Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most delicate birds, making them vulnerable to attacks and intimidation from larger, more aggressive bird species. However, there are several effective ways to protect hummingbirds in your yard and prevent bullying from other birds so these tiny gems can feed and nest in peace.
Why do other birds bully hummingbirds?
Larger birds like jays, crows, and sparrows often harass hummingbirds for a couple of key reasons:
- Competition over food sources – Feeders and nectar-producing flowers attract hummingbirds but also other bird species that want an easy meal.
- Predation – Larger birds may see small hummingbirds as an easy snack.
- Territorialism – Aggressive species are just protecting their perceived turf.
This bullying keeps hummingbirds from freely accessing food sources and can scare them away from nesting in your yard.
1. Use specialty hummingbird feeders
One of the best ways to deter other birds from feeding on nectar intended for hummingbirds is to use a specialty hummingbird feeder designed with a hummingbird’s needs in mind.
Typical hummingbird feeder features include:
- Small, shallow feeding ports that only accommodate a hummingbird’s slender bill.
- A moat or basin around each port to catch drips.
- Brightly colored feeding tubes and flowers to attract hummingbirds.
- A wire hanger or hook that allows the feeder to be suspended freely and display the red feeding ports.
These features prevent larger birds like starlings from perching on the feeder and keep bees and wasps away as well. Select a sturdy feeder made from glass or plastic rather than flimsy materials.
Tips for hummingbird feeders
- Hang feeders in shady spots to prevent nectar from spoiling.
- Clean tubes thoroughly at least once per week with a bottle brush.
- Use only refined white sugar and water for nectar – no honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring.
- Hang multiple feeders around your yard to reduce crowding.
2. Place feeders strategically
Where and how you hang hummingbird feeders impacts their accessibility:
- Hang high enough to deter other birds – Mount feeders at least 5 feet off the ground and away from trees, fences, and other launching points.
- Avoid clustering near bird baths/other feeders – Separate hummingbird feeding areas from other bird activity.
- Use a pulley system – Make feeders movable so you can raise them out of reach when pests arrive.
- Hang in open spots – Visibility deters bird bullies; do not mount near dense foliage.
- Place near flowers – Hanging feeders among natural food sources encourages hummingbird traffic.
3. Provide shelter and nesting sites
Giving hummingbirds sheltered spots to perch and nest encourages them to stick around:
- Plant clusters of dense shrubs and trees.
- Hang trellises covered in climbing vines.
- Set up small gazebos or shelters with hanging plants.
- Leave up dead trees, stumps, and fallen branches.
- Hang coconut shells, wooden boxes, or mesh cages with soft fibers for nest material.
Provide cover for hummingbirds to retreat to when feeling threatened. Avoid disturbing or relocating active nests.
4. Install squirrel guards
Squirrels are a common hummingbird feeder pest. Discourage them with:
- Slip-on plastic domes – These sturdy barriers prevent squirrels from clinging to the feeder tubes.
- Critter cages – Wire or mesh cages allow hummingbirds access but keep squirrels at bay.
- Vaseline on hangers – Lubricate hooks and hangers so squirrels cannot get footing.
- Dish soap/chili pepper oil – Coat feeder tubes with bitter oils squirrels dislike.
Check that guards do not also block hummingbird access. Clean lubricated parts regularly to avoid contamination.
5. Scare or relocate bullies
For aggressive bird species that stake out feeders, take measures to discourage them:
- Reflective tape – Mylar tape, old CDs, and other shiny objects spook territorial birds.
- Fake predators – Lifelike hawk kites or owl decoys may scare off bullies.
- Squirt guns/water balloons – Supervised spraying with a water gun when bullies appear can teach them to avoid the area.
- Audible deterrents – Try bells, clackers, or chimes startled by motion sensors.
- Relocate bird houses/feeders – Move food sources attracting aggressive species to another part of your yard.
Avoid harming birds and do not use poisons. Persistence is key in retraining pesky birds to avoid your yard.
6. Adjust lighting strategies
Some tips for using light to control pests:
- Install bright spotlights aimed at feeders and flower beds to deter nocturnal visitors like bats.
- Use low-wattage red lights above hummingbird feeding areas, which won’t distract them from bulbs they cannot see.
- Illuminate your yard at night to discourage owls who avoid light.
- Conversely, keep feeders in shadows, as hummingbirds are more likely to frequent dimly lit areas.
Concentrate deterrent lighting only where needed to avoid disrupting natural habitats.
7. Try using petroleum jelly
Coating feeder ports with a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly is an inexpensive deterrent. Other birds dislike the texture and taste.
Drawbacks to petroleum jelly:
- Can get messy and drip in hot weather
- Needs reapplication after each refill/cleaning
- May damage some feeder materials if left on
Use this method sparingly and wipe clean thoroughly before refilling feeders.
8. Limit feeder capacity
Carry less nectar in each feeder to reduce attraction for other birds. Hummingbirds drink little at a time, so smaller capacity feeders work fine for them.
Try 10-12 ounce nectar capacity feeders. This limits the reward if other birds do access the feeder while providing ample nectar access for hummingbirds.
9. Watch feeders for aggressive guests
When setting up new feeders or if hummingbird numbers decline, observe activity closely, especially at dawn and dusk when bullies are most active.
Choose hidden spots to watch from and document behaviors like:
- Larger birds scaring away hummingbirds
- Territorial diving and chasing
- Other birds feeding on nectar
- Damage to feeders from pecking
Use this information to tailor deterrent strategies to target the specific bullies in your yard.
10. Supplement feeder nectar
Ensure hummingbirds have access to natural food sources in your landscape as well:
- Plant nectar-rich flowers they favor like lantana, fuchsia, and petunias.
- Add pollinator-friendly plants like milkweed for habitat.
- Provide fruit for nutrients like diced oranges, banana slices, or berries.
- Set up a mister or dripler to create a small water source.
This gives hummingbirds alternate options beyond your feeders if bullying is an issue.
11. Accept some battles
Even with deterrents, some skirmishes over feeders are inevitable in a shared backyard. Do not get discouraged!
As long as hummers have food access and safe nesting spots, they are resilient. A few run-ins will not drive them away for good.
12. Try a guard hummingbird
Consider putting up a feeder exclusively for the largest, most territorial hummingbird species in your area like an Anna’s or Rufous hummingbird. Offer a more dilute 10% nectar solution.
These aggressive hummers will defend “their” feeder from other birds. Taking on the role of guard allows them an outlet for their natural behavior while keeping them from bullying less dominant species.
Conclusion
A variety of techniques like strategic feeder placement, squirrel deterrents, monitoring, and habitat enrichment can help prevent bullying and allow hummingbirds to feed and nest undisturbed. Test different methods to find the right solution for your unique yard and bird behaviors.
With some creativity and patience, you can create a safe, welcoming space for hummingbirds to thrive alongside other bird species.
