Choosing the best hummingbird feeder: Tips to attract more hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are adorable creatures and can even add life to any garden. Their bright feathers and quick, agile movements provide much entertainment. Yet these tiny creatures battle a variety of threats, from vanishing habitat to shifts in climate. It’s making their natural food items tougher to come by, and that’s especially critical at key times like migration and the breeding season.

One way to help these birds is with a hummingbird feeder. They give off consistent nectar flows, particularly in areas where local flowers may be in short supply. Feeders are also an essential stop-off during migration that gives hummingbirds a helping hand on their long journeys. For people who adore birds and have a special fondness for this tiny creature, feeders present an opportunity to enjoy watching them up close and to assist their survival.

Hummingbird Behavior and Needs

Hummingbirds are amazing birds that need a lot of food to survive, so people need to know exactly how and when they are supposed to feed them, especially if they decide to build a birdfeeder or house.

Dietary Requirements

The metabolic rate of these birds is so high that they need to consume large amounts of high energy food frequently to keep up with the rapidity of their fast movement and rapid beating wings.

• With a heart rate of up to 1,200 beats a minute, their wings can beat up to 70 times per second while hovering.
• They mainly eat nectar as it contains the sugars that they need to get the energy they consume, but insects and spiders provide the protein for the muscle and feather growth.
• Hummingbirds need to eat often, every 10 to 15 minutes, because they have a high metabolic rate, ingesting more than half their body weight in food every day.
• Make sure they have a reliable source of food, such as a clean, well-maintained hummingbird feeder.

Territorial Nature

Male hummingbirds are very territorial, and this is especially true for feeding stations. They frequently chase off other males and sometimes females in order to defend what they perceive as their feeding territory, especially when they are breeding. Territorial behaviour is motivated by the requirement to access food sources for mate attraction during the breeding season.

To reduce conflict, consider:

• Scatter birds around the garden by locating several feeders in various places.
• Use feeders that just one bird can feed from at a time to minimize aggression.
• Spacing feeders well apart to reduce competition.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

Put up feeders very early in the spring so they find food the minute they return from their winter migration. This is especially important during the breeding season, when natural nectar sources are yet to reach abundance.

Fall

Keep feeders up well into the fall to help support migrating hummingbirds on their journey south. Feeders should be left up for a few weeks after the last hummingbird sighting to assist any that might be late migrants.

How to Select the Right Hummingbird Feeder

Critical factors to consider when choosing a hummingbird feeder include:

Types of Feeders

There are also many different kinds of feeders that have their own advantages depending on the needs and how many hummingbirds people want to bring in.

1. Saucer Feeders: Saucer feeders are flats with nectar placed in a shallow dish. This style also helps to minimize leaks and is typically easier to clean, since there are fewer small parts. The open design lets the hummingbirds feed from all around.
2. Bottle Feeders: Bottle feeders are long and have a vertical construction with the nectar in a feeding bottle and as the bird drinks, the liquid is released to the feeding ports. These feeders generally hold more capacity, which reduces the frequency of refilling.
3. Window Feeders: Window feeders adhere to a window with suction cups and let people watch hummingbirds feed at close range. People who really want to connect with the birds might want these feeders.

Material Considerations

The material of the hummingbird feeder determines how long it will last, how easy it will be to clean, and how well it will stand up to various weather conditions.

• Glass Feeders: Glass feeders are built to be sturdy and are simple to clean and glass keeps the nectar cool for longer since it acts as an insulator. They’re also more attractive than mesh ones, as well as less likely to stain or hold onto odors.
• Plastic Feeders: Plastic feeders are light, durable, and usually cost less than glass feeders. They’re a potential solution in outdoor settings where glass might be dangerous.

Design Features

These design elements make the feeder conducive to the interests of hummingbirds and the maintenance of the feeder.

• Red Color: There’s nothing more tempting for a hummingbird than the color red, which is why many feeders feature red accents. But make sure not to use feeders with red, artificial dyes, which can hurt the birds.
• Bee Guards: Bee guards are tiny screens that cover the feeding ports to deter bees and wasps from feeding. This element is so important when feeding the hummingbirds, because they can get very protective or aggressive with other insects around.
• Perches: A few feeders come with little perches, so that a hummingbird can actually stop and take a break while feeding. This can be handy for knowing when an older bird, or a baby that needs a small break between feedings, is ready to feast.

Best Hummingbird Feeder for Garden

A hummingbird feeder is a fantastic way to attract these gorgeous little creatures to the garden, and Growcycle has a great selection of such hummingbird feeders.

1. Woodlink CopperTop Hummingbird Feeder

The Woodlink’s CopperTop feeder is another proven option, with a glass reservoir and a copper-colored metal top. Holding up to 16 ounces of nectar, this feeder is both durable and attractive.

The traditional design on this feeder not only attracts hummingbirds, but also offers an old time charm to any outdoor space. It also cleans easily and is simple to maintain, making it excellent for bird enthusiasts who want both style and performance.

2. Woodlink Modular Hanging Hummingbird Feeder

For anyone who wants flexibility and convenience, the Woodlink Modular Hanging Hummingbird Feeder is a great choice. Its modular, plastic design lets users add multiple modules, each of which will hold 12 oz. of nectar, and build your own feeder, whether small, large or the ultimate feeding system.

This feeder is convenient to clean, fill, and expand, so it is the right choice for someone looking to attract a greater number of hummingbirds.

3. Woodlink Patriotic Vintage Hummingbird Feeder

Dress up the garden with a little patriotism using the Woodlink Patriotic Vintage Hummingbird Feeder. This vintage-looking feeder is available in red, white and blue and is a great option for those looking to add a little decoration to their yard.

The glass feeder contains approximately 16 ounces of nectar, providing plenty of room for hummingbirds to feed.

4. E-V LunaLite Mercury Hummingbird Feeder

The E-V LunaLite Mercury Hummingbird Feeder is both useful and beautiful. Crafted of hand-blown glass finished with a shimmering mercury look, this feeder is much like a decorative sculpture and would be an elegant addition to any lawn or garden.

Holding about 12 ounces of nectar, it’s ideal for small to medium-sized gardens. Its feature includes the solar powered LED light that switches on at night, converting the hummingbird feeder into a mesmerizing decorative lantern.

Crafting the Ideal Nectar

The best nectar for hummingbirds is something that is essential to their health and something that will bring them back to the feeder. Here’s how to prepare it the way it’s meant to be:

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

The most basic and easiest recipe for hummingbird nectar is 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water. Bring the mixture to a full boil so that the sugar is dissolved entirely, then let it cool before adding to the feeder. It’s just like the nectar that hummingbirds obtain from the nectar plants in their environment, the very substance that gives them energy.

Storage Tips

If you have any extra nectar, refrigerate it; keep it for up to two weeks. Don't forget to store it in a container to keep it away from dirty hands and retain freshness. Never refill the feeder when the nectar is still hot, as the birds could hurt themselves.

Hummingbird Feeder Placement Tips

When positioning a hummingbird feeder, finding the perfect spot is important for protecting the birds and for seeing them at their best. Here are the most important things to consider when deciding where to place the feeder:

1. Visibility

In order to appreciate the beauty of Hummingbirds, it is necessary to hang the food container where you can easily see it from the window or porch. This makes it easy to look at the hummingbirds feeding. Also, when the feeder is in plain sight, it’s easier to monitor and thus easier to understand if you need to move it.

2. Safety

Visibility should not be the only consideration when deciding on an endpoint; safety is key. Avoid locating feeders near windows or other reflective surfaces to reduce the risk that birds will not see the reflection and fly into the glass, injuring themselves or dying. To prevent such collisions, window decals or bird-friendly stickers can be applied to mitigate reflections. These decals help birds to see the glass and avoid flying into it.

3. Shelter

Place the feeder near some sort of natural cover like shrubs, trees or bushes. This gives the hummingbirds a place to shelter and rest in case they feel threatened by predators like cats or larger birds. The availability of nearby cover resembles the birds' natural feeding habitat, feeding in sites that provide food and protection.

4. Sun Exposure

The nectar will also spoil quickly in the sun or hot weather. Hence, do not set the feeders in direct sun. Partial shade is good, as it will keep the nectar fresh longer, but not so shady that the mixture could ferment or bacteria can grow. A little shade will also provide a cooler feeding area for birds who don’t like extreme heat.

How to Clean Hummingbird Feeders

It's important to keep hummingbird feeders maintained and clean for the health and safety of the birds. The following is a breakdown of how to clean hummingbird feeders the right way:

1. Disassemble the Feeder

• To start, take the feeder down from its hanging location.
• Take the feeder apart so that feeding ports, reservoirs and other removable parts are separated. This makes sure that all of the dirt gets scraped out.

2. Rinse the Feeder

• Wash every part of the feeder off with warm water. This rinse will get rid of any residual nectar or particles.
• Do not use soap at this stage, as soap residuals are toxic to birds.

3. Scrub the Feeder

• Scrub the inside of the feeder including the feeding ports and nectar reservoir with a bottle brush, sponge, or old toothbrush.
• Try scrubbing more aggressively if there is accumulated mold or dried nectar in those spots. One part white vinegar to four parts warm water should do for most stains.

4. Soak the Feeder (Optional)

• Dunk the feeder parts in the vinegar water for about 30 minutes if they are extremely dirty. This helps loosen mold and residue that may be difficult to scrub away.
• Once it has soaked, scrub the feeder again to clean it well.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

• Once scrubbed, rinse feeder parts fully in clean warm water to ensure all vinegar or soapy residue is removed.
• Make sure to not leave any of the cleaning solution because even slight traces can hurt the birds

6. Dry the Feeder

• Let the feeder air-dry thoroughly before refilling with nectar. Use a clean towel or paper towels if necessary to blot dry any excess moisture.
• Drying the feeder is critical because people don’t want existing mold or bacteria to be mixed with new nectar.

7. Clean Regularly

• Clean the hummingbird feeders every 3-5 days, or more frequently in hot weather when the nectar may spoil more quickly. It may require more frequent cleaning if bees or other insects are surrounding the feeder.
• The nectar will stay fresh and bird safe with regular cleaning.

Summary

Hummingbird feeders are a wonderful way to aid these delightful birds, especially when their natural food sources are scarce. Choosing the right type of feeder, putting it in the right place and keeping it clean are all crucial to making sure the birds get the most from the feeder. A glass, plastic, or window feeder, either type serves an important role in the process of attracting hummingbirds.

Growcycle provides an array of functional hummingbird feeders that will attract those hummingbirds. They offer several designs, so enthusiasts can find one that they need.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.