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How Do Hummingbirds Find Feeder? (2022 Guide)

How Do Hummingbirds Find Feeder? (2022 Guide)

Hummingbirds were named after the humming sound they make by rapidly beating their wings. These birds move very fast, and records say that they travel up to 45 mph.

Since hummingbirds have a speedy metabolism, they need a lot of nutrients to keep them active.

And if you want to attract hummingbirds with feeders, you may be wondering how they find feeders.

How do hummingbirds find feeders? 

These birds are generally attracted to the colors orange and red. So the orange or red on your hummingbird feeder is the easiest way to help them find your feeder. Once these adorable birds find your feeder, they will undoubtedly come back to the same spot the following year, even if you are yet to hang the feeder. Hummingbirds have very sharp eyes and have the ability to remember significant feeding locations.

What Time Of The Day Do Hummingbirds Feed?

Hummingbirds love to find a feeder and feed on your nectar at dawn and dusk. Even though their favorite times to feed are early in the morning and late in the afternoon, hummingbirds can be seen feeding at different times of the day.

If your feeder for hummingbirds is always available, you will have constant hummingbirds’ activities in your yard or garden because these birds eat twice or more than twice their body weight every day.

Attracting Hummingbirds To Your Yard And Garden: The Best Way To Go About It

The hummingbird has over 300 species, and 17 of the species regularly live in the US. The ruby-throated is found in the Mississippi. Most of the hummingbirds migrate, and they create a hummingbird season. This season lasts from spring through summer.

Hummingbirds are among birds you can find throughout the Western Hemisphere, and they can build their home wherever they find shelter, food, and water.

The small sizes of this bird and their acrobatic flying movements make them entertaining to watch.

To attract these adorable birds, decorate your environment with orange and red, feeders, and a beautiful garden. And this will invite them and encourage them to stay.

A lot of people like having hummingbirds in their yard, and attracting them is very easy. After you provide them with food by hanging up a feeder in a safe place that cats and other predators cannot reach, make sure you provide hummingbird-preferred plants.

Doing this gives them space to rest and hunt for insects. Plants that hummingbirds like include cardinal flower, trumpet vine, bee balm, trumpet creeper, honeysuckle, petunia, coralbells, impatiens, and columbine.

If you decide to hang a feeder for a hummingbird, ensure that you make hummingbird water or syrup that is not harmful to the creatures.

Although hummingbirds love the colors red and orange, do not add a red or orange dye to their food. Instead of doing this, buy a red feeder.

Don’t make use of sugar substitutes and also keep the hummingbird feeder clean by rinsing it and refilling it every three to four days.

Once you find that the solution is cloudy and smells foul or fermented, this means that it has spoilt and should be replaced.

Also, other colors like purple, blue, and yellow attract these birds. But because bees are fond of the color yellow, you are better off without using yellow in your garden or yard.

Also, repaint your plastic flowers if the red parts are getting dull or fading away. You can repaint the feeders with a bright magenta nail polish. Ensure your nail polish is dry before you refill the feeder. The bright color of the dry polish will attract hungry hummingbirds.

More Tricks To Help Increase Your Hummingbird Flock

Attracting hummingbirds isn’t just about making your garden or yard an attractive feeding place for them.

If the number of hummingbirds is not increasing, you can try these tricks to make your yard or garden more appealing to them.

  • To provide natural nectar, plant flowers for hummingbirds in your yard or garden.
  • Reduce the use of insecticides that remove the insects that hummingbirds need to hunt for protein.
  • Add more red and orange color to your garden or yard with gazing balls, furniture, or other objects.
  • Ensure that there is enough shelter and perches for the birds to use so that they can stay nearby.

Hummingbirds are much-loved backyard birds, and it can be so thrilling to have plenty of them in your yard. If you do what’s expected, you will achieve your aim of having plenty of hummingbirds around you.

Placing Your Hummingbird Feeder: The Rule To Follow

Always remember to put the feeder for hummingbirds in a place where you can view the activities of the hummingbirds.

If you have fulfilled all the requirements mentioned above, here are some rules to hanging your hummingbird feeder:

  • Hang the feeder at the edge of your porch. However, it must be close to a smoky barbecue.
  • Place the feeder near a garden bench that’s facing eastward to avoid the harsh afternoon sun disturbing your eyes.
  • Place the hummingbird feeder close (not too close) to a window. These birds can injure themselves if a collision occurs.
  • Place the feeder within the range of your binoculars or your camera equipment. Doing this will help you see them up close.

Keeping Hummingbird Feeder Away From Pests

Ants and Bees

When it comes to nectar feeders, things like ants, and bees, are a huge problem. Although they won’t harm your hummingbirds, ants can find a way into your sugar water wells, and they will clog them up.

Also, while bees are useful pollinators, they can block your views of the birds and also sting the birds. To ward off the skirts, keep your feeders neat and tidy.

If your feeder is turned around by the wind or not securely placed, the nectar can drip, and this will give insects assess.

To prevent leakages, hang the feeder in an area where there is less breeze and keep them away when the weather is too windy.

Clean up spills with hot water and sponger at least once every week. Trash the old nectar and refill the feeder with a fresh one. If the weather is warm, change the filler two times every week.

Other Birds

If there are larger birds in your garden or yard, hummingbirds will not stop to feed. However, upping the avian diversity in your garden will not hurt them.

Different species of birds such as Ladder-backed Woodpeckers and Verdins will visit your hummingbird’s feeders. And this depends on your location. Anything that likes sweet things will visit your garden.

Bears

When bears see hummingbird feeders, they will ensure that they feed on the sugar water, and once the bears find free food, they will always return for more.

Hungry bears will not harm your hummingbirds. However, getting close to humans is not safe for their families and your family.

Attacks are not frequent, but if you scare or surprise them, especially when their cubs are around, the bears can become violent.

If bears are coming to your feeders frequently, take the feeder down and move it inside, and when they stop coming, take your feeder out again.

Make sure your yard is always clean, free of stinky garbage that can attract different animals. Hanging your hummingbird feeder out of reach can also send the bears away. Finding the perfect spot can be quite tricky because those animals can climb trees.

Hummingbirds: What Time Of Year Are They Most Active?

These creatures love warmer climates and eat flower nectars and tiny insects.

Since flowers bloom in springtime through summertime and insects are also usually out at this time, hummingbirds are typically active when the temperature is mild.

Hummingbirds must consume around half their body weight of pure sugar and two to three times their body weight of food because they have a high metabolism rate. You will find hummingbirds in the United States from March through September.

What Ratio Of Sugar-To-Water Should Be Used For Feeding Hummingbirds?

To prepare your hummer nectar, use four parts water to one part sugar. It is the closest to natural flower nectar sucrose content.

The birds readily consume stronger concentrations, but there is no scientific evidence that says there are potentially helpful or harmful effects on the birds.

Can Molasses Or Honey Be Used Instead Of Sugar To Prepare Hummer Nectar?

White sugar is the ideal ingredient. It is the only human-made sweetener that resembles natural flower nectar when mixed with the appropriate amount of water. Do not use other sweeteners, they spoil quickly, and they are not suitable for hummingbirds.

Do Hummingbirds Find Flowers By Their Smell?

Hummingbirds’ sense of smell is shallow. Most hummingbird-friendly plants do not have fragrances, and those that have fragrances, for example, Japanese honeysuckle, are usually native to Africa or Asia. So, hummingbirds don’t find flowers to feed on by their scent.

Best best Hummingbird Feeders For Outdoors


Bestseller No. 1
FEED GARDEN Glass Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors Hanging, 16 OZ Humming Birds Feeders with 4 Bee Guard Feeding Ports & Built-in Ant Moat, Bird Feeder for Outside, Gifts for Women Mom, Red
  • 【Bee & Ant Proof】: The Glass Hummingbird Feeders with 4 metal flower feeding ports and a built-in ant moat to keep bees and ants away from the hummingbird feeder! Also, with 360° metal hummingbird perches for your birds to rest and play on happily! Note: The base is made from materials that do not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), ensuring safety for hummingbirds.
  • 【Leak-Proof Construction】: Featuring a 16 oz capacity and a leak-proof durable gasket, our Humming birds Feeders for outside prevent nectar from spilling, even when the feeder is jostled by wind or birds landing on it.
  • 【Easy to Clean & Refill】: Our hummingbird feeder is equipped with a wide-mouth bottle design, enabling effortless cleaning and refilling, providing a practical choice for daily use. The transparent glass bottle allows for convenient monitoring of the nectar level, facilitating timely refills to ensure a continuous food source for your avian companions. Not dishwasher safe.
  • 【Steady & Durable Material】: Crafted with a high-quality glass nectar container in an attractive shape, the glass humming bird feeder can accommodate multiple hummingbirds, and ensure long-lasting use in outdoor conditions all year round. NOTE: To ensure your hummingbird feeder remains rust-proof and durable, clean it with mild soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly. Store the feeder in a dry place when not in use to avoid damp environments.
  • 【Perfect Gifts for Your Family & Friends】: The Unique bee proof hummingbird gifts for women. A gift for bird lovers, gardeners and grandparents who have it all. Pretty glass hummingbird feeder gifts for Anniversary, Birthday, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Bestseller No. 2
FEED GARDEN 2 Pack 16 OZ Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoor 5 Feeder Ports Ant Bee Proof Leak-Proof Cleaning Brushes Nectar Easy Clean Fill Bird Feeder for Garden Red Décor for Mom
  • 【UPGRADE VERSION Leak-proof Lid】: This high view perch hummingbird feeder for outdoor hanging is 9.4 inch high, 8.2 inch wide. 16 oz capacity offers adequate nectar supplement for hummingbirds. The bright red color can attract hummingbirds to your backyard. There are 5 flower-shaped feeding ports and perches arranged in a circular manner for several birds to feed at the same time.
  • Easy to Fill & Clean: You can lift off the red plastic cover and fill the nectar or water into the bottom even when the feeder is hanging. The bottom of the feeder is clear, so it is easy to monitor levels and cleanliness. With round and flat dish design, it’s simple to disassemble and reassemble to thoroughly clean all surfaces.
  • Leak-proof: You do not need to turn it upside down, and there are no submerged joints to leak. The lid drops on well above the liquid level, so there’s no pressure difference. The liquid will remain intact in the container even in the hot summer.
  • Attractive Color: The red color such like flowers which make the bird feeders easier to catch wild birds’ eyes. The 5 flower feeding ports are designed based on nature, which makes it more attractive for hummingbirds. Especially the red color, it seems to be a road sign for hummingbirds.
  • About Us: FEED GARDEN provides quality products and efficient after-sales service. If you're not satisfied with the Hummingbird Feeders, please contact us, we will provide you with a solution as soon as possible.
Bestseller No. 3
eWonLife 2 Pack Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors, 16oz Leak-Proof Saucer Humming Bird Feeder with Integrated Ant Moat, Bee Proof 5 Feeding Ports, Brush, Easy Clean & Refill, Hanging Garden Yard Décor
  • 【𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐤-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧】Our newly optimized lid and bowl structure ensures a snug, secure fit to achieve zero leakage, yet remains incredibly easy to pop open for refilling and cleaning. No more spills, just happy hummingbirds
  • 【𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩】Featuring a flat, wide-mouth saucer design, this high view perch hummingbird feeder for outdoor hanging is effortless to refill. Simply lift the red cover to pour in nectar. The transparent bottom allows you to monitor nectar levels and cleanliness at a glance
  • 【𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭-𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐚𝐭 & 𝐁𝐞𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟】Our hanging hummingbird feeder features a built-in central moat; simply fill it with water to block crawling ants. Additionally, the 2mm feeding ports effectively prevent bees from invading. This dual protection ensures the nectar remains clean and exclusive to your hummingbirds
  • 【𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬】Spoiled nectar causes hummingbird fungal infections, so daily cleaning in hot weather is vital. Our wide-mouth saucer and included brush for feeding ports allow a thorough 1-minute hand clean. Furthermore, our premium plastic is dishwasher safe up to 176°F (80°C) for effortless deep cleaning
  • 【𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐬】The entire top cover features a vibrant red design. This eye-catching color is highly visible, effectively drawing hummingbirds in even from a distance
Bestseller No. 4
Kingsyard Glass Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors Wild Bird Feeder with 6 Feeding Ports Hanging for Garden Yard, Red (Ant Moat Included)
  • ATTRACTIVE GARDEN DESIGN: High quality nectar glass container in nice shape, 6 flower shaped feeding ports, 16 oz. capacity with 6 feeding stations to accommodate multiple hummingbirds.
  • EASY TO REFILL AND CLEAN: Super Wide mouth bottle design is easy for filling and cleanning, and whole feeder could be disassembled smoothly for easy cleanning.
  • LEAKPROOF FUNCTION: Bulid-in durable gasket, unique design makes base connection proper and seamless. After filling the container and screwing it onto the base, flip it over and hang on a tree/deck hook/shepherd's hook.
  • MATCHED HIGH QAULITY ANT MOAT: Large capacity protects the feeder from pesky ants, with stainless steel hook, easy to hang.
  • PERFECT HUMMINGBIRD GIFTS : Kingsyard unique designed glass hummingbird feeder is the perfect bird watching gifts for women, grandparents, wife, daughters, sister, aunts, or friends on special days, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day, birthdays, anniversaries etc. Its elegant design and vibrant colors delight your garden decor beautifully, effortlessly attracting hummingbirds around your yard.
Bestseller No. 5
Perky-Pet 203CPBN-2 Glass Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors with Perches, Ant Moat, Bee Guards - Pack of 2
  • ACCOMMODATES MULTIPLE BIRDS: Each humming bird feeder features four flower-shaped ports with comfortable perches, allowing several birds to feed simultaneously at each of your hummingbirds feeders
  • BUILT-IN ANT MOAT: This hummingbird feeder includes an integrated ant moat; fill the ant moat with water to keep ants away from the nectar
  • WIDE-MOUTH BOTTLE: The wide-mouth bottle design of this hummingbird feeder glass is designed for easy filling
  • EASY TO CLEAN: This outdoor bird feeder fully disassembles so that you can thoroughly clean the ant moat, base, bottle, and bee guards to keep your hummingbird feeders for outdoors clean
  • 8 OZ CAPACITY: This hummingbird feeder with perch has an 8 oz nectar capacity so you have the perfect amount of nectar for your visitors
Bestseller No. 6
WOSIBO Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors Patio Large 32 Ounces Colorful Hand Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder with Ant Moat Hanging Hook, Rope, Brush and Service Card (RED-Firework)
  • COLORFUL AND ATTRACT MORE HUMMINGBIRDS: The unique and beautiful colors in the glass closely imitate the natural flower’s look and attract more hummingbirds into your garden
  • EASY TO FILL AND CLEAN: Each Hummingbird feeder is equipped with a cleaning brush, and the clear glass, big wide-mouth reservoir, make it easy to assemble, refill nectar and clean the bottle and base
  • HAND BLOWN: Each product is handmade and unique, the small bubbles on the glass surface are sufficient to prove, and the color in the glass will not fade and damage
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED: ONE glass hummingbird feeder, 1 ant moat, 1 metal hook, 1 cotton lanyard 1 small brush and 1 designed service card
  • A GREAT GIFT IDEA: A perfect gift for friends or family who love the birds to decorate their patio garden and attract more hummingbirds
Bestseller No. 7
Fchstaer Glass Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging Ant and Bee Proof 16OZ 2 Pack Red Pineapple Humming Bird Feeder with 6 Feeding Ports and Ant Moat Hummingbird Gifts for Women Garden Decor
  • 【Unique Red Glass Pineapple Design】The red glass hummingbird feeder featuring a unique pineapple shape, not only attracts hummingbirds, but also makes a charming decoration for your patio, garden or balcony. Equipped with six flower-shaped feeding ports and a round perch design, the hummingbird feeder quickly attracts their attention and allows multiple hummingbirds to stay and drink at the same time, increasing their dwell time and range of motion.
  • 【Leak-Proof and Easy-to-Clean】The upgraded base is equipped with a thickened anti-leakage gasket, which effectively prevents nectar leakage and avoids waste while keeping the surroundings tidy. The wide-mouth bottle design is easy to fill and clean, and ensures that hummingbirds always have a clean, hygienic source of water to provide them with a comfortable foraging environment.
  • 【Premium Functionality and Durability】The red glass hummingbirds feeders is designed with ant and bee proof, which can effectively block the invasion of ants and other insects. In the outdoor environment, it can withstand the wind, sun and rain, and is not easy to deform or fade.it can stably provide drinking water for hummingbirds and bring you a long-lasting experience.
  • 【Thoughtful Gift Choice】 The red glass pineapple hummingbird feeder is a perfect present for garden enthusiasts, bird lovers, and nature admirers. Ideal hummingbird gifts for Mother's Day, Christmas, or any special occasion. Each unique piece brings joy and natural beauty to your loved one's garden.
  • 【Customer Care】 Gtongoko provides quality products and efficient after-sales service. If you have any question about quality or instructions during use, please contact us, we will provide you with a solution as soon as possible.
Bestseller No. 8
Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors, 25 Ounces Wild Bird Nectar Feeder with Perch & 5 Flower Feeding Ports Leak Proof Hanging for Garden Backyard Decor, Gifts for Women Mom, Red
  • 🐦️ATTRACT HUMMINGBIRDS: These hummingbirds feeders for outside design with vibrant colors and intricate details, made of a high-quality nectar glass container in a nice matrix shape, ensuring longevity and durability compared to plastic counterparts. Ensuring long-lasting use in outdoor conditions throughout the year and never fading. 5 flower-shaped feeding ports, 25 oz capacity with 5 feeding stations, and perch in a circle to accommodate multiple hummingbirds.
  • 🪽EASY TO REFILL AND CLEAN: The super wide-mouth bottle design is easy to fill and clean, The whole glass hummingbird feeder could be disassembled smoothly for easy cleaning. With a clear bottle, you can easily monitor the hummingbird nectar level and refill it promptly, ensuring a steady supply for your feathered friends.
  • 💧LEAKPROOF FUNCTION: Built-in durable gasket, unique design makes base connection proper and seamless, even when the hummingbird feeders for outdoors hanging are shaken by wind or birds perching on it. After filling the container and screwing it onto the base, flip it over and hang it on a tree/deck hook/shepherd's hook/hangers/window hook.
  • 🩷HEARTWARMING HUMMINGBIRD GIFTS: This beautifully designed glass hummingbird feeder with perch for outdoors is the perfect bird watching gifts for women, grandparents, wife, daughters, sister, aunts, or friends on special days, for example, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day, birthdays, anniversaries and so on.
  • 🌟AVAILABLE IN ALL SEASONS: This hanging bird feeder is a breeze to hang and reposition, durable for year-round use. Making it the perfect decor for outdoors, outside, patio, garden, deck, backyard, front porches, even bedrooms, etc.
Bestseller No. 9
Jealoeur Hummingbird Feeder for Outdoors Hanging, 18 OZ Humming Birds Feeders with 6 Bee Guard Feeding Ports & Built-in Ant Moat, Easy to Clean, Durable Outdoor Garden Decor (Red 1 Pack-C)
  • 【MATURE DESIGN】Jealoeur hummingbird feeder Can provide 360 degree panoramic viewing, 6 feeding ports for multiple hummingbirds to feed together, Made of unbreakable materials and dishwasher safety
  • 【Bee and Ant Proof 】The integrated ant moat and feeding mouth with a diameter of only 3mm can effectively block ants and bees
  • 【Size and Capacity 】 Hummingbird feeder Size :Diameter 5.9 inches, Height 9.8 inches, Capacity 18 Oz
  • 【Leak Prevention and Refill】Invert the Hummingbird feeder on the desktop, then rotate the bottom in the “Open” direction to open it, making filling and cleaning very convenient. The U-shaped silicone sealing ring ensures that no drop of nectar is wasted during the filling and feeding process
  • 【Perfect Gifts for Your Family & Friends】A gift for bird lovers, gardeners and grandparents who have it all. Pretty hummingbird feeder gifts for Anniversary, Birthday, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Bestseller No. 10
More Birds Bird Health+ Ruby Hummingbird Feeder, Glass Hummingbird Feeders for Outdoors, 4 Feeding Stations, 10 Ounces, Ruby Red
  • NECTAR CAPACITY: Holds 10 fluid ounces of hummingbird nectar
  • FEEDING PORTS: Features four flower-shaped feeding ports to accommodate multiple hummingbirds
  • ANT MOAT: Built-in ant moat stops ants in their tracks preventing them from reaching the precious nectar
  • ATTRACT MORE HUMMINGBIRDS: Red is a hummingbird's favorite color; attract more with the red top and base
  • EASY CLEANING: We recommend washing your hummingbird feeder by hand with warm soapy water; please refrain from putting your feeder in the dishwasher

Conclusion 

Hummingbirds are adorable and fascinating, and having them in your garden or yard will make it look colorful. You will also love the humming sound, particularly when you have plenty of them around.

It may take some time for these birds to find the feeder, and when they eventually do, you may not notice their presence on time, but they will keep coming back, and you will soon have a garden filled with these adorable creatures.