Feeder match

The best feeder for black-chinned hummingbirds

The common summer hummingbird of Texas Hill Country and the desert Southwest; pumps its tail while hovering.

Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)Black-chinned HummingbirdArchilochus alexandri

Feeder styles that work

First choice
Saucer nectar feeder

Easy to scrub every 2–3 days; built-in ant moat helps.

What to fill it with

Sizing the feeder to the bird

The Black-chinned Hummingbird measures 3.5 in and weighs 0.1 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 black-chinned hummingbirds?

Saucer nectar feeder. Easy to scrub every 2–3 days; built-in ant moat helps.

What should I put in a feeder for black-chinned hummingbirds?

Sugar water 1:4.

Where should I place a feeder for black-chinned hummingbirds?

The common summer hummingbird of Texas Hill Country and the desert Southwest; pumps its tail while hovering.

Sources

  1. Black-chinned Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Black-chinned Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Black-chinned 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.