The best feeder for Costa's hummingbirds
Nests in late winter in the Sonoran Desert and leaves the hottest areas by midsummer.
Feeder styles that work
Easy to scrub every 2–3 days; built-in ant moat helps.
What to fill it with
- Sugar water 1:4
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Costa's Hummingbird measures 3–3.5 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 Costa'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 Costa's hummingbirds?
Sugar water 1:4.
Where should I place a feeder for Costa's hummingbirds?
Nests in late winter in the Sonoran Desert and leaves the hottest areas by midsummer.
Sources
- Costa's Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Costa's Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Costa'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.