How do you stop a dominant hummingbird?

Hummingbirds are known for being territorial creatures that aggressively defend their food sources and nesting areas. This is especially true of dominant male hummingbirds, who stake out prime territory with abundant nectar-producing flowers and aggressively chase away any intruders. While this behavior is instinctual and important for their survival, dominant hummingbirds can also become bullies that hog feeders and drive away other hummers. If you have a particularly aggressive hummingbird in your yard, there are some techniques you can try to discourage his bullying behavior and allow other hummers to feed as well.

Why do hummingbirds fight?

Hummingbirds are very territorial. They will defend areas with plentiful food and nesting sites against other hummingbirds to ensure they have the resources needed to survive. This is especially true for mature males, who are competing for territory and mates during breeding season. Some reasons why hummingbirds squabble and fight include:

• Access to food sources – Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from nectar and will aggressively defend feeders, flowers, and fruiting plants.
• Nesting and mating sites – Males defend nesting territories to attract females. Females defend their nests from other females.
• Dominance – Older males try to dominate the best territories by driving away younger males.

These behaviors are exacerbated in the summer when food is more scarce and mating season is at its peak. The high metabolic needs of hummingbirds also force them to aggressively defend food supplies to avoid starvation.

Identifying a bully hummingbird

How can you tell if a hummingbird in your yard is excessively aggressive or a “bully”? Some signs include:

• Guarding feeders – The hummingbird may park itself next to a feeder and dive bomb any other hummers that approach.
• Not allowing others to feed – It may actively chase away other hummingbirds any time they try to access nectar sources.
• Displaying aggressive body language – You may see intensive displays like wing flaring, bill jousting, and vocalizations directed at other birds.
• Injuring other hummingbirds – In extreme cases, a very aggressive male may even peck, claw or bite intruders.

If you notice one hummingbird is excessively targeting others and not allowing any other birds to feed, it likely means you have a bully on your hands.

Discouraging bully behavior

If you have identified a bully hummingbird, there are some tactics you can try to discourage the aggressive behavior and allow other birds to access your feeders:

• Use multiple feeders spread widely apart – This prevents one bird from easily guarding them all. Use at least one feeder per two hummingbirds.
• Try different feeder styles – Dome-shaped feeders with multiple ports or circulating moats make it harder for one bird to control.
• Take down feeders briefly – Removing feeders for a few days may interrupt established territories.
• Block perches – Eliminate perches around feeders so the bully cannot station itself nearby.
• Use a water spray – Carefully spraying aggressive birds with water when they approach can teach them to avoid that area.
• Supplement natural food sources – Provide more native plants, fountains, etc to divert attention from feeders.

Be patient, as it can take days or weeks to change stubborn behavior patterns in dominant hummingbirds. Avoid swatting or harming the birds, as this is counterproductive. With some creativity and perseverance, you can discourage bully birds from monopolizing feeders in your yard.

Why removing feeders may not work

Some people try removing hummingbird feeders entirely to address bully behavior. However, this technique has mixed results for a few reasons:

• Hummingbirds may still stick around – The bully bird likely has an established nesting territory nearby. Taking away feeders won’t make him abandon the prime location he wants to protect.
• It removes food sources for other birds – While you are trying to discourage one bully, removing feeders penalizes all hummingbirds in the area and takes away needed nutrition.
• The bully may still dominate natural food sources – Your yard likely has some native flowers and nectar plants. The bully may shift to aggressively guarding those rather than the feeders.
• The problem behavior often returns – When you put feeders back out, the dominant bird will likely return and resume bullying at feeders.

Removing feeders can be used as a temporary measure to interrupt behavior patterns. But relying solely on this technique rarely provides a long-term solution to bully hummingbirds. Using multiple feeder placements, styles and supplements is more effective for discouraging bullying long-term.

When to call a wildlife expert

In most cases, bully hummingbird behavior can be resolved using the techniques above. However, if you witness any of the following, it may be time to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or hummingbird expert for advice:

• Injured birds – The bully is causing physical harm and injuries to other hummingbirds.
• Distressed chicks – The bully is not allowing the mother to access chicks in a nearby nest.
• No improvement over time – Aggressive behavior persists even after trying numerous discouragement techniques.
• Emaciated birds – Other hummingbirds appear weakened or starved from being denied food sources.

A wildlife rehabilitator who specializes in hummingbirds may be able to capture and relocate excessively disruptive birds. They can also examine injured birds and orphaned chicks and provide supportive care as needed. While maintaining hummingbird feeders inevitably involves some natural squabbling, contacting an expert is advised if bullying escalates to causing distress or fatalities.

Avoiding encouragement of bully behavior

When attempting to discourage bully hummingbirds, it’s also important not to inadvertently encourage the aggressive behavior. Avoid these mistakes:

• Yelling at the bird – Loud noises or yelling may be interpreted as threatening, prompting the bird to be more defensive and aggressive.
• Swatting at it – Physically swatting at or shooing the bird will be seen as an attack, again causing it to escalate aggressive displays.
• Letting chicks starve – Never remove a nest or block a mother from accessing chicks, even if she’s an aggressive bird.
• Trapping and relocating – Relocating hummingbirds is illegal without permits and can spread diseases. Only experts should handle trapping and relocation.
• Removing too many feeders – Eliminating too many food sources causes hunger stress for other birds and more competition.

With patience and a gentle approach, even very territorial hummingbirds can be discouraged from excessive bullying. Avoiding unintentionally aggressive deterrents will help create a calm environment.

Traits of common bully bird species

Some hummingbird species are more prone to aggressive behavior than others. Here are a few notorious bullies found in American yards:

These species share some common traits that contribute to aggressive guarding of resources:

• Territorial breeding – Males occupy nesting territories to court females.
• Short breeding season – Intense competition in limited time to mate and breed.
• High metabolism – Require frequent feeding and cannot survive long without food.
• Small size – Must aggressively defend resources from larger competitors.

Understanding a bully bird’s motivations and natural history can help inform effective discouragement techniques tailored to that species.

Avoiding risky solutions

When dealing with an aggressive hummingbird, there are some risky solutions that are ineffective or potentially harmful. Avoid these risky techniques:

• Trap and relocate – Relocating wildlife without permits is illegal. Capturing and moving birds risks spreading diseases.
• Remove nests – Never remove active nests with eggs or chicks. This can lead to death and is prohibited by law.
• Use pesticides – Pesticides are highly dangerous to hummingbirds and kill beneficial insects needed for pollination.
• Apply oil – Applying oil to deter hummingbirds can cause lethal harm through loss of waterproofing and hypothermia.
• Withhold water – Limiting water sources causes dehydration and starvation risk during hot, arid conditions.

The best approach is using responsible techniques like feeder placement, visual deterrents, and spraying. Avoid any methods that could seriously harm hummingbirds or destroy active nests.

When multiple feeders cause more problems

It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes adding more feeders can exacerbate bully hummingbird problems. In some cases, extra feeders may lead to more aggression by:

• Overcrowding – Too many feeders crammed closely together causes tension.
• More boundaries – Additional feeders create more borders to guard.
• Increased population – Extra food resources allow growth beyond ecosystem limits.
• Changes in migration – Access to abundant food may cause some birds to stop seasonal migration.
• Amplified breeding competition – Males have more territories and resources to compete for.

As a general rule, provide 1-2 feeders per 2 hummingbirds initially. Monitor aggression levels, and scale back feeders if bullies become more defensive or persistent. Maintaining a healthy balance of space and food availability minimizes excessive territoriality.

Tips for a peaceful hummingbird habitat

Creating an environment that discourages bullying involves thoughtful feeder placement, strategic landscaping, and learning to identify triggers. Some tips include:

• Space feeders widely – At least 10 feet apart to minimize territorial overlap.
• Add flowering plants – Divert from feeders with natural food sources like bee balm, fuchsia, and sage.
• Use multiple styles – Offer a mix of feeder models so birds access nectar in different ways.
• Start early – Put out feeders well before migration to establish harmonious patterns.
• Be consistent – Keep feeders clean and filled to minimize food anxiety.
• Consider nest sites – Note where hummingbirds nest and maximize distance from feeders.
• Discourage perching – Remove branches and obstructions used as attack perches.
• Reduce reflections – Use duller feeders to avoid triggering territorial displays.

With planning and patience, you can create an inviting habitat that meets hummingbirds’ needs while minimizing bullying showdowns.

When to call a professional

In most cases, hummingbird bullying can be resolved by amateurs using intelligent feeder management and modification techniques. However, it may be advisable to contact a professional in certain scenarios, including:

• Injuries – If aggressive physical attacks lead to injured birds, they may need expert rehabilitation.
• Nest disturbances – Professionals can remove problematic nests while ensuring eggs/chicks are safely relocated or cared for.
• Chronic starvation – If other birds show signs of severe malnutrition from food monopolization, urgent action is needed.
• Disease outbreaks – Experts can diagnose and treat any contagious diseases spread through feeders.
• Persistent attacks – If dangerous aerial attacks persist even after exhaustive mitigation efforts.

Wildlife rehabilitation centers have dedicated hummingbird specialists trained in minimizing aggression problems. They offer added experience and legal handling permits for stubborn cases.

Conclusion

Dealing with overly aggressive and territorial hummingbirds requires a delicate balance. The goal is redirecting bullying without jeopardizing birds’ health or important natural behaviors. With strategic feeder adjustments, landscape planning, and positive reinforcement tactics, you can steer dominant hummers toward a more peaceful coexistence in your yard.