Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that bring joy to backyard birdwatchers. Their tiny size, dazzling colors, and incredible flying skills make them a delight to observe. One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds is by setting up feeders with homemade nectar, which provides the birds with a reliable food source.
A common question among people trying to attract hummingbirds is whether having multiple feeders results in more bird visits than a single feeder. The short answer is yes, having more hummingbird feeders generally increases the number of hummingbirds that will come to your yard or garden. However, there are some important factors to consider when setting up multiple feeders.
Why Use Multiple Feeders?
There are a few key reasons why having more than one hummingbird feeder is beneficial:
- More feeding spaces – With a single feeder, dominant or territorial birds may monopolize the feeder and prevent other hummers from accessing it. Multiple feeders reduce competition and allow more birds to feed simultaneously.
- More feeding opportunities – More feeders means more places for hummingbirds to eat throughout the day as they frequently visit a site.
- Attracts more hummingbirds – As word spreads about a good food source, more hummingbirds from further away may visit, so more feeders allow you to accommodate more visitors.
- Reduces aggression – When a single bird can’t dominate a feeder, there is less motivation for aggressive behavior like chasing others away.
By minimizing competition and making it easier for hummingbirds to feed, having multiple feeders in one yard or garden is an effective strategy for increasing hummingbird traffic.
How Many Feeders Should You Have?
When it comes to how many feeders to set up, there is no magic number that will maximize the number of hummingbirds. It depends on several factors:
- The size of your yard/garden – Larger spaces can support more feeders and hummingbird activity than smaller ones.
- Existing landscaping and flowers – More natural food sources mean fewer feeders may be needed.
- Your location – Areas with more hummingbirds present usually warrant more feeders.
- Time of year – Population and food needs fluctuate through seasons.
- Observer interest – Casual viewers may opt for fewer feeders than devoted birdwatchers.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to start with 2-3 feeders in a small to medium yard, and add more as needed. Observe activity at your initial feeders, and if you notice crowding, increased aggression, or feeders that are regularly empty, gradually expand to 5-6 or more. Monitor whether added feeders attract more hummingbirds to find the right number for your unique situation.
Feeder Placement
Where you locate multiple feeders can influence whether they actually attract more hummingbirds or not. Follow these tips for placement:
- Separate feeders widely – At least 10-20 feet apart near edges of your space rather than clustered together.
- Vary heights – Have some feeders hanging high, others lower down to accommodate different hummingbirds.
- Consider flight paths – Avoid blocking prime flight routes between feeders or natural food sources.
- Choose strategic spots – Near trees/shrubs, gardens, ponds etc. where hummers naturally congregate.
- Maintain visibility – Position feeders where you can observe activity comfortably.
Proper distribution of feeders minimizes territorial conflicts and makes it easier for hummingbirds to move between options while feeding.
Other Helpful Strategies
In addition to multiple feeders, some other tactics can increase hummingbird traffic:
- Provide a water source like a mister, fountain, or bird bath for drinking and bathing.
- Plant native flowers and shrubs that attract hummingbirds.
- Avoid using pesticides that could poison the birds.
- Be consistent about cleaning and refilling feeders so food is always available.
- Use red feeders as hummingbirds are drawn to that color.
- Consider special feeder designs like saucers or feeder banks.
Combining supplemental feeders with an inviting environment is key to successfully attracting more hummingbirds to your outdoor space.
Potential Downsides
While most backyard enthusiasts welcome more hummingbirds at feeders, there are some potential downsides to be aware of with multiple feeders:
- Higher cost – More feeders means buying more supplies upfront.
- Extra maintenance – Cleaning and refilling takes longer with more feeders.
- Increased bee/wasp activity – The sugar water may attract more unwanted pests.
- Higher risk of feeding pathogens – Uncleaned feeders can spread diseases between birds.
- Need to discourage territorial birds – Aggressive males may still guard feeders.
With proper care and monitoring, these risks can be minimized through smart feeder management and creating an optimal environment.
Conclusion
Backyard birdwatchers who want to see more hummingbird activity and a greater diversity of species should strongly consider utilizing multiple feeders. While a single feeder may get visits from local hummingbirds, strategically placing several feeders significantly increases the number that will be attracted to your yard or garden.
By reducing competition, accommodating more birds simultaneously, and providing reliable food sources, a properly designed setup of multiple hummingbird feeders can bring joy, color, and life to your outdoor space. Just be sure to observe activity patterns, separate feeders sufficiently, maintain cleanliness, and combine feeders with other flowers, plants, and water sources to create an enticing haven.