Do finches like hummingbird feeders?

Finches are small songbirds that are common across North America. They are known for their brightly colored feathers and melodious songs. Hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water are a familiar sight in many backyards, attracting the tiny, fast-moving hummingbirds. But do finches also visit these feeders meant for hummingbirds?

Quick Answer

Yes, some species of finch do enjoy feeding from hummingbird feeders. Certain types of finches have been observed regularly using the nectar feeders, including American goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches. The tubular shape of hummingbird feeders perfectly matches the shape of these birds’ beaks. However, other finch species with thicker, sturdier beaks are not able to access the nectar easily.

Do All Finches Use Hummingbird Feeders?

Not all finches are attracted to hummingbird feeders. Whether or not a finch can feed from a hummingbird feeder depends on the size and shape of its beak. Hummingbird feeders are designed with long, narrow feeding ports that perfectly match the long slender beaks of hummingbirds. Only finches with similar narrow beaks can access the sugar water. Finches with short conical beaks do not have the right beak morphology to take advantage of hummingbird feeders.

The finches most likely to become regular visitors to hummingbird feeders are:

• American Goldfinches
• House Finches
• Purple Finches

These species all have slim, pointed beaks that allow them to reach into the feeding ports and lap up nectar. On the other hand, finches with stockier beaks like pine siskins and evening grosbeaks cannot sip from standard hummingbird feeders.

Why Do Some Finches Use Hummingbird Feeders?

There are a few key reasons why some finches are attracted to hummingbird feeders:

• Beak shape – As mentioned above, the tubular design and elongated feeding ports of hummingbird feeders match the narrow beaks of certain finch species.
• Sweet nectar – Hummingbird feeders are filled with sucrose-rich sugar water, which finches find just as enticing as hummingbirds do.
• Bright colors – Many hummingbird feeders feature bold red or yellow colors to attract hummingbirds. These colors also draw the attention of finches.
• Convenient feeding – Hummingbird feeders provide an easy source of calories that finches can take advantage of.

In the wild, American goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches all have diets consisting of seeds, grains, fruits, buds, and occasional insects. The sweet liquid nectar in hummingbird feeders is a treat these birds opportunistically indulge in when the feeders are available.

Do Hummingbirds Mind Finches Using Their Feeders?

Hummingbirds are territorial and aggressive when defending their food sources. You might assume they would chase away any finches trying to dip into their feeders. However, research shows that hummingbirds appear to tolerate finches feeding nearby:

• One study observed hummingbird feeders over a 5 month period. Both finches and hummingbirds regularly used the same feeders with minimal conflict.
• Another study found that hummingbirds did not increase aggressive dives or chasing behavior when goldfinches fed at the feeders.
• Experts believe that because finches only occasional take short sips of nectar, while hummingbirds feed continuously, the two birds are not directly competing.

However, there are a few steps you can take to make sure hummingbirds get all the food they need despite finch visitors:

• Use feeders with multiple, separated feeding ports so finches and hummingbirds can access the nectar at the same time.
• Keep feeders full – refill them with fresh nectar often.
• Use bright red feeders that attract hummingbirds but not finches.

Should You Actively Deter Finches from Hummingbird Feeders?

If finches in your yard stick to only occasionally sipping small amounts of nectar from the hummingbird feeders, there is no need to deter them. Their infrequent feeding is unlikely to deprive hummingbirds of necessary food. However, some finches may become more territorial and try to actively chase hummingbirds away from the feeders. In that case, it is best to take steps to prevent finches from driving away your desired hummingbird visitors:

• Use feeder styles made just for hummingbirds – very narrow feeding ports and bright red plastic deter finches.
• Apply hot pepper sauce or other repellents to the feeding ports. This doesn’t bother hummingbirds but deters finches.
• Use a cage around feeders to restrict larger birds while allowing hummingbird access.
• Take down feeders in the evening when finches are most active and replace them in the morning for hummingbirds.

With a combination of selective feeders and strategic deterrents, you can minimize competition and accommodate both finches and hummingbirds in your yard.

Do Finches Help Pollinate Flowers?

Though they don’t feed on flower nectar as regularly as hummingbirds, finches do play a role in plant pollination when they visit certain flowers. When finches stick their heads into flowers looking for seeds or insects, pollen sticks to their feathers and they carry it to the next flowers they visit. Some key facts about finches and pollination:

• Finches primarily pollinate herbs, shrubs, and trees rather than showy blooming flowers.
• They often visit flowers of oaks, dogwoods, willows, and fruit trees to feed on insects inside and transfer pollen in the process.
• Flowers pollinated by finches are more tubular with less conspicuous petals than hummingbird flowers.
• Common finch-pollinated plants includeMTPGooseberriesMTPGooseberry
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Though finches may not be as specialized for flower pollination as hummingbirds, their role in transferring pollen, especially among trees and shrubs, is still valuable for plant reproduction and fruit production.

How Often Do Finches Feed at Hummingbird Feeders?

Most finches are only occasional or opportunistic visitors rather than regular feeders at hummingbird feeders. Here is how often different finch species tend to visit hummingbird nectar feeders:

As you can see, house finches are the most likely finch visitors followed by American goldfinches. Purple finches only occasionally use the feeders. Larger-beaked species like evening grosbeaks essentially never feed from standard hummingbird feeders.

Tips for Deterring Overly Aggressive Finches

To deter finches that chase away hummingbirds or monopolize the feeders, try these tips:

• Use green or blue feeders – finches prefer red while hummingbirds are attracted to any color.
• Eliminate perches around feeders used by aggressive finches.
• Employ plastic finch deterrents such as clips, cages, or prongs to restrict access.
• Move feeders regularly so territorial birds cannot establish dominance.
• Use feeders with multiple separated ports to allow shared use.

Conclusion

certain finch species like American goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches will happily drink from hummingbird feeders when given the opportunity. Their long slender beaks allow them to reach the nectar. Hummingbirds appear tolerant of the finches unless they become too aggressive or greedy. With the right feeder styles, placement, and deterrents, you can accommodate both hummingbirds and less territorial finches.