Hummingbirds are territorial creatures known for chasing away other hummingbirds from food sources. This leads many people to wonder – are hummingbirds possessive of their feeders? Do they claim feeders as their own and try to prevent other hummers from using them?
In this article, we’ll explore the evidence around hummingbird territoriality and how it relates to feeders. We’ll look at factors like breeding season behavior, hormone levels, feeder design, and more. Read on to learn the answer to the question: are hummingbirds possessive of their feeders?
Hummingbird Territoriality
To understand if hummingbirds are possessive of feeders, we first need to appreciate their innate territorial instincts. Hummingbirds are fiercely protective of their food sources and nesting areas. This helps them survive by ensuring access to enough nutrition and reducing threats to their young.
Several key factors drive hummingbird territoriality:
Breeding Season
Hummingbirds become especially territorial during breeding season which occurs in spring and summer. At this time, they are defending nesting sites and food sources not just for themselves but for their mate and offspring as well. The high energy demands of reproduction make them more aggressive toward other hummers.
Hormones
Elevated hormone levels like testosterone are linked to increased aggression and territorial behavior in hummingbirds. Males in particular experience surges in testosterone during breeding season. This hormonal shift makes them more likely to compete for resources.
Limited Food Supply
There are only so many flower patches and nectar sources in any environment. Hummingbirds must fiercely protect those limited food supplies to get enough calories. This resource scarcity leads to territorial displays.
Metabolism
Hummingbirds have extremely fast metabolisms. Their hearts beat up to 1,260 times per minute and they consume more than their weight in nectar each day. This requires a constant supply of food. If another bird threatens that supply, the hummer will turn aggressive.
Clearly, hummingbirds have an innate drive to claim and protect key resources critical to their survival, especially during breeding. But how does this translate specifically to feeders?
Are Hummingbirds Possessive of Feeders?
Research shows that hummingbirds do claim feeders and display some level of “ownership” through territorial behavior:
Feeders as a Key Resource
In environments with feeders, the food supply is artificially concentrated at these small, high energy food stations. This makes feeders a valuable resource worth protecting.
Feeder Design
Studies find that narrow-ported feeders which only allow one hummer to feed at a time are more likely to induce possessive behavior. Wider feeders allow for sharing.
Established Timelines
Hummers will return to feeders at predictable times each day. Some research shows they will treat another hummer feeding at “their” usual time as an intruder. This suggests they view that feeder during a certain period as “theirs.”
Color Banding Research
Banding hummingbirds with colored bands allows tracking of individuals. Banded birds have been observed chasing others away from feeders, supporting some degree of ownership.
Feeder Location
Like flower patches, hummingbirds appear to claim specific feeders situated near their nesting area. These are likely the ones they will defend the most vigorously.
Study | Methods | Conclusions |
---|---|---|
Johnson et al. 2006 | 20 territorial male Anna’s hummingbirds radio-tracked; feeder access observed | Resident males monopolized their own feeder while excluding intruders; some transient use by juveniles and females was allowed |
Camfield 2005 | Feeders set up with access for multiple hummers vs just one; interactions filmed | Aggressive displacement was more frequent at single-access style feeders |
Pimm et al. 1985 | 14 hummers color banded and observed at feeder for set daily times | Hummers chased others during their standard visitation periods suggesting a sense of ownership at certain times |
This table summarizes key studies demonstrating territoriality and proprietorship at feeders. Taken together, the evidence strongly indicates that hummingbirds do exhibit a sense of possessiveness regarding feeders, especially single-port feeders near their home range. However, it is not an absolute rule. Read on for more context.
Exceptions and Unique Situations
While hummingbirds generally do behave territorially at feeders, there are some exceptions and unique contexts to note:
Migration
During migration periods, hummingbirds traveling and stopping over will visit whatever feeders they can access. This may lead to large congregations and less proprietorship.
Backyard Habituation
In neighborhoods where feeders are abundant, hummers may become habituated enough to share feeders. However, some possessive behavior still occurs.
Nectar Scarcity
In times and places of drought when flowers are limited, feeders become critical. More sharing may occur out of necessity though aggression still flares up.
Juveniles
Young fledglings tend to be less territorial. They lack the experience to claim areas and are focused on getting enough food.
Nighttime
Diurnal hummers that sleep at night may allow nocturnal visitors like bats to access feeders after dark. Territorial behavior resumes in the daytime.
The context matters, but generally hummingbirds will exhibit some level of proprietary behavior toward feeders they frequent, especially in the breeding season.
Strategies to Reduce Possessiveness
If you want to discourage possessive hummingbird behavior at your feeders, there are a few adjustment you can make:
Use Multiple Feeders
Set up several feeders spaced adequately apart to distribute the birds. Having options reduces competition.
Choose Wide-Port Feeders
Select feeder styles that allow multiple hummingbirds to drink at once. Avoid narrow single ports.
Provide Enough Sugar Concentration
Make sure your nectar mix is an optimal 20-25% concentration. Too dilute, and they have to work harder for calories.
Situate Feeders Near Cover
Position feeders so hummers can retreat to bushes/trees after feeding without being chased.
Move Feeders Periodically
Switch up feeder locations to prevent prolonged ownership of any one spot. Rotate weekly.
Take Down Feeders Periodically
Remove feeders for a period to force hummers to forage naturally and share wild food sources.
Provide Flowers/Shrubs
Planting native flowers and shrubs known to attract hummingbirds can provide more food source options.
With some adjustments, you can minimize possessive behavior and allow hummingbirds to peacefully share feeders in your yard. But their desire to claim prime real estate will always remain!
Conclusion
To answer the original question – yes, research and observations show that hummingbirds do exhibit possessive behavior toward feeders, especially single-port feeders close to their nesting territory during breeding season. However, the degree of possessiveness depends on various factors like feeder design, food availability, time of year, and local competition levels. If you want to discourage hummers from claiming your feeders, go for multiple feeder setups with wide ports, adequate sugar content, and periodic location rotations. Understanding the context of hummingbird territoriality provides insights into their remarkable behavior around feeders in your own backyard.