This is an interesting question that many hummingbird enthusiasts may wonder about. Hummingbird feeders are designed to provide food for hummingbirds during the day, but could bats also be tapping into this resource at night when hummingbirds are asleep? Here is a comprehensive look at what we know about bat behavior around hummingbird feeders.
Do bats actually drink from hummingbird feeders?
There is some evidence that bats may occasionally drink from hummingbird feeders, but it does not appear to be very common behavior. One key factor is that bats primarily rely on echolocation to find food at night, and hummingbird feeders do not produce echoes that would attract bats.
However, there are a few firsthand accounts of people who claim to have witnessed bats drinking from their hummingbird feeders at night. This seems to happen more often in areas where bats are abundant and other food sources may be scarce. Additionally, nectar-feeding bats like the lesser long-nosed bat may be more inclined to investigate hummingbird feeders.
So while it does not seem to be typical behavior, bats may opportunistically drink from hummingbird feeders in certain situations. But they do not rely on feeders as a primary food source.
Why would bats be interested in hummingbird nectar?
If bats do sometimes drink from hummingbird feeders, it is likely because they are attracted to the sucrose-rich nectar inside. Nectar is an important food source high in carbohydrates for many bat species.
In the wild, nectar-feeding bats have specialized muzzles and tongues that allow them to delve into flowers and extract nectar. They pollinate flowers in the process. Examples of nectar-feeding bats include:
- Lesser long-nosed bats
- Mexican long-tongued bats
- Long-nosed bats
These species are found primarily in the southern United States through Central America. Their range overlaps with areas where hummingbird feeders are commonly used.
While most bats consume insects, spiders, fruit, pollen, or meat, the sugar-rich nectar in hummingbird feeders could be an attractive alternative source of carbohydrates for some nectar-feeding bats. The red dye added to some nectar mixtures may also help the bats locate the feeders.
When would bats most likely visit hummingbird feeders?
If bats are drinking from hummingbird feeders, they would most likely do so at night when hummingbirds are inactive. Bats that utilize echolocation avoid activity during the day to avoid competition with birds that rely heavily on vision for finding food.
Hummingbird feeders may get the most nighttime bat visitors during migration seasons when food is scarce. In southern states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, bats would visit feeders most often in early spring and fall when migrating through. This corresponds with times when hummingbird feeder usage also peaks to supply passing migrants.
Bats may also investigate feeders on sparsely flowered winter nights when few other nectar sources are available. However, most nectar-feeding bats migrate south or hibernate during winter months when hummingbird feeders are less common.
Signs that bats are drinking from your hummingbird feeder
If you suspect bats may be tapping into your hummingbird feeders at night, here are some signs to look for:
- Nectar level lower than expected at dawn
- Small incisor tooth marks on feeder ports
- Nectar splattered around base of feeder
- Damage to feeder from impact or chewing
- Sightings of bats approaching feeder at night
Distinguishing bat damage from other nighttime feeder visitors like raccoons can be tricky. But tiny tooth marks on the feeder ports are a good giveaway that small bat teeth were the culprits.
Do bats pose any problems for hummingbird feeders?
While having bats occasionally drink from your hummingbird feeders is not necessarily harmful, there are a few potential issues to consider:
- Nectar theft – Bats may rapidly deplete nectar intended for hummingbirds.
- Damage – Rough landings or chewing could damage plastic feeder ports and bases.
- Contamination – Saliva exchanged between bats could potentially transmit diseases.
- Territoriality – Hummingbirds may avoid feeders if bat scents are strong.
To avoid excessive nectar consumption, inspect feeders each morning for overnight activity. Refill more often if needed and consider bringing feeders inside at night. Cleaning with a 10% bleach solution helps remove contamination risks.
Most bat visits cause minor disruption. But if damage or aggressive territorial behavior is observed, steps may be needed to exclude bats from the feeders specifically.
Will hummingbirds and bats fight over the feeder?
It is unlikely that hummingbirds and bats would directly compete for access to the feeder since they are active at different times of day. Hummingbirds aggressively defend feeders during daylight hours when bats are sleeping.
Bats may occasionally encounter territorial rufous and Anna’s hummingbirds that start feeding early in the morning or on long summer evenings. But both animals are small, aerialists that would likely avoid any major confrontation.
There is no evidence that hummingbirds get displaced from feeders or experience decreased health if bats also drink from them. The two animals peacefully coexist in the wild on many of the same nectar-producing flowers.
Will bats cause damage to a hummingbird feeder?
While intact hummingbird feeders are not at high risk for damage from bats, there are a couple scenarios where bats could cause issues:
- Chew marks – Bats may leave small chew marks on plastic feeder ports as they drink with their sharp teeth. These are usually superficial and do not inhibit the function of the feeder.
- Broken perches – If bats make clumsy collisions with the feeder when approaching, they could potentially break off perches or knock the feeder down, especially if it is not securely mounted.
- Punctures – If plastic ports or the base of a feeder already have cracks, repeated bat visits could cause existing holes to expand.
To limit damage, inspect feeders often for any existing cracks and replace damaged parts promptly. Consider a more sturdy metal feeder rather than lightweight plastic. Place feeders away from vegetation and other surfaces bats could crash into and mount securely on a post or hook.
How to deter bats from hummingbird feeders
If bat visits to your hummingbird feeders become bothersome, there are a few tactics you can try to deter them:
- Take feeders inside at night – This is the simplest solution but inconvenient if you refill daily.
- Use chemical repellents – Applying foul-smelling repellents designed for bats around the feeder may deter them.
- Install a squirrel baffle – An inverted dome baffle can obstruct bats from sitting on the feeder.
- Suspend on a wire – Hanging the feeder from a taut wire makes it tricky for bats to land.
- Add bright lights – Illuminating feeders at night may scare light-shy bats away.
- Try ultrasonic deterrents – Devices that emit high-frequency sounds may repel bats.
Be aware that measures like baffles and wire hanging can also obstruct larger hummingbird species. Avoid use of chemicals on feeder parts that directly contact nectar.
Conclusion
While bats do not heavily rely on hummingbird feeders as a food source, nectar-feeding species may opportunistically drink from them on occasion, especially during migration seasons. This usually does not harm the feeders or compete with hummingbird usage. But take steps to deter bats if they become problematic.
Understanding local bat behavior and patterns may help anticipate if your feeder is likely to attract bats at night. With some preventive measures, both hummingbird enthusiasts and conservation-minded bat lovers can peacefully coexist.
