Perky-Pet 217 Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder – 8

The Verdict

If you’ve ever watched a hummingbird hover at a feeder from across the yard and wished you could see its iridescent throat up close, the Perky-Pet 217 is the answer. This is a feeder designed for one thing: putting hummingbirds literally inches from your face while you sip your morning coffee. And for the most part, it delivers.

What you actually get

The box contains the feeder itself — an 8-ounce clear plastic nectar reservoir with a red base, a yellow flower feeding port, and a single large suction cup mounted on the back. There’s no perch, no ant moat, no extra parts. It’s about 6 inches tall and attaches directly to your window glass. The entire thing weighs next to nothing, which is both a blessing (suction holds better) and a curse (feels a bit flimsy in hand).

Performance and build quality

The star feature here is the suction mount. Perky-Pet uses a wide, flat suction cup that, when pressed firmly onto clean glass, holds remarkably well. Most buyers report it staying put for weeks at a time. One reviewer noted, “I was skeptical about the suction cup but it’s been up for three months without budging.” That tracks with my research — the key is wiping the glass with rubbing alcohol first and pressing for 10 seconds.

The 8-ounce reservoir is a genuine advantage. Most window feeders hold 4–6 ounces, meaning you’re refilling every day or two in peak season. This one buys you an extra day, which matters when hummingbirds drain feeders fast in July.

The feeding port uses a standard yellow flower design that hummingbirds recognize instantly. The red base (not dyed nectar) is what catches their attention from a distance. Once they find it, they’ll visit constantly.

Where it falls short

Let’s be direct about the downsides. The plastic is thin. If you twist the reservoir too hard when separating it from the base for cleaning, you risk cracking the threads. Multiple reviewers mentioned this exact issue. Clean it gently.

The suction cup is powerful but picky. Textured glass, vinyl windows, or any residual dirt will cause it to drop — and an 8-ounce feeder full of nectar hitting the floor is a sticky disaster. You must clean the glass thoroughly before mounting.

Finally, there’s no perch. Some hummingbirds prefer to rest while feeding, and shy individuals may avoid a feeder that forces them to hover in an exposed window. If you have skittish birds, this could mean fewer visitors.

Who should buy this

This feeder is perfect for apartment dwellers, people with limited mobility, or anyone who wants a front-row seat to hummingbird activity without investing in a pole system. It’s also great for classrooms or offices with sunny windows — I’ve seen these become the highlight of a workspace.

Skip it if you have textured windows, a household with rambunctious pets that might knock it, or if you specifically want a feeder with perches for shy birds.

FAQ

Q: How do I prevent the feeder from falling? A: Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol, press the suction cup firmly for 10 seconds, and wait 24 hours before filling with nectar. The weight of liquid can pull it loose if mounted improperly.

Q: How often do I need to clean it? A: Every 3–4 days in warm weather. Nectar spoils quickly in heat, and mold is dangerous to hummingbirds. The wide mouth makes cleaning easier than most window feeders, but be gentle with the threads.

Q: Will this attract hummingbirds if I live in a city? A: Yes, if you have any nearby flowers or green space. Hummingbirds are territorial and will find a reliable food source within a day or two. Just be patient — it can take up to two weeks for them to discover a new feeder.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want an affordable, effective way to watch hummingbirds from inches away and don’t mind a little maintenance. Skip it if you have textured windows, want a perch-style feeder, or prefer sturdier materials.

• Rating: 4.2/5
• Best for: Window viewing, small spaces, beginner hummingbird enthusiasts
• Watch out for: Thin plastic threads, suction cup pickiness

For roughly the price of a fancy coffee, this feeder delivers hours of entertainment. Just mount it right and handle it gently — it’ll earn its keep all season.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.