hang feeders every spring and maintain them throughout hummingbird season? Hummingbird feeders make popular gifts because pretty much everyone enjoys having the opportunity to see and hear these colorful little birds. 

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Hummingbird Feeder

When choosing a feeder, some features are more important than others. 

No dripping or leaking

The problem with a dripping or leaky feeder isn’t just that it makes a mess. (Although the mess is definitely an issue!) It’s also a problem because you don’t want to waste the sugar solution you’ve made or the nectar you’ve purchased. 

Check the reviews to ensure that the feeder has a good reputation for NOT being leaky and messy.

Easy to wash

Unfortunately, not everyone with a hummingbird feeder knows the importance of consistent cleaning. Be sure to choose a feeder that makes cleaning easy!

All you should need to clean a feeder is warm, soapy water and a few cleaning brushes.

Easy to fill

Filling the feeder should be easy and mess-free. Don’t let feeding the hummingbirds become a chore because of a frustrating feeder that is difficult to refill with sweet nectar. 

Easy to hang

This one is pretty self-explanatory! Because feeders need to be taken down to be cleaned and refilled regularly, it is important that you can hang them easily. 

Large enough to hold enough sugar syrup for at least one day of feeding

When it comes to hummingbirds, bigger isn’t always better. You don’t want to have a feeder that holds too much nectar because you will end up throwing away the extra syrup before it molds or ferments. But you also don’t want something too small–your feeder should provide enough syrup for the whole day. 

Not too expensive

There is no reason to spend tons of money on an expensive feeder. The cheapest feeder may not be a great option because it may be messy or hard to clean, but something in the middle will usually work well! 

Allows hummingbirds to sit or drink on the fly

There are two standard options for hummingbird feeders: a bottle or a dish. Either way, make sure that the hummingbirds can perch on the feeder or get their food on the wing. 

Most hummingbird feeders on the market will meet these basic requirements. However, some very inexpensive and poorly made models that appear in some stores and online can present frustrating issues like being difficult to open, having uncleanable parts, and being prone to cracking, leaking, and breaking. 

Common Types of Hummingbird Feeders

There are different styles of hummingbird feeders on the market, and you can choose the one that best meets your needs. I’ll walk you through the standard options and then let you know my preference! 

Inverted Glass Nectar Feeders

These common feeders have a nectar reservoir typically made of glass but may also be made of plastic or metal. The reservoir is bottle-shaped, with feeding ports (small holes) at the bottom. 

To use this kind of feeder, unscrew the base, fill the feeder, re-attach the base, and flip it back over. This creates a vacuum seal, and just enough nectar fills the base to be accessible through the feeder ports. 

Benefits of Inverted Feeders

  • They hold enough nectar to get through one day of hummingbird feeding.
  • They are relatively easy to clean; you only need a few different cleaning brushes. 
  • You can quickly glance at the feeder to assess how much nectar is left inside. 
  • They tend to hold more nectar than other feeder styles.

Drawbacks of Inverted Feeders

  • There is a learning curve to filling and cleaning these hummingbird feeders.
  • Some inverted feeders are prone to leaking, especially if the base is not aligned correctly. 
  • These feeders are more likely to attract insects. 

Saucer Hummingbird Feeders

A saucer-style hummingbird feeder has a base with a cover. The base is filled with nectar, and the feeding ports in the base provide the hummingbirds with access to their food. 

A saucer feeder is typically made of plastic, but you may also find them made of glass or metal. 

Benefits of Saucer-Style Feeders

  • They are easy to assemble and fill.
  • Cleaning them is incredibly easy.
  • They can be easily mounted just about anywhere, including on fence posts and deck railings.

Drawbacks of Saucer-Style Feeders

  • Saucer-style feeders are not as noticeable to hummingbirds, meaning it takes longer to notice the sugar water you are offering them.
  • They tend to have less capacity than inverted feeders, which leads to you filling them more frequently.

Which Feeder Attracts the Most Hummingbirds?

Do hummingbirds prefer one kind of feeder over another?

Ultimately, there are no significant differences between these types of feeders when it comes to attracting hummingbirds! The saucer feeder may be less noticeable, so an inverted feeder may attract more hummingbirds. But that is not a hard and fast rule.

Plenty of saucer-style users get plenty of hummingbird visitors compared to inverted glass-style users.

What is much more important than feeder style when it comes to attracting hummingbirds? Providing a consistently clean and full feeder! 

Which is Better: Glass or Plastic Hummingbird Feeders?

Just like there are benefits and drawbacks to the different styles of feeders, the same is true of the materials the feeders are made of. There are three primary materials types: glass, plastic, and metal. 

Plastic feeders tend to deteriorate faster over time and can become discolored in the sun. That means they may look older than a nicer glass hummingbird feeder. If you choose plastic, you also want to pick something that is BPA-free in case BPA causes problems for hummingbirds.

That doesn’t mean that glass feeders are perfect, though. Glass feeders weigh more than their plastic counterparts. Their heft requires you to have a more secure spot to hang them, and you are taking an additional risk each time you handle the feeder to clean or refill it. 

A benefit to the weight of a glass feeder is that it is less likely to tip over if a large bird lands on it or if an animal like a squirrel decides to check it out. 

Are Metal Feeders Safe?

Most hummingbird feeders have some metal components. Small screws and the hardware you use to hang the feeder are common metal pieces in plastic and glass feeders. There is nothing to be worried about from these small metal pieces.

However, feeders with a metal saucer or inverted reservoir present some pretty big problems for hummingbirds and those who feed them.

Specifically, sugar water that touches metal regularly is likely to cause corrosion over time, making your nectar unhealthy for hummingbirds to consume. 

We don’t recommend metal feeders for this reason.

What Size Hummingbird Feeder Should I Get?

The size of your hummingbird feeder should be based on how many hummingbirds you have visiting your yard and how frequently you will be replacing the nectar water. 

Hummingbirds are known for being quite territorial, so many backyard birders will only end up feeding a small number of them throughout the season. If you are only feeding a few birds, an 8-ounce feeder should do the job just fine. 

Hummingbird feeders can hold up to 40 ounces of nectar, but I don’t recommend starting with anything that big! Start small and attract a few hummingbirds first, then add more feeders or slowly increase the size of your feeders to accommodate your visitors as they arrive. 

What Color Do Hummingbirds Like Best?

Hummingbirds are known to like the color red. Does that mean buying a red feeder or filling it with red-colored nectar is a good idea?

First, it’s important to understand that hummingbirds like colorful blooms. They are seeking rich, nectar-producing flowers. When they see a red feeder, they are likely to associate it with the flowers that provide them with such an essential part of their diet. 

Second, you may have heard about birders putting red food coloring in their hummingbird nectar. Many companies sell red-colored nectar for their feeders, and some recipes call for adding red dye to the sugar and water mixture. 

That said, red dye is problematic for a few reasons. One, it’s totally unnecessary; a red feeder will do the same thing as the red dye. Two, many experts have voiced concerns about the safety of artificial colors for these tiny, delicate birds. 

Our advice is to skip the red dye. 

Are There Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeders?

Like hummingbirds, bees are pollinators. They are attracted to many of the same sources: colorful blooms, anything that makes a lot of pollen, and tubular blooms. 

Have you ever spilled a sugary drink on a hot summer day? The bees can be almost unbearable! Think of hummingbird nectar as a similarly attractive substance. If you want to avoid having a feeder full of bees, you may need to get creative!

You could buy a product marketed as a bee-proof hummingbird feeder, or you could try out some of these strategies: 

  • Keep your feeder as clean as possible!
  • Clean up any spills and make sure your feeder doesn’t have any leaks.
  • Hang the feeder in the shade rather than the direct sunlight. (Bees prefer to be in the sun!)
  • Choose a feeder that doesn’t have any yellow components. The color yellow attracts bees and wasps.
  • Purchase a decoy wasp nest to hang near your feeder. The bees will stay away, but the hummingbirds will ignore it.
  • Offer a pollinator-rich garden so that the birds are more interested in the flowers than the feeders. 

Review of The Best Hummingbird Feeders Available

These are some of the best feeders you can find sorted by type.

Glass Hummingbird Feeders

Muse Garden Hummingbird Feeder

Sale
Muse Garden Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging, Hummingbird Gifts for Women, Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder, Garden Decor Backyard Decor, Unique Gardening Gifts for Older Women, 34OZ, Comet
  • WONDERFUL COLORS TO ATTRACT HUMMINGBIRDS: Beautiful Blue glass hummingbird feeders for gardeners and bird lovers. Glass garden...
  • GREAT GIFT IDEA: Unique hummingbird gifts for women. Gift ideas for mom, older women, gardeners, and grandparents who have...
  • CONVENIENT TO USE: Much bigger feeder including user manual,1 ant moat, 1 S hook, 1 hemp rope (to hang the bird feeder), and 1...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is one of my favorite hummingbird feeders because of how beautiful the colors are! It includes features like an ant moat (which prevents ants from getting into your nectar) and a leak-proof gasket to keep the base from being messy.

Pros: 

  • Beautiful design
  • Glass material
  • Made from recycled materials

Cons:

  • The larger size (34 ounces) means that if you don’t have a lot of hummingbirds, you may end up wasting homemade or store-bought nectar

More Birds Red Jewel Hummingbird Feeder

Sale
More Birds Red Jewel Hummingbird Feeder, Glass Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors, 5 Feeding Stations, 20 Ounces
  • NECTAR CAPACITY: Holds 20 fluid ounces of hummingbird nectar
  • FEEDING PORTS: Features five flower shaped feeding ports to accommodate multiple hummingbirds
  • ATTRACTS MORE HUMMINGBIRDS: Red glass and red metal flower feeding ports designed to attract hummingbirds.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This 20-ounce feeder will attract hummingbirds with its deep red coloring. The manufacturer also makes feeders in other designs. It has five feeding stations that provide plenty of nectar, meaning hummingbirds can approach from all directions for 360-degree feeding. 

Pros:

  • Lovely red color
  • Sturdy glass material
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Does not include an ant moat
  • Coated glass (rather than colored glass) means you will need to be careful when cleaning it not to scrub off the color

Nature’s Way Bird Products GHFZ Handblown Illuminated Top Fill Feeder

Sale
Nature's Way Bird Products GHF7 Hand Blown Illuminated Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder
  • Beautiful, thick, hand blown glass in vibrant colors
  • Extra wide opening enables easier filling and cleaning; all parts easily remove and are dishwasher safe (*LED is not dishwasher...
  • Silicone gasket on lid and flowers for tight leak-free fit

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for a glass saucer-style feeder, this 16-ounce model may be the option for you! The handblown glass means you are hanging something beautiful, not just practical, for your hummingbirds. 

Pros:

  • Beautiful handblown design
  • 16 ounces is the perfect size for beginning hummingbird watchers
  • Illuminated via a solar panel, so it’s great for the environment and viewing
  • Leak-free gaskets prevent wasted nectar

Cons:

  • Very delicate–requires careful cleaning and handling
  • Harder to clean than other designs

Plastic Hummingbird Feeders

RAYHOME Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors

Sale
Wosnows Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors, 26 Ounces Colorful Polymer Plastic Leakproof Hummingbird Feeders for Outside Garden Patio Hanging
  • 🐦【BRILLIANT COLOR COMBINATION】Sweet honey is often in bright flowers, so hummingbirds look for natural hues of red, pink,...
  • 🐦【UPGRADED LEAK PROOF DESIGN】The plastic base of the upgraded hummingbird feeder can be better combined with the silicone...
  • 🐦【ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PLASTIC MATERIAL】This hummingbird feeder is made of environmentally friendly polymer materials....

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you have been looking for a hummingbird feeder that looks like glass but has the durability of plastic, this option is ideal! At 26 ounces, it’s a mid-size feeder with four feeding ports. 

Pros:

  • Durable
  • More attractive than some other plastic models

Cons: 

  • Opaque design makes it difficult to check to see if you are out of nectar

Sewanta Hummingbird Feeder [Set of 2]

Hummingbird Feeder 10 oz [Set of 2] Plastic Feeders for Outdoors, with Built-in Ant Guard - Circular Perch with 5 Feeding Ports - Wide Mouth for Easy Filling/2 Part Base for Easy Cleaning
  • ATTRACTIVE FEEDER: (Set of 2) 10 ounces of nectar in this glass feeder attract multitudes of hummingbirds to your backyard. 7...
  • LEAKPROOF RESERVOIR: The mouth of the reservoir tightly screws onto the base, effectively sealing the bird feeder. After filling...
  • ANT GUARD FOR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS: An ant moat is attached to the top of the feeder. Fill it with water and drive away any...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying two feeders can be a great way to entice more hummingbird visitors. Or you can alternate between the two feeders so that you always have one hanging while you clean the other. This 10-ounce hummingbird feeder is ideal for people with just a few hummingbirds.

Pros:

  • Good value
  • Includes an ant moat
  • Two hanging options: hook or twist tie

Cons:

  • People with large hummingbird communities will likely need a larger feeder
  • Not as aesthetically pleasing as some other options

FORSNOW Window Hummingbird Feeder

FORSNOW Window Hummingbird Feeder,Handmade Creative Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors,Upgrade 3 Red Flower Plastic Bottles
  • Creative window bird feeder with powerful suction cup.Attach the feeder to the window without a telescope, and you can observe the...
  • This plastic hummingbird feeders stand is very light and easy to change the position of the feeder.Our hummingbird feeders for...
  • The creative coneflower bird feeder is made of metal wire, which can be bent at will to change its shape.Bottle with red flowers...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you looking for something truly unique? This is one of the only feeders we’ve seen that is neither inverted glass nor saucer-style. Instead, it is made of 3 small tubes that are attached to a bird watcher’s window via suction cups. 

Pros:

  • Truly unique
  • Suctions directly to your window
  • Mimics the natural composition of flowers that hummingbirds are drawn to

Cons:

  • The three tubes are quite small and require frequent refilling
  • A bit complicated for consistent feeding

Large-Capacity Hummingbird Feeders

Perky-Pet the Grand Master 48 Ounce Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet 9204-6 Top-Fill Grand Master Glass Hummingbird Feeder – 48 oz
  • Wide-mouth, Top-Fill design for easy, mess-free filling
  • Six flower-shaped feeding ports are soft and flexible for a natural feel
  • Feeding stations include removable perches

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Now, this is a big one! At 48 ounces, this is one of the largest feeders on the market. For people with lots of hummingbirds, you can provide them with tons of nectar throughout the day. 

Pros:

  • Huge nectar capacity
  • Sturdy construction to support its weight when filled
  • Six feeding portals

Cons:

  • Plastic construction, so not ideal for people who love glass feeders
  • Reviews state that if the sugar water gets on the outside of the feeder, it can be difficult to assemble and re-assemble without re-cleaning the whole thing

BQYPOWER Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors Hanging

BQYPOWER Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors Hanging, Large 42 Ounces Hummingbird Nectar Capacity Hummingbird Feeders Hand Blown Glass, Humming Wild Bird Feeder Include Moat Hook, Hanging Wires, S-Hook
  • 🐦【LARGE 42 OZ & Easy to Use】Compared with other 36oz and 28 oz bird feeders on the market, our 42oz large-capacity...
  • 🐦【UPGRADED LEAK PROOF DESIGN】The upgraded hummingbird feeder has a more precise base and silicone sealing ring,which...
  • 🐦【HAND BLOWN CRAFTSMANSHIP】Each glass hummingbird feeder is blown by hand by an ingenious craftsman. The color is embedded...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Not quite as big as the Grand Master 48-ounce feeder, the BQYPOWER feeder still holds a lot of nectar for busy hummingbird gardens. Plus, you get that handblown glass look popular in smaller feeders.

Pros:

  •  Includes the feeder, moat hook, hanging wires, hemp rope, and s-hook
  • Large capacity
  • Leak-proof base

Cons:

  • Like other large feeders, this one requires consistent washing
  • You may waste nectar if you don’t have a lot of hummingbirds visiting 

Trophable Window Hummingbird Feeder

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for a unique feeder that attaches directly to your window, I recommend this one! It is a horizontal tube with 12 to 18 feeding ports along the top, depending on which you choose. Starting at only 14 ounces, this window bird feeder doesn’t exactly fit the “large capacity” requirement to make it on this list, but I love how it spreads out the ports in order to allow more hummingbird activity without needing more nectar. 

Pros:

  • Unique design
  • Attaches directly to your window, making it easy to watch the hummingbirds

Cons:

  • Needs to be refilled frequently if you have a lot of hummingbirds
  • Lacks a built-in ant moat

Hand Feeders

Have you ever seen the people who manage to feed hummingbirds right from their hands? With patience and practice, this can be you! Hand feeders are useful for this kind of feeding. Here are a few of my favorites and a few details about each of them!

ZUMMR Hummingbird Ring Feeder

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This little ring is an actual hummingbird feeder that you wear on your finger and holds a tiny amount of nectar. The red color is appealing to hummingbirds, although it comes in a variety of colors. And this budget hummingbird feeder only costs $5!

Zopeal Hummingbird Ring Feeder

Hummingbird Ring Feeder Hummingbird Hand Feeder for Outdoors Flower Hand Held Hummingbird Feeding Tools Mini Hand Feeding Tools Backyard Nature, Red and Yellow (Ring Style,4 Pieces)
  • Bright colors: the package includes 4 pieces of hummingbird hand feeders in different styles, bright colors and flower shape will...
  • Close to nature: you are allowed to use this kind of handheld hummingbird feeding tool to feed birds and enjoy the fun of being...
  • Plastic material: this flower-shaped hummingbird ring feeder is made of plastic material, which is small, light, easy to carry,...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Like the ZUMMR, this is another feeder you wear on your finger. However, it holds a bit more nectar than the ZUMMR. Four feeders come in one package. 

Senemo Handheld Hummingbird Feeder

Handheld Hummingbird Feeders Ring Feeder Hummingbird Wrist Feeder Feeding Perch Hand Feed with Adjustable Strap 2 Pieces Ring Feeder and 1 Pieces Wrist Feeder Kit Hand Feed Hummingbirds
  • ⭐ Hummingbird ring feeder with wrist feeder set. Kit includes: (2) Hummingbird Feeder Ring;(1) Hummingbird Wrist Feeder....
  • ⭐ The wrist feeder with adjustable strap(6"-8") allow you to adjust for the suitable size to wear. The ring is elastic, and the...
  • ⭐ Easy to Use. Fill the hummingbird feeder ring with honey, and wear hummingbird feeders ring , it will attract humming bird to...

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A wrist-feeder is a great alternative to a ring-feeder! Imagine wearing a wristwatch that hummingbirds want to visit! You can choose between a ring or a watch-style feeder with this multi-piece set. 

Perky-Pet 9100 Handheld & Tabletop Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet 9100 Handheld & Tabletop Hummingbird Feeder
  • Feed hummingbirds right from your hand or rest the feeder on a tabletop or other flat surface
  • Designed to fit comfortably in your hand so it’s easy to hold steady
  • Three flower-like ports are soft and flexible to offer a more natural feeding experience for hummingbirds

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This little feeder is nice because you can leave it on a tabletop as a feeder so that the hummingbirds become familiar with it before you start hand-feeding. It has three feeding ports, giving each hummingbird more options when they visit. It comes in packs of one or four. 

Flowers to Go With Your Feeders

I’ve talked a lot about how hummingbirds love flowers. Instead of depending only on your feeder (or feeders!), you can also plant flowers that provide natural nectar and are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. Be sure to look at the growing zones for each of the flowers I’m going to list in this section because not every flower here will grow in every part of North America. 

Annuals that Attract Hummingbirds

Annuals need to be planted every year. One of the benefits of planting a lot of annuals is that you can make changes from season to season. They are great for the experimental gardener who loves to try new things and find out what works. 

Some of the best annuals for attracting hummingbirds are:

  • Canna Lily
  • Comfrey
  • Four-O’clock
  • Fuchsia
  • Gladiolus
  • Impatiens
  • Mexican Sunflower
  • Nasturtium
  • Pentas
  • Peruvian Lily
  • Petunia
  • Red Salvia
  • Sage
  • Snapdragon
  • Zinnia

Perennials that Attract Hummingbirds

Perennials return year after year. They are great for gardeners who like a lot of stability and consistency. They tend to be a bit more costly, but plenty of affordable options exist. Talk to your flower and garden shop to find out which perennials will work best in your garden. 

If you want to appeal to hummingbirds, great perennial options are:

  • Bee Balm (Bergamot)
  • Bleeding Heart
  • Cardinal Flower
  • Columbine
  • Coral Bells
  • Cowslip (Virginia Bluebells)
  • Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
  • Daylily, Foxglove
  • Gay Feather (Blazing Star)
  • Hollyhock
  • Hosta
  • Hyssop
  • Jewel Weed
  • Larkspur
  • Milkweed (Butterfly Weed)
  • Obedient Plant
  • Penstemon
  • Phlox
  • Pink
  • Raspberry
  • Red-Hot-Poker
  • Soapwort
  • Turtlehead

Container Plants that Attract Hummingbirds

It would be nice if everyone had the time, space, and finances to create a spacious, flower-filled garden. However, planters can still be a great option if you don’t have a lot of space!

Adding a few flowering plants to your porch or window alongside your feeder can help you see more hummingbirds, whether your state’s hummingbird season is long or short! Container plants, or potted plants, tend to be compact and manageable while still showing off bright colors and beautiful greenery.

Some of my favorite potted plants for attracting hummingbirds are: 

  • Geranium
  • Fuschia
  • Nasturtium
  • Petunia 
  • Lantana
  • Impatiens
  • Coral Bells
  • Cigar plant
  • Lobelia
  • Salvia
  • Verbena
  • Zinnia

A Few More Natural Options!

A few more options include trees, vines, and shrubs! 

Trees

  • Black Locust
  • Flowering Cherry
  • Flowering Crabapple
  • Horsechestnut
  • Mimosa (Silk Tree)
  • Necklace Pod (Silverbush)
  • Red Horsechestnut
  • Siberian Pea Tree
  • Texas Madrone
  • Tulip Tree

Vines

  • Clematis Vine
  • Cross Vine
  • Honeysuckle Vine
  • Red Morning Glory
  • Scarlet Runner Bean
  • Snapdragon Vine
  • Trumpet Vine or Creeper

Shrubs

  • Autumn Olive
  • Azalea, Beauty Bush
  • Butterfly Bush
  • Buttonbush
  • Cardinal Shrub
  • Common Witch Hazel
  • Flowering Quince
  • Glossy Abelia
  • Golden Currant,
  • Gooseberry
  • Honeysuckle
  • Lilac
  • Red Buckeye
  • Red-flowering Currant,
  • Rhododendron
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Snowberry
  • Viburnum

One Last Thing: Choose a Hummingbird Feeder You Will Use!

If there is one last piece of advice I have for you about picking your feeder, it’s this: choose one that you’ll really use!

If you have ever gotten really excited about a new project or hobby and spent a lot of money only to abandon the project a few weeks later, you’re not alone! But that’s not something you want to see with hummingbird feeders.

Hummingbird feeders take more work than other feeders that you can fill and forget about for a while. They require a significant commitment, including consistent cleaning, filling, repairs, and monitoring. 

I advise buying a feeder that meets your specific needs, something that is safe, easy to clean, easy to hang up and take down, and appropriate to the number of hummingbirds you expect to have. Don’t buy a bunch of expensive feeders and over-commit, only to get burned out a short while later!

Hummingbird watching takes patience and consistency. If you choose one or two high-quality feeders and maintain them throughout the season, you will get to enjoy these amazing birds for as long as they stay in your area. 

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