The best feeder for Anna's hummingbirds
Anna's stay year-round and nest in winter; in freezing weather, keep one feeder thawed.
Feeder styles that work
Easy to scrub every 2–3 days; built-in ant moat helps.
What to fill it with
- Sugar water: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Anna's Hummingbird measures 3.9 in and weighs 0.1–0.2 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for Anna's hummingbirds?
Saucer nectar feeder. Easy to scrub every 2–3 days; built-in ant moat helps.
What should I put in a feeder for Anna's hummingbirds?
Sugar water: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
Where should I place a feeder for Anna's hummingbirds?
Anna's stay year-round and nest in winter; in freezing weather, keep one feeder thawed.
Sources
- Anna's Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Anna's Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Anna's Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.