Attracting Hummingbirds
Getting hummingbirds to stop by your garden takes more than just hanging up a few feeders. It’s all about making your outdoor space one they just can’t pass up. Here’s how to roll out the welcome mat for these pint-sized pollinators.
Using Nectar-Rich Plants
Plants loaded with nectar are a go-to for attracting hummingbirds. Aim to have a mix-n-match of flowers that bloom all through the year. Hummingbirds are known to stick around if there’s always something on the menu, especially when they’re on the move or when winter’s mild (Better Homes & Gardens).
Must-haves for nectar-rich plants include:
- Tubular, eye-catching flowers: Red, orange, and blue hues draw them in like a magnet.
- Scentless blooms: They rely more on their peepers than their sniffers to find food.
- Long-flowering periods: Keeping some plants in bloom round the clock means a steady buffet all year.
| Plant Type | Bloom Season | Flower Color |
|---|---|---|
| Trumpet Vine | Summer to Fall | Red, Orange |
| Salvia | Spring to Fall | Blue, Red, Purple |
| Bee Balm | Summer | Red, Pink, White |
Need plant ideas? Swing over to our piece on diy hummingbird garden.
Supplemental Feeders
Think of supplemental feeders as bird magnets, especially when flowers are taking a breather. These feeders mimic the sweet nectar found in blooms and work best if you put them where the hummingbirds can’t miss them.
Making hummingbird nectar is simple:
- Stir up four parts water to one part sugar.
- Give it a quick boil to blend it well.
- Let it chill before pouring it into the feeder.
| Feeder Type | Capacity (oz) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Feeder | 8 | Multi-port feeding, bee guards, ant moat (The Spruce) |
| First Nature Feeder | 16 | No-frills design, 10 feeding ports, circular perch (The Spruce) |
Feeder upkeep is vital—clean them mostly to stop any nasty germs from setting up camp. For a crash course in feeder TLC, check out our tips on cleaning and monitoring feeders.
Put together a mix of nectar-rich plants and spick-and-span feeders, and you’ll have hummer HQ. Dive deeper into the whys and hows of hummingbird care over at our pages on hummingbird conservation and hummingbird habitat loss.
Creating a Cozy Spot for Hummingbirds
Getting hummingbirds to hang out in your backyard is all about making them feel welcome. Here’s the lowdown on keeping them comfy with water sources and chill-out spots.
Water Games: Keeping Them Hydrated
Thirsty little critters, aren’t they? Hummingbirds not only drink water but love a good splash too. They might guzzle down eight times their body weight in water daily (Better Homes & Gardens). Here’s how to keep their thirst (and play) satisfied:
- Elevated Birdbaths: These tiny guys don’t need a deep pool! Aim for a shallow birdbath raised a bit off the ground.
- Misters and Drippers: Think of it as a mini-sprinkler just for them. A gentle mist does the trick, making them feel like they’re showering in a light rain.
- Water Show: They love the sound of splashing water. A small fountain or bubbling bath? Yes, please—it’s like their personal spa day.
| Water Fun Zone | Cool Factor |
|---|---|
| Elevated Birdbaths | Just the right depth |
| Misters and Drippers | Feels like rain |
| Moving Water (Fountains/Bubblers) | That relaxing water gurgle |
Got more tips? Check out our how to attract hummingbirds guide for the full scoop.
Chill Zones: Resting Places
Even these speedy devils need a break now and then. Offering comfy resting spots is a must. Here’s how to create hangout havens for them:
- Perches: Thin branches, wire, or specially made perches work wonders. Keep them close to the nectar—like a couch near the fridge.
- Trees and Shrubs: A touch of nature with native plants does the job, offering both shade and perches (The Birdhouse Chick).
- Flower Power: Go wild with nectar-rich, tubular flowers. They’re like an all-you-can-eat buffet of resting and snacking. Try a mix that blooms in shifts, so the buffet never closes (Better Homes & Gardens).
| Kickback Zone | What They Love |
|---|---|
| Perches | Nectar access on-the-go |
| Trees and Shrubs | Natural nap spots |
| Flowers and Plants | Non-stop grub and rest stops |
Curious about the plants and how to make them happy? Dive into our diy hummingbird garden article.
When you blend water fun with sweet resting spots, your backyard becomes the ultimate hummingbird hangout. For more ideas on these colorful visitors, check out our piece on where do hummingbirds live.
Best Hummingbird Feeders
If you’re looking to lure some hummingbirds into your backyard, picking the right feeder is your ticket to success. Here’s a rundown of five feeders that suit various tastes and wallets.
Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Feeder
The Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder is a fan favorite. It’s got a bunch of feeding ports, bee guards, and an ant moat, making life easier and more enjoyable for anyone who loves watching these tiny birds zip around (The Spruce). Small but mighty, it holds 8 ounces of nectar, and cleaning it is a breeze, keeping everything fresh and inviting for your feathered friends.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeding Ports | Plenty |
| Capacity | 8 ounces |
| Built-in Bee Guards | Sure thing |
| Ant Moat | You betcha |
| Ease of Cleaning | Super easy |
First Nature Feeder
For a friendly price, the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder delivers a straightforward and clever design. It sports 10 feeding ports and a handy circular perch—plus, you know exactly when it’s time for a refill with its see-through bottle (The Spruce). Holding 16 ounces, this feeder is tough and easy on the eyes.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeding Ports | 10 |
| Capacity | 16 ounces |
| Material | See-through plastic |
| Circular Perch | Yes, indeed |
| Ease of Cleaning | Piece of cake |
More Birds Vintage Feeder
The More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder is out to win hearts with its old-school charm. Featuring a glass bottle, five ports, and a 20-ounce capacity, it adds a touch of class to your garden (The Spruce). The metal base looks swanky, but you might want to double-check the hanging gear for peace of mind.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeding Ports | 5 |
| Capacity | 20 ounces |
| Material | Swanky glass |
| Metal Base | Yep, it’s cool |
| Ease of Cleaning | No probs |
Sewanta Plastic Feeder
Priced under $15, the Sewanta Plastic Hummingbird Feeder is a great find for new bird watchers. With many feeding spots, a built-in ant moat, and a 10-ounce capacity, this feeder is a real winner (The Spruce). Filling and cleaning it is straightforward, making it perfect if you’re just getting started.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeding Ports | Plenty |
| Capacity | 10 ounces |
| Material | Lightweight plastic |
| Built-in Ant Moat | You betcha |
| Price | Below $15 |
Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Feeder
Last but not least, the Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Hummingbird Feeder shines with a copper finish that screams sophistication. It’s got multiple ports and a wide mouth for easy cleanup. Watch out, though, as it might start to rust and lacks an ant moat (The Spruce).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeding Ports | Plenty |
| Material | Copper and glass mix |
| Wide-Mouth Bottle | Yep, easy cleaning |
| Ant Moat | Nope |
| Design | Classy copper |
If you’re keen on coaxing hummingbirds or want to keep them happy all year round, check out our articles on how to attract hummingbirds and seasonal hummingbird care. We’ve also got the lowdown on how to protect hummingbirds.
Nectar Preparation Tips
Whipping up perfect nectar for hummingbird feeders isn’t rocket science, but it sure is key to drawing in and keeping those speedy little creatures happy and healthy. Here’s how you can make sure you’re offering the best nectar snack for your feathered visitors.
Recipe for Hummingbird Nectar
Getting the right sugary mix for your hummingbirds is a simple science experiment you can do in your kitchen. Just two ingredients and a bit of care, and you’ll be a hummingbird hero:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 4 cups water
- Instructions:
- Dump the sugar and water in a pot.
- Heat it up until it boils, stirring like you’re making a magic potion, so the sugar disappears into the water.
- Let it cool down before giving it to your little bird buddies.
- Extra nectar can hang out in the fridge, good for a week or so (Quora).
Here’s a cheat sheet for your kitchen:
| Sugar (cups) | Water (cups) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 |
| 1/2 | 2 |
| 1/4 | 1 |
Curious about something like why hummingbirds hum or how fast they zippity zip? Check those pages for some wild facts.
Avoiding Harmful Additives
Keeping your nectar chemical-free ensures that hummingbirds are happily flying back for more. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Stick to White Sugar: Pure cane sugar is your go-to. Imitations like honey, brown sugar, or any fake sweet stuff could mess with their tiny tummies.
- Skip the Food Color: Your feeder’s natural pizzaz is enough to woo them; artificial dyes are a no-go for their health (Quora).
- Beware of Ready-Made Mixes: Many commercial options come with nasties that aren’t bird-friendly.
By following these easy-peasy tips, you’ll create a safe hummingbird hangout. Want to know more about making your backyard bird heaven or keeping them healthy? See how to attract hummingbirds and common hummingbird hiccups.
Choosing the Right Feeder
Getting the best hummingbird feeder is all about keeping these fascinating little birds happy and healthy. Let’s dig into what you need to watch for when picking out a feeder.
Preferred Feeder Features
When you’re on the hunt for a hummingbird feeder, a few key features can really make them stand out. Hummingbirds aren’t just pretty faces—they’ve got needs, and your feeder should meet them.
-
Nectar Capacity: A larger nectar tank means less running back and forth to refill, keeping more birds satisfied along the way. Glass feeders get a thumbs-up for being tough and roomy.
-
Easy Peasy Cleaning: Cleanliness matters—moldy feeders are bad news for our tiny pals. Saucer-style ones are praised for being a breeze to clean. Models like those ‘pinch waist’ feeders are a slam dunk because of their wide mouths and lack of tricky nooks.
-
Perches: Little resting spots give hummingbirds a break so they can feed longer without fatigue. It’s like putting out a chair at a buffet.
-
Built to Last: Look for feeders made with solid material—that can handle the elements. Glass feeders are strong, but watch out for those accidental oops moments.
-
Buzz Off Bees: Hummingbirds aren’t fans of bees crashing their party. Saucer feeders are a good choice because they’re less likely to attract bees than others.
Red Color Preference
Hummingbirds have a thing for red. Using this knowledge can help make your feeder more enticing.
-
Red Feeders: Going for a red shell on your feeder ramps up the chirpy traffic at your feeder because it resembles those yummy flowers they love.
-
No Red Dye, Please: Forget adding red dye to nectar—it’s not good for the little guys. Instead, pick feeders that already pack some red in their design.
| Feature | Importance | Recommended Products |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar Capacity | Very Important | Perky-Pet Glass Hummingbird Feeder |
| Ease of Cleaning | Super Important | Perky Pets Pinch Waist Feeder |
| Perches | Nice to Have | Perky-Pet Glass Feeder |
| Durability | Key Feature | First Nature Feeder |
| Minimal Bee Attraction | Highly Valued | More Birds Vintage Feeder |
Figuring out these features means you’re setting up the perfect spot for hummingbirds to hang out. Creating a cozy spot, learning how to attract hummingbirds, and even offering water sources can keep hummingbirds coming back for more.
Maintenance and Appeal
Cleaning and Monitoring Feeders
Keeping hummingbird feeders clean isn’t just about tidiness. It’s about making sure those delightful birds keep coming back. Nobody wants spoiled nectar or mold that’s harmful to these little feathered friends. Get into the routine of washing those feeders every few days, maybe even more during the scorching summer, to stop the nectar from turning into a sour mess.
Cleaning Tips:
- Take apart the feeder and wash each piece with mild soap and warm water.
- Grab a bottle brush to scrub the tricky spots.
- Rinse thoroughly – you don’t want any soap bubbles in the mix.
- Let the feeder air dry fully before pouring in fresh nectar.
Some feeders, like the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Feeder, are built with easy-clean features, such as roomy openings and detachable bits.
| Feeder | Capacity | Cleaning Ease | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Feeder | 8 oz | High | Built-in bee guards, ant moat |
| First Nature Feeder | 16 oz | Medium | Multiple feeding ports |
| More Birds Vintage Feeder | 20 oz | Medium | Artistic design |
Wanna know more about keeping your garden friendlier for hummingbirds? Check out our seasonal hummingbird care post.
Importance of Familiar Colors
Hummingbirds have a thing for flashy colors, especially red, since it reminds them of food-bearing flowers. So, if you’re looking to catch their attention, make color work to your advantage. Sure, there are feeders out there with fancy designs, but plain old red usually does the trick.
Color Preferences:
- Red feeders are a hummingbird magnet.
- Even a hint of red, like on the base or trim, can do wonders.
- Steer clear of blues or greens, as they’re not on a hummingbird’s radar.
To really pull in those hummingbirds, go for feeders with prominent red parts, so they’re easy to spot during their epic migrations. Hungry for more tips? Have a look at our attracting hummingbirds guide.
| Feeder | Color | Attractiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Feeder | Red/Copper | High |
| Sewanta Plastic Feeder | Red | High |
| More Birds Vintage Feeder | Multicolor | Medium |
Choose feeders in bright, welcoming colors and keep them spick and span, and you’re bound to see more hummingbirds flocking to your yard. For ways to keep hummingbirds safe and happy, browse through our protection tips for hummingbirds.