Putting a hummingbird feeder near a birdhouse is generally fine, but there are a few things to consider to make sure the hummingbirds and other birds get along peacefully. Here’s a detailed look at the factors to weigh when placing a hummingbird feeder near a birdhouse.
Ideal Placement of Hummingbird Feeder Relative to Birdhouse
When positioning a hummingbird feeder near a birdhouse, it’s best to separate them by at least 10-15 feet. This allows plenty of space for both hummingbirds and other birds like chickadees or wrens to comfortably feed and go about their business without interfering with each other.
Having some physical separation prevents squabbling over territory. Hummingbirds can be quite territorial, especially around their food sources. They may try to chase away other birds that get too close to “their” feeder. Other small birds like finches may also compete for access to the feeder.
By keeping the feeders 10-15 feet apart, each species has their own dedicated feeding area. This eliminates congestion and reduces potential conflicts. The ample space also allows proper sight lines so hummingbirds can watch for predators as they eat.
Put Feeder and Birdhouse in Different Parts of Yard
In addition to physical distance, placing the hummingbird feeder and birdhouse in entirely different parts of the yard helps minimize interactions. For example, you could put the hummingbird feeder on the patio and the birdhouse on a tree at the back of the yard.
Making sure they don’t overlap in the same visual field further reduces competition. The birds don’t have to ever see or fly directly past each other during their regular comings and goings.
Having separate areas also lets you observe both the hummingbirds and other birds closely without one area distracting from the other. You can get a better view of the chickadees at the birdhouse, for example, without hummingbirds zipping around.
Use Multiple Feeders to Reduce Conflict
Another strategy is to set up several smaller hummingbird feeders around the yard rather than just one large one. This prevents one busy feeder from becoming overcrowded.
Multiple feeders means more feeding opportunities spread out. The hummingbirds have options and don’t have to jostle for position at a single food source. This helps minimize aggression and chasing others away.
Make sure to space the multiple feeders appropriately so their territories don’t overlap. Having a feeder about every 10-15 feet around your yard is ideal. Just take care that other birds can’t easily access the nectar.
Use Feeders With Perches for Smaller Birds
Specialty feeders designed with perches allow smaller birds like finches and chickadees to feed while minimizing access for larger bullies. This lets the feeder serve both hummingbirds and other small birds peacefully.
The perches are sized so that larger birds can’t comfortably sit and feed. But the smaller birds like goldfinches can easily perch and drink. The nectar is also dispensed in a way that makes it tougher for big birds to sip.
Position this type of feeder in an open area so the little birds feel safe landing and feeding there. Place it well away from bushes where predators might hide and ambush.
Utilize Feeders With Built-In Perches or Guards
Many hummingbird feeder models come with built-in perches or cage-like guards. This setup actively discourages other birds from feeding while allowing hummers access.
The perches are sized and positioned specifically for a hummingbird’s body and feeding method. Other birds can’t comfortably use them. The cage guards further physically block larger birds from getting at the nectar.
Using a feeder designed just for hummingbird use prevents it from attracting or enabling use by undesirable nuisance birds. Place it anywhere in the yard where you want to be able to observe hummingbirds up close.
Try Different Nectar Mixtures
Adjusting the nectar concentration and composition can also affect which birds are attracted to the feeder. Making nectar that’s extremely attractive to hummingbirds but less enticing to other species helps reduce bird conflicts.
Most experts recommend a standard 1:4 ratio of sugar to water. But going for a higher concentration like 1:3 makes the nectar thicker and harder for bees or large birds to consume. Only hummingbirds can lap it up.
Some people add a small amount of salt to the nectar as well. This enhances the taste for hummers but may deter other birds. Avoid red food dye though, as this provides no benefit and could be harmful.
Use Saucer Feeders for Ground Birds
To allow other small ground birds like sparrows or woodpeckers to safely feed, consider a specialized ground-level saucer feeder. This contains nectar in a very shallow basin.
The ground feeder prevents larger bullies like robins and starlings from accessing the nectar. But smaller ground-feeding birds can easily sip. Position it near bushes or trees so the birds have quick cover.
Having a dedicated ground feeder reduces competition at other raised feeders. It also gives you a chance to enjoy a wider diversity of bird species around your yard.
Select Isolated Locations
Placing feeders and birdhouses in naturally isolated spots helps prevent crowding and conflicts. Try to find locations well away from busy central hubs of activity.
Feeders positioned in the middle of the yard or right by a path see heavy traffic and constant activity. This can increase squabbling. Instead, set up feeders in peripheral areas or tucked away corners.
Areas surrounded by bushes, trees or walls create separation. Hummingbirds often prefer more enclosed sheltered spots anyway. Just be sure of proper sight lines to avoid ambush by predators.
Add More Birdhouses
Sometimes competition arises if there’s a lack of roosting or nesting locations in the immediate area. Adding more birdhouses reduces housing shortages so birds don’t have to fight over space.
Make sure to position multiple houses at least 15-20 feet apart to prevent territorial battles. Having dedicated spaces for each pair or mating flock to nest and roost reduces squabbling.
Providing adequate, properly spaced shelter for the species you wish to attract takes pressure off of the feeder areas. With abundant roosts and nests available, feeding areas remain calm.
Offer Separate Bird Baths
Setting up dedicated bird baths and fresh water well away from feeders prevents congestion in one area as different species hydrate and clean off. Bullies often stake out popular shared baths.
Separate bird baths in distinct zones give both hummingbirds and other birds their own private place to drink and bathe. As with feeders, separate the baths by 10-15 feet or more.
Make sure to frequently clean and refresh bird baths to prevent spread of diseases. Position them in open locations protected from predators. Flying up to exposed baths leaves hummingbirds and other birds vulnerable to ambush.
Clean Feeders Regularly
Keep feeders thoroughly cleaned and supplied with fresh nectar. Dirty, sticky, leaky feeders and old nectar can attract pests. This creates undesirable congestion and unsanitary conditions.
Change nectar out every few days to keep it fresh. Every time you refill, completely disassemble the feeder and wash all parts with hot soapy water. Rinse fully before reassembling.
Regular cleaning prevents contamination and diseases that spread when too many birds crowd a feeder. Fewer birds may attend a freshly sanitized feeder, easing crowding issues.
Discourage Bully Birds
If a particular bully bird like a robin, grackle, or European starling is disrupting harmony, take active measures to discourage these aggressors.
Use exclusionary devices like feeder guards, perches, and nectar mixes that make feeding difficult for them. Avoid open-tray or easily accessible feeders.
Scare tactics may also work. Install a rubber snake nearby, hang flash tape that sparkles in the wind, or set out fake predatory hawks. Sprinkling chili powder lightly on nectar is also unpalatable but harmless.
Monitor Activity and Make Adjustments
Closely observe activity around your feeders and birdhouses for the first few weeks. Watch especially during busy times like morning and dusk.
If certain areas become overrun, congested, or prone to excessive chasing and squabbling, make adjustments. Move feeders farther apart or to isolated spots.
Shift perch designs. Break up popular dust baths.
Each backyard ecosystem is different. Stay vigilant for patterns of crowding and aggression. Continually tweak locations and access as needed to enable peaceful coexistence.
Be Patient
Introducing a new feeder or birdhouse always disrupts the existing harmony.
Existing birds may initially resist newcomers. But with careful placement and monitoring, the yard can settle into a new normal.
Ensure adequate roosting spots, baths, and food sources in under-utilized areas. Make gradual changes to space and access. With time, birds will accept the new entrants.
It takes patience and persistence to achieve ideal balance. But the result is a diverse, lively, and conflict-free yard where all species coexist harmoniously.
Enjoy the Experience!
Achieving the perfect layout of feeders and birdhouses brings tremendous rewards.
The thrilled sight of hummingbirds buzzing up to feed above vibrant perching finches against a backdrop of chattering chickadees makes all the effort worthwhile.
Remember that minor squabbles are normal as birds negotiate boundaries.
Don’t let it discourage you. Focus instead on the moments of calm when all the species coexist peacefully. This is when the greatest pleasure comes from watching your yard come alive!
With some thoughtful placement, monitoring, and adjustments, you can have hummingbird feeders and birdhouses enhance your backyard instead of clash. Follow these guidelines, be patient, and soon you’ll be enjoying a diverse birdie community in harmony!
