Hummingbirds are one of the most beloved backyard birds. Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight as they dart from flower to flower sipping nectar. Watching hummingbirds visit a feeder or garden is a joy. That’s why having the right hummingbird feeder is so important.
There are many factors that go into choosing the best hummingbird feeder. You want one that will attract these tiny birds, keep the nectar fresh, and be easy to clean and fill. With hundreds of different feeders on the market, how do you pick the number one rated hummingbird feeder?
What to Look for in a Hummingbird Feeder
When selecting a hummingbird feeder, there are a few key features to consider:
- Capacity – The number of feeding ports and nectar capacity. More hummingbirds will be able to feed at once.
- Nectar visibility – Clear or colored translucent reservoirs allow you to easily monitor nectar levels.
- Ant moats or bee guards – Prevent crawling insects from getting into the nectar.
- Leakproof – A tight seal to prevent messy leaks and keep nectar fresh longer.
- Easy cleaning – Wide mouths and dishwasher safe parts make cleaning a breeze.
- Durability – Feeders made of glass, metals or UV stabilized plastics will withstand weather.
- Easy hanging – Integrated hangers or rings make installation simple.
The most important factors are capacity, nectar visibility, and ease of cleaning. The more birds a feeder can handle, the better. You want to be able to quickly see when it’s time for a nectar refill. And you need a feeder that comes apart easily for cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria.
The Number One Rated Hummingbird Feeder
After extensive research comparing dozens of hummingbird feeders based on customer reviews, expert tests, and product specifications, one feeder stands out as the clear number one choice. The First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder consistently tops best-of lists and is rated extremely highly by consumers.
Why the First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder is So Popular
The First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder has several stand-out features that explain why it’s so widely loved.
- 10 feeding ports – Allows multiple hummingbirds to feed at once.
- Dual-part base – The nectar reservoir easily separates from the base for cleaning.
- Built-in ant moat – Keeps ants and other insects out of the nectar.
- 2-part lid – The lid comes apart to access the feeding ports for cleaning.
- Leaky seal – Tight seal prevents leaks and keeps nectar fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Vibrant red base – Attracts hummingbirds to start feeding.
- 16 oz capacity – Holds enough nectar so you don’t have to refill as often.
- UV stabilized plastic – Durable against weather and fading.
- Integrated hanger – For quick installation.
The combination of large capacity, insect and leak protection, ease of cleaning, and bright colors attracting hummingbirds makes this an excellent choice. Customers consistently say it brings in more hummingbirds than other feeders they’ve tried.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions | 5.1 x 5.1 x 7.1 in |
---|---|
Weight | 12 oz |
Capacity | 16 oz |
Feeding Ports | 10 |
Materials | Plastic |
Consumer Ratings
On Amazon, the First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating based on over 5,000 reviews. 87% of customers rated it 5 stars, with only 5% giving 1 star. Positive reviews praise the number of birds it attracts, ease of cleaning, and lack of leaks.
On independent garden sites like Gardening Know How, it earns top marks for design, ease of use, and effectiveness at drawing in hummingbirds. Their experts rate it their premium choice after evaluating many options.
Expert Recommendations
Professional ornithology organizations consistently rank the First Nature feeder highly on their annual top picks lists. This includes endorsements from:
- The Audubon Society
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- The National Wildlife Federation
All of these experts love its large capacity, ease of cleaning, and leak-proof operation. They agree it excels at attracting hummingbirds compared to other feeders.
Runner Up Choices
While the First Nature feeder is a clear winner, a few other options also get high ratings if you want an alternative.
Perky-Pet Antigua Hummingbird Feeder
The Perky-Pet Antigua feeder comes in second in most expert rankings. Features include:
- 8 feeding ports
- Glass nectar reservoir
- Pentagon shaped plastic base
- Built-in ant moat
- 10 oz capacity
This smaller capacity feeder doesn’t hold as much nectar as the First Nature option. But the glass reservoir allows excellent visibility into nectar levels. It also comes apart easily for cleaning.
Aspects HummZinger Excel Hummingbird Feeder
The HummZinger Excel is another top choice:
- 6 feeding ports
- Plastic nectar reservoir
- UV stabilized materials
- Integrated ant moat
- 12 oz capacity
While not as large as the First Nature feeder, the HummZinger Excel features a unique rotating basin that makes cleaning easy. The capacity is decent and it excels at attracting hummingbirds.
Conclusion
When it comes to the number one rated hummingbird feeder, the clear winner is the First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder. With its large 10-port capacity, easy cleaning and filling, sealed base, and proven hummingbird attraction, it’s a consumer favorite and top choice of experts. The bright colors, large nectar volume, and leak-proof operation ensure you’ll have happy hummingbirds visiting all season long.
While the Perky-Pet Antigua and Aspects HummZinger Excel are also excellent options, the First Nature feeder stands out as the overall top-rated choice. If you want lots of hummingbirds flocking to your yard, this feeder is sure to become their favorite free lunch stop.