Bees and hummingbirds are two very different types of flying insects and birds that share some similarities in their habitats and food sources. While they may cross paths frequently in gardens and other flower-filled areas, the relationship between bees and hummingbirds ranges from neutral to competitive depending on the species and other factors.
Do bees and hummingbirds interact or avoid each other?
In general, bees and hummingbirds largely ignore each other as they go about their daily business. Bees are focused on gathering nectar and pollen from flowers, while hummingbirds seek out nectar as well. They may fly around each other with little interaction as they move from flower to flower.
However, there are some exceptions. Large carpenter bees can be quite territorial and may actively chase hummingbirds away from flowers. And hummingbirds may show some aggression toward bees if they are defending a food source. But usually both creatures will simply share the space and food source with minimal fuss.
Reasons bees and hummingbirds peacefully coexist
There are several reasons why bees and hummingbirds generally coexist without much conflict:
- They feed on different parts of flowers – Bees collect pollen and nectar, while hummingbirds just sip nectar.
- Their feeding behaviors differ – Bees land on flowers to feed, while hummingbirds hover.
- Abundant food sources – Usually there are enough flowers in an area to accommodate both types of pollinators.
- Differing schedules – Bees are most active earlier in the day, while hummingbirds are often busiest later.
- Limited aggression – Neither bees nor hummingbirds are highly territorial or aggressive by nature.
As long as there are sufficient food sources, bees and hummingbirds peacefully share garden spaces and wildflower patches without interfering with each other’s foraging activities.
When do bees and hummingbirds compete for food?
While they comfortably coexist in most situations, there are times when bees and hummingbirds may compete directly for food sources:
Few flowers available
If there are limited flowers in bloom, this can spark competition between bees and hummingbirds over access to nectar. They may chase each other away from favorite flower patches.
Feeders in short supply
Backyard hummingbird feeders create an abundant artificial food source. But if just one or two feeders are present, bees may try to drink the “hummingbird juice,” leading to conflict.
Slow flowering season
During times when flowers are not blooming abundantly, such as early spring or late fall, bees and hummingbirds will congregate at the few food sources available. This encourages competition.
Prime flower locations
Certain particularly dense patches of flowers or prime blossoming trees may become hotspots that attract both types of pollinators, increasing competition for position on favored flowers.
During times of scarcity, aggressive behavior like chasing and bumping may occur as bees and hummingbirds jockey for access. But they still directly share flowers much of the time.
Do bees ever harm hummingbirds (or vice versa)?
Outright physical harm between bees and hummingbirds is very rare. A few potential conflicts that could lead to injury include:
Hummingbird attacks
If an extremely aggressive male hummingbird is defending territory, it may attack bees that get too close. The sharp beak could potentially injure a bee.
Bee stings
Though not common, a threatened bee could potentially sting a hummingbird that bumps into it. This would likely only happen with very aggressive bee species defending a hive.
Competing for feeders
If bees and hummingbirds compete intensely for access to a feeder, there is a small chance a physical altercation could lead to harm. Bees might sting out of defense, or jabbing beaks could injure bees.
But again, actual physical harm between the species is extremely uncommon. Other dangers like predators, weather, and lack of food sources are much greater threats to both bees and hummingbirds.
What kinds of bees do hummingbirds encounter?
Hummingbirds commonly encounter three main types of bees at flowers:
Honeybees
Introduced honeybee species frequent many of the same blossoms as hummingbirds. While large numbers may spark some competition, honeybees are not aggressive and collisions are rare.
Bumblebees
These fuzzy native bees share habitat with hummingbirds and peacefully take turns feeding at flowers. Their larger size and loud buzz helps prevent mid-air collisions.
Carpenter bees
These solitary bees can be quite territorial over patches of flowers. Males may actively chase hummingbirds away. But harm is still unlikely despite their blustery behavior.
Other native bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees may also be encountered but typically do not interact with hummingbirds due to their small size and non-aggressive natures.
Strategies for preventing bee-hummingbird conflicts
While serious conflicts are uncommon, here are some tips for minimizing bee-hummingbird tensions in your yard:
- Plant a wide variety of flowering plants to provide plenty of food sources.
- Use multiple hummingbird feeders spread widely apart to reduce competition.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent bee interest.
- Avoid excess use of colorful feeders and objects that attract bees.
- Provide abundant nesting habitat for both bees and hummingbirds.
- Limit the use of pesticides that could reduce food sources for both species.
Ensuring your yard offers abundant natural food and habitat goes a long way in allowing bees and hummingbirds to meet their needs while ignoring each other.
Examples of bees and hummingbirds cooperating
While competition does occur, there are also some interesting examples of bees and hummingbirds peacefully cooperating and even potentially supporting each other:
Pollination
As pollinators, bees and hummingbirds can work together to increase pollination of shared flower sources, boosting food supplies for both species.
Feeding cycles
Hummingbirds feed more heavily in the morning and evening when fewer bees are active, reducing competition for blossoms.
Flower preferences
Specialization on different favorite flowers means bees and hummingbirds may benefit from preferring different food plants.
Protection from predators
Large numbers of bees or hummingbirds in an area may help distract or fend off shared predators like birds and dragonflies.
So while they may not directly work together, bees and hummingbirds often mutually benefit from sharing habitats and food sources.
Key similarities and differences between bees and hummingbirds
Despite some overlaps in their ecology, bees and hummingbirds have many key differences:
Similarities
- Pollinators of flowering plants
- Attracted to nectar as an energy source
- Important ecologically and for human agriculture
- Prefer warmer climates
- Small sizes
- Can hover and fly in place
Differences
| Bees | Hummingbirds |
|---|---|
| Insects | Birds |
| Collect pollen | Do not eat pollen |
| Mostly herbivores | Omnivores will eat small insects |
| Nest in colonies with queens | Solitary nesters |
| Attracted to variety of flower colors | Drawn to red tubular flowers |
| Stingers for defense | Sharp beaks and claws for defense |
These differences in their biology, diet, social structure, and appearance underlie the divergent lifestyles of bees vs. hummingbirds.
Do bees ever try to get nectar from hummingbird feeders?
It is common for bees to be attracted to the sugary homemade nectar (usually sugar water) in hummingbird feeders. A few factors draw bees in:
- Bright colors of feeders are eye-catching
- Sweet smelling nectar is difficult to resist
- Lack of other abundant nectar sources in the habitat
- Opportunistic feeding instincts of bees
Bees most often tap into hummingbird feeders during times of nectar scarcity. While annoying to hummingbird enthusiasts, it is a natural response by bees to an abundant potential food source in their environment.
Bee species attracted to feeders
The most frequent hummingbird feeder visitors are:
- Honeybees – especially Italian honeybees
- Bumblebees – seeking sugary carbs
- Carpenter bees – aggressive territorial species
Native solitary bees less commonly visit, as they rely more strictly on flower nectar for food.
Preventing bees at hummingbird feeders
To discourage bees, try these tactics:
- Use feeders with bee “guards” limiting access
- Place feeders in shady spots
- Clean feeders regularly to remove bee odors
- Use red feeders less visible to bees
- Supplement feeder nectar with natural flowers
- Suspend feeders well away from vegetation and structures
- Use feeders that invert or turn bees away
Determined bees may still find ways to drink from feeders. But strategic feeder placement and maintenance can help reduce bee interest.
Conclusion
Bees and hummingbirds engage in mostly neutral relationships across North America, peacefully sharing garden habitats and wildflower patches. Direct conflict is rare, though some competition over food sources can occur. Strategies like landscaping with pollinator-friendly flowers can create an abundant environment minimizing tension. While bees may opportunistically tap into hummingbird feeders, their threat to hummingbirds is minimal. With thoughtful practices, we can support the needs of both essential pollinator groups in shared spaces.
