Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that can add color and excitement to any backyard. However, they are also highly territorial and will aggressively defend their food sources and nesting areas. This territorial behavior is part of their natural instincts, but there are some steps you can take to minimize aggression between hummingbirds in your yard.
Provide Multiple Feeders
One of the best ways to reduce territorial behavior is to provide multiple feeders spread out around your yard. Each hummingbird will claim one feeder as their own territory. Having multiple feeders prevents one bird from claiming the whole yard and gives other hummingbirds a place to feed without intrusion.
Space the feeders at least 10-15 feet apart and use separate feeding ports for each feeder. This creates clear boundaries between territories. Avoid clustering feeders too close together, as this can create conflict zones.
Use Feeder Designs that Limit Access
There are certain hummingbird feeder designs that can help limit territorial behavior. Here are some good options:
- Feeders with multiple feeding ports – Allow multiple hummingbirds to feed at once.
- Saucer or disk-shaped feeders – Access from all sides so one bird cannot claim just one perch.
- Feeders with perches below the feeding ports – Prevents a dominant bird from sitting at the feeder.
- Feeders with a cover or “bee guard” – Limits access to just a few birds at a time.
Avoid large-capacity feeders designed for one dominant hummingbird. opt for smaller designs that accommodate 2-4 hummingbirds.
Offer a Water Source
Providing a water source like a bird bath, mister, or dripping fountain can also help diffuse aggression. Hummingbirds often quarrel over limited water sources, so making water plentiful reduces this behavior. Position the water source in a different area than the feeders to prevent territoriality over that space.
Provide Adequate Nectar
Make sure your feeders always have fresh nectar available. When nectar levels run low, hummingbirds become more territorial as they compete for the limited food source. Change the nectar every 2-3 days at minimum, or whenever it looks dirty.
Also make sure you are using a proper nectar concentration of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Weak nectar encourages aggression as birds feed more frequently.
Avoid Red Feeders and Perches
Research shows that male hummingbirds are more aggressive to other males at red feeders. Opt for neutral colors like yellow, orange or white feeders instead. Avoid using red on feeder perches, ports or bee guards as well.
Provide Ample Nesting Habitat
Hummingbirds often fight over prime nesting spots and materials. You can discourage this behavior by providing plenty of nesting habitat for them in your yard. Some good options include:
- Native flowering trees and shrubs – These provide nesting materials like twigs, leaves and plant down.
- Underbrush and brush piles – Creates nesting spots and hiding places.
- Nest boxes and hammocks – Gives them pre-made nesting structures.
Increase habitat in different yard zones versus one concentrated area to reduce nesting competition between birds.
Use Distraction Techniques
You can also use distraction techniques when you notice hummingbirds fighting at feeders or preferred perches. Here are some techniques to try:
- Use a handheld mister to gently spray above squabbling birds.
- Hang strips of flashing reflective ribbon or old CDs near disputed spots.
- Hang wind chimes or aluminum pie pans that move in the breeze to startle birds.
- Squirt territorial birds with a water gun when they instigate fights.
The motion, sound and reflections serve to briefly distract the birds and interrupt the aggression. Just take care not to disturb nests with these deterrents.
Tolerate Some Territorial Behavior
Even with the above steps, some mild squabbling between hummingbirds may still occur as they establish natural pecking orders and defend resources. The most dominant males may claim the best feeders or perches, while juvenile birds are pushed to suboptimal spots.
Resist the urge to constantly intervene in all hummingbird scuffles. The territorial behaviors serve a natural purpose in their population ecology. Find a balance between discouraging excessive aggression and allowing normal delimiting of territories.
Monitor for Aggressive Birds
While moderate squabbling is normal, occasionally you may get a hyper-aggressive hummingbird that relentlessly attacks and injures other birds. This behavior goes beyond natural territorial instincts.
If you notice severe repeated attacks by one hummingbird, try relocating the aggressor’s food and perch sites. If this does not curb the behavior, consider temporarily removing the feeders to displace that bird from the territory until migration season.
As a last resort for a highly aggressive bird, consider contacting a wildlife rehabilitator to have the bird safely trapped and relocated away from your property.
Conclusion
Territorial behavior in hummingbirds comes from natural survival instincts, but there are steps you can take to minimize aggression. Follow these tips to create a hummingbird-friendly environment with enough resources to reduce squabbling. With some patience and tweaking, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds peacefully feed and interact in your yard.
