Even if you’ve been feeding birds for years, it can be overwhelming to get started feeding hummingbirds and realize just how many types of hummingbird feeders there are. By learning more about the basic two types, however, you can then recognize different variations and choose the very best option for your backyard hummers.

Special Features of Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird feeders do more than just serve up delicious nectar – they do it in ways specifically designed for these birds’ unique feeding style. Feeding ports, for example, are narrow and long to accommodate hummingbirds’ needle-like bills while keeping the sweet sips safe from other birds. Hummingbird feeders may or may not have perches, as many of these birds are perfectly comfortable feeding on the fly as they hover with ease. These feeders often have red bases or accents to help catch hummingbirds’ attention and attract them to the feeder more easily. But with so many special features designed for hummingbirds, what basic feeder types can incorporate all those details?

Two Basic Hummingbird Feeder Types

There are only two basic hummingbird feeder designs, but each one can be customized and adapted in different ways, resulting in hundreds of overall options to choose from when you’re interested in adding a new feeder to your yard.

• Inverted Bottles
  This classic design has a gravity-fed reservoir that ensures every drop of nectar is accessible to hungry hummers. A clear reservoir makes it easier to check when refills may be necessary. It can be tricky to refill an inverted bottle hummingbird feeder without spilling a few drops, but no nectar is wasted.
  
  
• Saucers
  Saucer hummingbird feeders are exactly as they sound – wide, shallow bowls that hold nectar for the birds to sip. A cover with feeding ports protects the nectar from the elements while permitting access by hummingbirds. These styles are less prone to leaks, but if they are deep, hummers may have a hard time reaching the nectar.

Variations on Hummingbird Feeders

Nearly every type of hummingbird feeder on the market is a variation on either an inverted feeder or a saucer feeder, with differences in sizes, materials, capacities, colors, shapes, and aesthetics.

For example, inverted bottle feeders may have the iconic “pinched waist” design or may have faceted bottles for extra sparkle. Mason jars, orbs, and colorful blown glass styles are other popular variations, and they come in a wide range of colors. Capacities vary just as widely, from tiny plant stake feeders to add to a favorite pot to jumbo jars that can easily feed a voracious flock.

Saucer feeders can be tiny, handheld feeders with a single feeding port or may be broad dishes in jewel tones with multiple feeding ports and perches around the edges. A long tube feeder or “hummerbar” is another variation on a saucer design and features an extended row of feeding ports. Flower shapes, scalloped edges, and varying depths are all other types of saucer-style hummingbird feeders.

Choosing Your Best Hummingbird Feeder

Regardless of whether you prefer inverted bottle or saucer feeder designs, different factors must be considered when choosing your best hummingbird feeder. The number of hummingbirds visiting your yard, weather patterns, ease of cleaning, how the feeder can be hung, and nearby perches should all be taken into account.

Furthermore, even more feeder features may also be important for your hummingbird feeding preferences, including whether or not the feeder has a built-in ant moat or bee guards. For the tech-savvy, built-in cameras can add a whole new dimension to feeding hummingbirds and can be a fascinating way to gain more insights into hungry hummers.

Just as individual birders have different preferences, it is important to remember that individual birds may also have different preferences. Some birds may feel most comfortable with a saucer-style feeder that provides better fields of view to watch for intruders, while others prefer a relaxed feeder that includes a comfortable perch. Having different feeder designs available is a great way to entice even more hummingbirds to visit, and soon you’ll learn which types of hummingbird feeders they like best.