The best feeder for ruby-throated hummingbirds
Change nectar every 2 days in hot weather (under 80°F, every 4–5 days) and clean the feeder each refill. Males defend feeders aggressively; several feeders out of sight of each other help.
Feeder styles that work
Easy to disassemble and scrub; less prone to leaking and bees.
Keeps ants out of the nectar.
What to fill it with
- Sugar water: 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water, no dye
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird measures 2.8–3.5 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 ruby-throated hummingbirds?
Saucer-style nectar feeder. Easy to disassemble and scrub; less prone to leaking and bees.
What should I put in a feeder for ruby-throated hummingbirds?
Sugar water: 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water, no dye.
Where should I place a feeder for ruby-throated hummingbirds?
Change nectar every 2 days in hot weather (under 80°F, every 4–5 days) and clean the feeder each refill. Males defend feeders aggressively; several feeders out of sight of each other help.
Sources
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Ruby-throated 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.