How Do I Choose a Hummingbird Feeder?

Hummingbird feeders come in many shapes and styles and can be made of glass, plastic or ceramic. Hanging a new hummingbird feeder may take a few days for hummers to approach as a food source. In other words, they must learn to use them. Hummers are naturally inquisitive, so this should not be too daunting of a task! Many feeders come adorned with flowerlike red-colored attachments made to attract hummingbirds. Or a hummingbird may notice a fellow-hummingbird at a feeder and follow the leader.

Because hummingbirds will feed at any feeder holding sugar water, one of the most important features of buying a feeder is whether or not it is easy to clean and/or fill – feeders should be cleaned between fillings. Whether or not to buy a feeder with perches is a matter of your preference. If you like to view the back-and-forth motion of a hovering hummingbird at your feeder, then one without perches will be pleasing to you. However, if you provide one with a perch, they may take a welcome break and linger at the feeder a little longer.