Gardening Garden Design Birdhouses & Birdbaths The 13 Best Hummingbird Feeders of 2023 to Attract Feathered Friends to Your Yard Create an avian oasis with these hummingbird feeders. By Brandi Fuller Brandi Fuller Brandi Fuller is a writer and editor specializing in home and garden products at Better Homes & Gardens. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Daria Smith Daria Smith Website Daria Smith is a freelance writer who specializes in home improvement, fashion, lifestyle, and travel content. Her work has appeared in Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Eating Well, Forbes, and Martha Stewart Living. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 28, 2023 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know About Hummingbird Feeders Before Shopping Questions for Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. BHG / Lecia Landis If you're looking to attract hummingbirds into your yard, it's important to provide them with a tasty treat. While you can always include hummingbird-friendly plants in your landscaping, an easier solution is setting up a hummingbird feeder with nectar instead. 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." But not all hummingbird feeders are created equal—we sifted through sizes, materials, styles, and other attributes to find the best hummingbird feeders. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Perky-Pet Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: First Nature Hummingbird Feeder at Walmart Jump to Review Best Glass: Perky-Pet Hummingbird Feeder at Walmart Jump to Review Best Saucer: Juegoal Hanging Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Windows: Sweet Feeders Window Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Large: More Birds Big Gulp Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Handheld: Prasacco Hand Held Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tabletop: Perky-Pet Handheld & Tabletop Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Blown Glass: NiemaTK Colorful Hummingbird Feeder at Etsy Jump to Review Best Metal: Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Hummingbird Feeder at Walmart Jump to Review Best Overall Perky-Pet Favored Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It This glass hummingbird feeder is affordable and has plenty of ports for birds to choose from. 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. Our top pick is the Perky-Pet Favored Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder. This glass hummingbird feeder features five ports for hummingbirds to drink from, and each port has a perch for the birds to sit while they drink. The feeder can hold 16 ounces, which is a smaller capacity than the reservoirs of a lot of other feeders on this list. However, 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 unscrewable 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 Best Budget First Nature Hummingbird Feeder 4.2 Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It With only three pieces that touch nectar, this feeder is incredibly easy to keep clean. 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, the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder is an affordable option. The 16-ounce plastic reservoir has a broad opening, which makes nectar refills quick and painless. It also has a two-component base that unscrews from the reservoir so it’s easy to clean. There are 10 flower-shaped feeding ports that 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 from a hook on your porch. Available in a bright red hue, hummingbirds will flock to this feeder. This hummingbird feeder isn't dishwasher-safe, but the relatively few pieces mean it shouldn’t take long to clean. Price at time of publish: $6 Product Details: Material: Plastic | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 16 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Best Glass Perky-Pet Our Best Red Base Glass Hummingbird Feeder Walmart View On Walmart View On Lowe's View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It Nectar levels are easy to monitor through clear glass in a sleek vessel. Keep in Mind The container opens at the bottom, so it may be a little messy to change the nectar. If you’re looking for a glass feeder, we love the Perky-Pet Our Best Red Base Glass Hummingbird Feeder. Its clear glass makes it easy to monitor nectar levels, and because it has a capacity of 30 ounces, it can hold quite a bit. This feeder has six flower-shaped feeding ports with perches. There are built-in guards and an ant moat to help keep bees and other insects out of the nectar supply. While most feeders are only available in red, you can purchase this one in either red or purple. Since this container opens at the bottom, it is a little cumbersome to clean and change out the nectar. However, because it has a wide mouth, you can easily clean the inside of the glass. Price at time of publish: $28 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 30 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Best Saucer Juegoal Hanging Hummingbird Feeder Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why You Should Get It This flat feeder gives you full visibility to see any hummingbirds that stop by for a feed. Keep in Mind With a maximum capacity of only 12 ounces, you’ll need to fill this particular feeder up regularly. The Juegoal 12 oz Hanging Hummingbird Feeder is the best saucer hummingbird feeder. With eight feeding ports and perches, your hummingbirds will love feeding from this saucer. With a bronze hanging rod, this plastic feeder can be hung on a hook or directly on a tree. The removable top makes cleaning and refilling your feeder a breeze. The plastic saucer has a capacity of 12 ounces, so you may find yourself refilling this feeder more often than others. Price at time of publish: $12 Product Details: Material: Plastic | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 12 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes The 9 Best Small Greenhouse Kits You Can Assemble Yourself Best for Windows Sweet Feeders Modern Window Hummingbird Feeder Etsy View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Etsy Why You Should Get It The glass bottles that store the nectar are dishwasher-safe, making this feeder one of the easier picks to clean. 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. The Sweet Feeders Geometric Window Hummingbird 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 so you don’t have to worry about the feeder falling off. Nectar levels are clearly visible, so you’ll always know when to refill. Price at time of publish: $45 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Suctioned | Capacity: 6.7 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Best Large More Birds Big Gulp Hummingbird Feeder 4.5 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On HorseloverZ.com Why You Should Get It This 40 ounce feeder is perfect for yards that host many hummingbirds. Keep in Mind Despite its large size, the feeder only has five ports. 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. 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 The 10 Best Hammocks for Lounging, Camping, and Everything in Between Best Handheld Prasacco Hand Held Hummingbird Feeder Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It The four-piece set includes brushes to help keep your feeders clean. Keep in Mind There aren't any perches for hummingbirds to sit on. If you want to get up close and personal with your hummingbirds, the Prasacco Hand Held Hummingbird Feeder is the best feeder for you. This set includes four 4 centimeter plastic feeders that you can hold in your hand. There are two red feeders with yellow flowers, and two yellow feeders with red flowers. The set also includes four cleaning brushes to help you keep your feeders clean and safe for your birds. Although these feeders don’t have perches, the flower design is slightly raised so your birds can sit on them. To pour nectar into your feeder, simply twist off the top and add your nectar. Price at time of publish: $9 Product Details: Material: Plastic | Installation Type: Handheld | Capacity: 4 x 3 centimeters | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Best Tabletop Perky-Pet Handheld & Tabletop Hummingbird Feeder Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It This three-port feeder can be placed on a tabletop or held in your hand. Keep in Mind There isn’t an ant moat. Let your hummingbirds be the centerpiece with this Perky-Pet 9100 Tabletop Hummingbird Feeder. The pink and purple feeder is designed to sit on a table, so you can place it out while enjoying a cup of coffee or glass of wine. The tabletop feeder features three soft and flexible ports for feeding, and the tapered design of the flower ports help prevent bees and wasps from feeding on the nectar. To fill the feeder, simply lift off the top and pour your nectar into the container. It can hold 2 ounces of nectar, so it’s perfect for filling each day and enjoying the show. Price at time of publish: $7 Product Details: Material: Plastic | Installation Type: Tabletop | Capacity: 2 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Best Blown Glass NiemaTK Colorful Hummingbird Feeder Etsy View On Etsy Why You Should Get It There are eight different styles of the handmade feeder. Keep in Mind Because it is handmade, the surface may show some small bubbles. If you love the distinctive look of blown glass, the NiemaTK Colorful Hummingbird Feeder will look right at home in your hummingbird garden. Available in eight unique styles, this handmade feeder features a beautiful design and four to five ports, depending on the style. Each port has an individual perch for your hummingbirds to enjoy their nectar. The bottom of the feeder is leak proof, and there is a coating on the metal to prevent rusting. Each feeder also includes an ant moat and a bee guard to help keep your hummingbirds’ nectar safe. Even better, the 27-ounce feeder is sustainably made from recycled materials. Keep in mind that because each item is handmade, there may be small bubbles on the surface from the glass blowing process. Price at time of publish: From $34 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 27 ounces Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes Best Metal Perky-Pet Elegant Glass Copper Hummingbird Feeder Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair View On Home Depot Why You Should Get It While it still has accents of the red and yellow that attract hummingbirds, the copper is a beautiful design touch. 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. 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. 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. Price at time of publish: $17 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 12 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Best Ring Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It This dishwasher safe ring feeder is available in seven bright colors. Keep in Mind It only holds a miniscule amount of nectar. For a lighthearted twist on attracting your favorite birds, use a ring like the Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder. Simply put the ring on your finger and wait for your winged friends to flock to you. And to make this feeder even more fun, it’s available in seven different colors: blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow. Purchase your favorite color, or buy several colors to wear on multiple fingers. Simply twist to remove the lid and pour in a small amount of nectar. To clean, you can just put your ring on the top rack of your dishwasher. If you don’t want to put the ring around your finger, you can also stick in a pot of dirt or sand and enjoy the avian attractions. Because the ring is so small, it only holds about 1 ounce of nectar so you’ll have to replace it often. Price at time of publish: $5 Product Details: Material: Polypropylene | Installation type: Handheld | Capacity: About 1 ounce | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Best Mason Jar Perky-Pet Mason Jar Vintage Glass Hummingbird Feeder Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It This vintage-inspired glass feeder will add some southern flair to your hummingbird haven. Keep in Mind It doesn’t come with an ant moat. If you love the classic, southern look of a mason jar, the Perky-Pet Mason Jar Vintage Glass Hummingbird Feeder is the best hummingbird feeder for you. Depending on what look you want, you can purchase this jar feeder in either a light blue vintage glass or a bright red vintage glass. This 32-ounce feeder has a wide mouth, so it’s easy to clean and refill. It also has five ports for your birds to feast, and a circular perch for prime seating. The durable glass and metal components will ensure that your birds can enjoy this feeder season after season. This hummingbird feeder doesn’t have an included ant moat, but you can purchase one to hang your feeder from to help protect your hummingbird nectar. Price at time of purchase: $31 Product Details: Material: Glass and metal | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 32 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: No Best Mushroom LaElvish Garden Hummingbird Feeder Amazon View On Amazon Why You Should Get It This colorful feeder will attract hummingbirds while making a bold statement in your garden or porch. Keep in Mind The feeder unscrews at the bottom, so it may be a little messy to change out the nectar. For those who love the retro mushroom trend, this is the best hummingbird feeder for you. The LaElvish Garden Hummingbird Feeder is an artful, hand blown glass feeder with 11 different colorful designs. This show stopping mushroom-shaped feeder features four feeding ports with individual perches. The editor-tested and loved feeder can hold 28 ounces of nectar, and attracts both birds and neighbors alike with its swirling, bright colors. The leak-proof design helps to keep all the nectar in for your hummingbirds, and this feeder also comes with an ant moat. This feeder should be hand washed, but it’s simple to disassemble to clean. However, the feeder unscrews at the bottom, so you may want to open it over the sink to avoid any mess. Price at time of purchase: $21 Product Details: Material: Glass | Installation type: Hanging | Capacity: 28 ounces | Ant Barrier/Moat: Yes The 15 Best Bird Feeders to Attract Cardinals, Hummingbirds, Finches, and More to Your Yard The Bottom Line Perky-Pet Favored Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder earned the top spot as the best hummingbird feeder because it’s easy to use and clean, and it has a wide opening and unscrewable base. 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. 16- to 32-ounce feeders are the most popular. This size prevents waste, yet 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 affordable, lightweight, and crack-resistant, but may warp, fade, or crack over time, especially if placed in direct sunlight. Some plastic feeders are dishwasher safe, like the Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder, but many should be washed by hand. Glass feeders are sturdier and generally last longer than plastic feeders. Many glass feeders can be washed with a mild soap and warm water. Since glass can be blown, there are often more styles and designs with glass feeders. However, though they are durable, 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 on 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 also 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,” says Barnard. “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 be hung from a hook or tree, attached to a window, placed upon a tabletop, or held in your hand. Hanging feeders should be elevated 5 feet off the ground and can be easily installed with an S-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. If you plan on leaving your feeder up late into the fall, we recommend one like the Perky-Pet Favored Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder that is made of glass and is durable against cooler weather conditions. How do you keep ants out of hummingbird feeders? Because ants love sugar, you may notice them trying to steal your hummingbird nectar. Many hummingbird feeders, like the LaElvish Garden Hummingbird Feeder, come with an ant moat, which helps prevent ants from crawling into your feeder. If you have a hanging hummingbird feeder that doesn’t have an ant moat, you can buy a hook that has a moat. Simply fill the moat with water, and the ants won’t be able to get to the sugar water. Who We Are This article was originally 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. This article was updated by Brandi Fuller, an Associate Commerce Editor for Better Homes & Gardens. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit