The 5 Best Hummingbird Feeders: Attracting Nature's Aerial Acrobats
The Editors
Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating and beautiful creatures in the bird world, with their iridescent plumage, rapid wing beats, and incredible aerial acrobatics. Providing them with a reliable food source in your backyard can offer hours of entertainment and enjoyment. In this article, we will introduce you to the 5 best hummingbird feeders available today, and also delve into the diet and preferences of these captivating creatures.
Understanding Hummingbird Diet and Preferences
Before we get to our top 5 hummingbird feeders, it's important to understand what hummingbirds eat and what they like. These tiny birds primarily feed on nectar, a sugar-rich liquid produced by flowers. Nectar provides them with the energy they need to fuel their rapid wing beats and high metabolism. In addition to nectar, hummingbirds also consume insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins and nutrients for their growth and reproduction.
When selecting a hummingbird feeder, it is important to consider their preferences. Hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors, particularly red, as it mimics the appearance of many nectar-producing flowers. They also prefer feeders with multiple feeding ports and easy access to the nectar.
The 5 Best Hummingbird Feeders
Best Classic Hummingbird Feeder
The Perky-Pet Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder features an elegant glass bottle with a classic design, providing a touch of vintage charm to your backyard. The feeder has a 16-ounce nectar capacity and four flower-shaped feeding ports with built-in perches, allowing multiple hummingbirds to feed simultaneously. The wide-mouth opening makes it easy to clean and refill, while the built-in ant moat helps keep pesky ants at bay.
Best View From any Angle HummingBird Feeder
This feeder features a sturdy polycarbonate construction with a 12-ounce nectar capacity and four raised feeding ports that offer unobstructed views of your visiting hummingbirds. The bright red cover and built-in ant moat effectively attract hummingbirds and deter ants. The Aspects HummZinger HighView is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, making maintenance a breeze.
Best Overall Design
The More Birds Ruby Hummingbird Feeder boasts a beautiful design with an attractive red glass bottle and a metal hanger with a decorative brushed copper finish. This feeder has a 10-ounce nectar capacity and five red flower feeding ports, providing ample space for hummingbirds to feed. The wide-mouth opening allows for easy cleaning and refilling, and the leak-proof design ensures that nectar stays in the feeder and off your patio.
Best High Capacity Hummingbird Feeder
If you're looking to accommodate a larger number of hummingbirds, the First Nature 3055 is an excellent choice. With a generous 32-ounce nectar capacity and 10 feeding ports, this feeder is perfect for hummingbird enthusiasts with busy backyards. The bright red base and yellow flower-shaped feeding ports are designed to attract hummingbirds, and the wide-mouth reservoir is easy to clean and refill.
Best Garden Hummingbird Feeder
For a more contemporary look, the Nature's Way MHF4 Modern Top Fill Hummingbird Feeder is a great option. This feeder features a stylish square glass bottle with a 16-ounce nectar capacity, and four soft, flower-shaped silicone feeding ports. The top-fill design allows for easy refilling without inverting the feeder, and the built-in ant moat deters ants from reaching the nectar. The silicone ports are gentle on hummingbirds' beaks and can be easily removed for cleaning.
Attracting hummingbirds to your backyard can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By choosing one of the 5 best hummingbird feeders listed above, you can provide a reliable food source for these stunning creatures and create an inviting environment for them to visit. Remember to keep your feeder clean and filled with fresh nectar, and consider planting nectar-rich flowers in your garden to further entice these aerial acrobats. With a little effort, you can transform your outdoor space into a hummingbird haven.