How to Attract Hummingbirds: Feeders, Flowers and Timing
Hummingbirds are tiny, fast and endlessly fun to watch. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the one most people see in the east, and many species visit in the west. Fresh nectar, the right flowers and good timing bring them in.
Make the right nectar
Mix one part white table sugar with four parts water. That's it. Don't add red dye, honey or other sweeteners. Our nectar calculator gives exact amounts for any feeder.
Change the nectar every two to three days in hot weather and every four to five days when it's mild, even if the feeder isn't empty.
Choose an easy-clean feeder
Saucer-style feeders are the easiest to clean and don't drip. Add an ant moat to keep ants out of the nectar.
Male hummingbirds guard feeders. If one bird chases the rest away, put up a second feeder out of sight of the first.
Our favorite hummingbird feeder because it's the easiest to keep clean. The saucer design comes apart in seconds, a built-in ant moat stops ants, and a raised perch gives you great views.
Check price on Amazon for Aspects HummZinger HighView (opens Amazon)A small cup of water that hangs above any nectar feeder. Ants can't cross it, so they never reach the sugar water.
Check price on Amazon for Aspects Ant Moat (opens Amazon)Plant tubular flowers
Hummingbirds love red and orange tubular flowers. Native choices include bee balm, cardinal flower, salvia, columbine and coral honeysuckle (not the invasive Japanese honeysuckle).
Get the timing right
Put feeders out about two weeks before hummingbirds usually arrive in your area, which is early spring in the south and late April to May farther north.
Leave feeders up for about two weeks after you see the last hummingbird in fall. Feeders don't stop them from migrating, and late travelers appreciate the fuel.
A big, low-cost bottle feeder with plenty of ports for busy yards in peak season.
Check price on Amazon for First Nature 3055 Hummingbird Feeder (opens Amazon)Frequently asked questions
Do I need red nectar?
No. Red dye isn't needed and may be harmful. The red parts on the feeder are enough to attract them.
What's the right sugar-to-water ratio?
One part white sugar to four parts water. Use our nectar calculator for exact amounts.
Will leaving my feeder up stop hummingbirds from migrating?
No. Migration is triggered by day length, not food. Leaving feeders up helps late migrants.
Not sure which feeder fits your yard?
Answer three quick questions and we'll match you with the right setup.