What a hummingbird feeder does
A hummingbird feeder offers sugar water, a stand-in for flower nectar, through small ports or a shallow dish. Hummingbirds also need insects for protein and flowers for natural food, so a feeder is a supplement, not a substitute for a flower garden. In most of the eastern United States and across the eastern Plains and Midwest, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the species you will see, while black-chinned, broad-tailed, rufous and other species show up in the West and during migration.
Feeder types compared
| Type | How it works | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saucer or dish | Open, shallow dish with perch ports | Easy to clean fully; fewer leaks | Can collect rain, insects and debris if uncovered |
| Inverted bottle | Bottle on a base with feeding ports | Holds more; classic look | Leaks in heat and wind; harder to scrub |
| Window feeder | Mounted with suction cups | Close views; shaded in many windows | Needs frequent cleaning; keep it small |
| Tube or multi-port | Several ports on a vertical tube | Many birds at once | Many nooks where mold can hide |
| Hanging with built-in ant moat | Water-filled cup above the hanger | Keeps ants out without chemicals | Must be topped up regularly |
The best feeder is the one you can take apart and clean in minutes. Wide mouths, few crevices, and parts that scrub easily matter more than looks.
The only nectar recipe you need
The Smithsonian's National Zoo recommends one part refined white sugar to four parts water. The mixture does not need to be boiled, though dissolving the sugar in hot water speeds things up. A cup of sugar in four cups of water makes enough for most backyard feeders. Refrigerate extra for up to a week.
Avoid red dye, honey, brown or raw sugar, powdered sugar with additives, corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Hummingbirds do not need the dye, because a feeder's red parts already draw them, and the other ingredients can spoil quickly or harm the birds. Our nectar and cleaning guide covers the full routine.
How often to change nectar
Nectar ferments and grows mold faster in warm weather, and published schedules differ a little from source to source. A common routine is every other day as a baseline, every day or two when temperatures climb into the 90s, and at least weekly in cool weather. Whenever the nectar looks cloudy, stringy or has specks, change it right away, whatever the schedule. In the hot, sunny stretches common on the southern and western Plains, use a smaller feeder and fill it only part-way so you throw away less.
Where to hang feeders
- Partial shade. Morning sun and afternoon shade slows spoilage.
- Near cover. Hang feeders where birds can duck into shrubs or trees. A spot about a dozen feet from cover is a common choice, though open yards can work too.
- Away from windows, or very close to them. A widely repeated recommendation for any feeder is to keep it either right up against the glass, where birds cannot build up speed, or several yards away. Window decals help too.
- Out of the wind. On windswept Plains properties, a hook or a sturdy bracket close to the house steadies a feeder and keeps nectar from sloshing out.
- Several feeders, spaced apart. Hummingbirds can be territorial, so several feeders hung out of each other's sight lets more birds feed at once.
Ants, bees and wasps
Ants love sugar. A moat that holds water between the hook and the feeder stops them without chemicals. Never smear petroleum jelly, cooking oil or insecticides on feeders or hooks, because these can foul hummingbird feathers or poison the birds. Bees and wasps are drawn to leaks and to yellow, so choose a feeder that does not drip, and consider one with bee guards over the ports. Moving the feeder a few feet when insects swarm often helps.
Keeping feeders clean
Take the feeder fully apart at every nectar change. Wash it with hot water and a bottle brush or a small amount of dish soap, then rinse until no soap smell remains. For stubborn mold, a mild vinegar and water mix is commonly suggested, followed by a thorough rinse. Avoid scented or antibacterial cleaners, and avoid leaving any cleaning solution in the feeder. Let it air dry or refill straight away with fresh nectar. A black spot in a port means you need a smaller brush.
When to put feeders up and take them down
Put feeders up about a week before hummingbirds typically arrive in your region, which is usually April into May across much of the country. Take them down after you have not seen a hummingbird for a couple of weeks in fall. A feeder does not stop migrating birds from leaving, and it can help a late traveler refuel, so there is no need to remove it early.
Habitat beats hardware
Flowers that suit hummingbirds, such as native salvias, bee balm, columbine, trumpet creeper and penstemons, feed hummingbirds and the insects they eat. Choose species native to your region, and avoid pesticides, which kill the small insects hummingbirds depend on.
Common mistakes
- Using too-sweet nectar. More sugar is not better and can be harder on birds and spoil faster.
- Topping up old nectar. Always empty, wash and refill.
- Large feeders in small yards. Too much nectar spoils unused.
- Using dye or honey. Neither is needed or safe.
- Hanging in full sun. Nectar spoils quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the right sugar-to-water ratio for hummingbird nectar?
One part refined white sugar to four parts water, per the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Boiling is not required, and extra can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Do I need red dye in hummingbird nectar?
No. Hummingbirds are drawn to the red parts of the feeder, and dye is not necessary and may be harmful.
How often should I clean my hummingbird feeder?
Every time you change the nectar, using hot water and a brush. In hot weather that means every day or two.
Why are ants and bees on my feeder?
They are drawn to leaks and sugar. Use an ant moat, choose a feeder that does not drip, add bee guards, and move the feeder if insects crowd it.
When should I take my feeder down?
A couple of weeks after you last see a hummingbird, or as the local first freeze arrives. Leaving it up does not keep birds from migrating.
