Types Of Hummingbird Feeders:

An Informative Guide

Hummingbirds are beautiful creatures that are widespread in various regions. The top feature of this bird is that it does not care about the feeder type for getting nectar. Of course, that does not mean you should not invest in an excellent feeder.

The best feeder type will help you provide nectar to hummingbirds in your vicinity with ease. Some models come with a complex design, while others make it easy for the bird to get nectar.

If you’re wondering about the different types of hummingbird feeders, you’re in the right place. Here is everything you need to know about them and how to choose the best feeder for your needs.

Types Of Hummingbird Feeders

Here are the different hummingbird feeders you can get this year:

1. Inverted Feeder

Inverted feeders are also called vacuum bottles and contain a central reservoir for nectar. Typically, the item has a base at the bottom that may include one or several ports. The nectar is released from above so that the hummingbird can easily feed.

The top thing to note is that nectar is kept inside the bottle because of the pressure vacuum formed by the trapped air. So when the hummingbird pushes its bill into the port, nectar will be released. The design ensures that the feeding port has the optimum amount whenever a bird comes for food.

Pros

• Easy to check the nectar amount
• Higher capacity than other feeder types
• Easy to clean and refill

Cons

• Leakage is prevalent over time
• May attract insects and pests that discourage hummingbirds from visiting

2. Saucer Feeder

A saucer feeder is a bowl-like dish with a shallow design for containing hummingbird nectar. The item includes the solution in ports that are above the reservoir instead of below it. This means that the bird can probe its bill downwards into the nectar supply without any issues.

The top feature of a saucer feeder is that it comes with various ports so that multiple hummingbirds can enjoy the nectar. Another thing to note is that the item is covered with a cap to keep the food protected from the external environment.

Pros

• Does not leak
• Easy to mount on various places
• The refilling process is simple

Cons

• Difficult to clean
• Small capacity so requires refills often

3. Horizontal Bar Feeder

As the name suggests, this feeder type has a horizontal bar device that you can keep on stand at high height. Besides that, you can also attach the feeder to two strings and hang it like a swing in your yard. The is type comes with multiple feeding ports on both sides of the feeder.

Typically, the bar is made of transparent plastic or glass to help you see the nectar level. The elongated design also ensures that hummingbirds can maintain a distance while feeding. A key thing to note is that this feeder type is a modified form of the saucer feeder.

Pros

• Has the highest number of feeding ports
• Multiple mounting methods
• Feeds various hummingbirds

Cons

• Difficult to refill
• Smallest capacity
• Attracts other birds

How To Choose The Best Hummingbird Feeder?

Now that you understand the types of hummingbird feeders, you must know how to choose the best model. The top thing to remember is that you should consider various factors. Here are some of them:

1. Material

All hummingbird feeder types can be made of various materials for ease of use and aesthetics. Plastic is a prevalent choice, but you must note the material can discolor with time. It may also warp or leak because of high sun exposure.

Glass and metal are durable choices, but they cause the nectar to ferment faster. This means you will have to make a new solution and perform refills frequently. The item may also break easily if not handled with care.

2. Color

Color is vital to consider when buying inverted, saucer, or bar feeders. This is because the right shade can help you attract hummingbirds, while the wrong color will discourage them from visiting. Typically, red should be your top choice.

Hummingbirds are attracted to the red shade and can notice it from a distance. Meanwhile, you should avoid getting yellow feeders. This color attracts pests and insects. The key thing to note is that hummingbirds will avoid the feeder if other animals are present.

3. Ease Of Cleaning

An essential fact you must remember is that hummingbird feeders require two to three cleanings every week. This is especially true during the summers. So you must invest in a model that is easy to maintain and keeps your clean time short.

Typically, inverted feeders are easiest to clean, and the saucer type takes the second position. Horizontal bars are difficult to wash because of the elongated design. You should also remember to invest in a material with easy cleaning features.

For instance, metals are the easiest to wash and maintain. Glass can be difficult to clean because you must handle it with care. On the other hand, plastic is relatively easy to maintain and use.

4. Number Of Ports

The top feature of hummingbird feeders is that they come with two to three ports. However, types such as the horizontal bar feeder have more than ten feeding ports because of the elongated design. The top thing to note is that you should avoid models with one port for feeding.

Typically, you should invest in a feeder with a high number of ports. This is so that various hummingbirds can have nectar simultaneously. It also reduces the creatures to become territorial. However, you must also check the size of the feeder.

For instance, horizontal feeders have the highest ports, but their nectar capacity is the smallest. So the solution will finish faster, and you will have to refill often.

Final Words

This is everything you need to know about the types of hummingbird feeders. The key thing to note is that the best option for you is the one that is easy to clean, has high durability, and meets your budget. Once you keep these things in mind, you can get the top feeder type.