When researching the best hummingbird bird feeders, we evaluated products based on their size, shape, and material, as well as ease of filling and cleaning. Our top pick, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder, features a bright red design that appeals to hummingbirds and offers built-in protection against invading insects. Here are the best hummingbird feeders on the market. With its appealing and user-friendly design, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder is our top choice for attracting backyard birds. This glass feeder comes in two colors—red or clear—and it features four flower-shaped feeding ports to draw in hummingbirds. Each feeding port has a built-in bee guard to prevent insects from poaching the nectar. There is also a perch below every port so multiple birds can feed at once. This feeder also has a built-in ant moat at the top of the lid to further deter insects. This feeder is conveniently designed for easy filling and cleaning. Thanks to the wide-mouth bottle, it’s easy to pour the nectar in without spilling it. All of the parts—even the built-in bee guards–can be disassembled for a thorough cleaning. The only potential downside to this hummingbird feeder is its relatively small reservoir, which holds up to 8 ounces of nectar. Despite their small size, hummingbirds have a good appetite, so you’ll likely have to refill the feeder frequently. The bottle is made of clear glass, however, allowing you to monitor the nectar levels. Price at time of publish: $16 The First Nature feeder holds 16 ounces of nectar, and our tester liked that the clear bottle allows you to see how much nectar remains. She also pointed out that it “has a wide mouth that makes filling and cleaning a breeze.” This feeder comes with an S hook, which slips easily onto a tree. Our tester found it tricky to open the two pieces on the base, and some nectar spilled out during the cleaning process. On the bright side, the base is equipped with latches and a sealing ring, which prevent the feeder from leaking when it’s fully assembled. Price at time of publish: $10 With a 20-ounce capacity and five flower-shaped feeding ports (each with their own perch), this feeder offers plenty of room for multiple birds to feed comfortably. The wide-mouth bottle is removable for easy filling and cleaning. Our tester notes that “the bottle and the base come apart, so the feeder is easy to clean with a brush in warm, soapy water.” The only hiccup to the otherwise solid design is the hanging mechanism. The metal ring at the top of the feeder doesn’t fit snugly, causing it to tilt a bit when hanging. On a positive note, this minor flaw doesn’t seem to discourage regular visitors. Price at time of publish: $22 The wide-mouth reservoir allows for easy filling, and the two-part bases twist apart for a thorough cleaning. A tight seal prevents the feeder from leaking, even when it’s turned upside down. As an added convenience, this feeder comes with two hanging options: a metal S hook and a tie-wrap. Note that this feeder is on the smaller side, so it’s best suited for a couple of birds. The smaller capacity also means that you will likely have to refill it more frequently. We have read some reports that this feeder attracts bees, which isn’t a big surprise, considering there aren’t any bee guards on the feeding ports. Price at time of publish: $16 Thanks to a wide-mouth opening on the bottle, this feeder is easy to fill. The base comes apart for a quick, thorough cleaning. It’s important to note that a metal feeder is more prone to rust (unlike plastic and glass options). We have read some reports of rust spots appearing within a few months of use, so be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any damage or defects. Price at time of publish: $18 The Aspect Hummingbird Feeder is made of durable polycarbonate, which is highly resistant to heat, cold, and impact. It comes with a metal hook for easy hanging, though some say the hook is a tad short. We found a few reports of parts breaking over time; however, this product is backed by a lifetime warranty against any flaws or defects. Price at time of publish: $23 Compared to most other options, the reservoir has a fairly small capacity. Although it won’t bring in a large flock, it’s an ideal size for a few hummingbirds. The feeder has a wide-mouth opening for easily filling, and all of the pieces come apart for a thorough cleanup. We have read some reports of pieces breaking over time; however, this product is backed by a one-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $16 This unit has a rust-resistant metal base that is completely sealed, preventing any spills or leaks. A wide opening on the bottle makes it easy to fill, but it will need to be cleaned with a bottle brush. The feeder comes with an S hook, so you can easily hang it from a tree. Although the two-layer glass is very durable, we have read some reports that the hook isn’t that sturdy, which may cause the feeder to tilt, sway, or fall off completely. You may want to use a shepherd’s hook to keep it securely fastened. Price at time of publish: $33
Shape
There are two common hummingbird feeder shapes: inverted and saucer. An inverted feeder, which is essentially an inverted bottle, has a central reservoir that releases nectar into feeding ports at the bottom. Inverted feeders typically have a larger capacity, and their design makes it easier to monitor the nectar level from a distance. Because they contain more pieces, however, inverter feeders are usually more prone to leaking and harder to clean. A saucer feeder contains nectar in a shallow dish or tray, allowing hummingbirds ports above the reservoir, so the birds can feed through the ports in the cover. Unlike inverted feeders, saucer feeders are easy to fill and clean and are more resistant to leaks. They also provide an open view of hummingbird activity. Since saucer feeders don’t hold as much food as inverted feeders, they have to be filled more frequently.
Cleaning
Hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. “Change the sugar water solution, and wash your hummingbird feeder with warm, soapy water every couple of days, especially if it is hot outside,” says Emma Greig, the director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Features like a wide-mouth reservoir and removable pieces make hummingbird feeders much easier to clean, so you may want to prioritize models with one or both. Many hummingbird feeders have an ant moat built into their design, which creates a water barrier and prevents them from accessing the nectar.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Sage McHugh specializes in the home and garden sector and has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She makes sure to recommend products that are stylish, functional, and well-reviewed by consumers. For this roundup, Sage considered dozens of hummingbird feeders, carefully evaluating each product’s size, shape, material, and ease of filling and cleaning. For expert insight on hummingbird feeders, Sage interviewed Emma Greig, the director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. However, plastic hummingbird feeders may have an edge when it comes to durability. They’re much more likely to survive a drop, for example. If you have troublesome squirrels, high winds, or any other conditions that may cause your hummingbird feeder to get knocked to the ground, a plastic feeder is a safer option.
