Hummingbirds are territorial creatures that will aggressively defend their feeding areas from other hummingbirds. This can lead to frequent fighting, chasing, and dangereous collisions when multiple hummingbirds are trying to feed from the same feeder. While watching their aerial acrobatics can be entertaining, excessive fighting is stressful for the birds and discouraging for the human feeder-filler. Luckily, there are some simple strategies you can use to minimize fighting and allow hummingbirds to peacefully share feeders.
Why do hummingbirds fight over feeders?
Hummingbirds are very territorial, especially when it comes to food sources. A hummingbird will stake out a particular feeder as its own territory and aggressively defend it from intruders. This is for good reason – hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and must consume a tremendous amount of energy-rich nectar each day just to survive. A consistent, predictable food source can mean life or death for a hummingbird. They cannot risk losing access to a good feeder, so they fiercely protect their territory from competitors.
Male hummingbirds tend to be the most aggressive as they try to monopolize prime feeding locations to attract females. However, female hummingbirds will also actively defend feeders, especially if they have a nearby nest with hungry chicks to feed. With so much at stake, it’s no wonder hummingbirds view each other as threats when congregating at a limited number of feeders. The abundant food source brings them together, but their territorial instincts drive them to battle.
Tips for minimizing fighting
While you can never completely eliminate hummingbird conflicts, there are some strategies you can use to reduce fighting at your feeders:
1. Offer multiple feeders
The most effective way to minimize fighting is to make sure there are enough feeding spots to accommodate all the hummingbirds in your yard. As a general rule, you should have at least one feeder per hummingbird visiting your yard. Space the feeders sufficiently far apart – 10 feet or more is ideal. This allows the dominant birds plenty of room to claim their own territory without constantly encountering competitors. Having multiple feeders spreads the birds out and provides sufficient resources for everyone.
2. Use feeder styles that accommodate multiple birds
Saucer-style feeders with multiple feeding ports or large capacity allow several hummingbirds to drink at once. This reduces the likelihood of bullying and monopolization by a single dominant bird. Longer trough-style feeders also allow multiple birds to share the feeder. Try using a combination of feeder styles to provide abundant, multi-access feeding opportunities.
3. Offer both low and high feeders
Hummingbirds establish a distinct pecking order, with dominant males occupying the optimal high perches while subordinate females and juveniles are relegated to lower perches. Providing both high and low feeders allows birds to select their preferred height based on their social status, reducing squabbling caused by crowding.
4. Site feeders in open spaces
Feeders placed too close to trees, walls, fences or other structures increase territorial disputes as birds feel trapped. Make sure feeders have a 3-4 foot clearance in all directions so hummingbirds have an escape route if conflict arises. An open setup allows free movement and reduces the sense of competition for a limited space.
5. Clean feeders thoroughly and regularly
Dirty feeders harbor harmful bacteria, fungi, and mold that can sicken hummingbirds and heighten aggressive behaviors. Thoroughly clean feeders with a 10% non-bleach solution at least once a week (or more in hot weather) to reduce contamination risk. Rinse well after cleaning. This encourages healthy birds who are less likely to fight.
6. Avoid red feeders
Surprisingly, the color red seems to trigger aggressive behavior in hummingbirds. Red resembles the gorget feathers of dominant males. All-red feeders may incite attacks as birds instinctively view them as a rival male in their territory. Use alternative colors like yellow, orange, or certain shades of pink to minimize this territorial response.
7. Provide shelter and perches
Adding structures like tall trees, arbors, poles with rope perches gives subordinate birds a place to perch and wait their turn. Sheltered spots provide an escape from persistent bullies. Perches near feeders let birds peacefully queue up rather than getting into aerial battles.
8. Start a second feeder area
If feasible, try creating two distinct hummingbird feeding zones in different parts of your yard. Some of the birds will gravitate to the second area rather than overcrowding a single spot. Just make sure the areas are far enough apart – at least 40-50 feet – to reduce conflict between the zones.
9. Use feeder moats
For persistent bullies, a moat of water (even just an inch deep) surrounding a feeder creates a barrier to deter attacks. The dominant birds can access the feeder from perches within the moat but chasing is inhibited. Subordinate birds can drink from the opposite side of the moat in relative peace.
10. Don’t let the feeders go empty!
Make sure you are dutifully filling your feeders on a daily basis, especially during peak usage times. Low nectar levels increase competition as the birds fight over the dwindling supply. Frequent filling keeps plenty of food available so aggression is reduced.
Discouraging bully birds
If one excessively dominant hummingbird is instigating the majority of fights, you may need to take targeted measures to discourage the bully. Here are some options:
Remove perches
Eliminate any prime perching spots nearby the feeder that are used exclusively by the bully. Force him to share space with others.
Use a feeder collar
Collars prevent birds from sitting on the feeder. The bully has to hover to drink like everyone else.
Try a “bully blocker” guard
These cage-like devices fit over the feeder opening. Longer bills (like those of dominant males) cannot reach the nectar, but shorter bills still can.
Relocate the feeder
Sometimes moving a feeder several feet to a new site disrupts established territories and reduces one bird’s ability to claim exclusivity.
Take down feeders at night
Since hummingbirds aggressively guard food sources, removing feeders overnight forces the birds to re-establish territories each morning. This can disrupt a bully’s dominance.
Use a hummer hover “rink”
These enclosed feeders have adjustable ceilings that force aggressive hummers to hover in order to reach the nectar. This tires out bullies and creates opportunities for other birds.
Be patient if attempting targeted anti-bullying measures. It may take a week or two for the dominant bird to abandon his aggressive strategy.
Monitor for injuries
Hummingbird fights rarely lead to serious injuries, but you should keep an eye out for any bullying that leaves a bird bloodied, ruffled, or struggling to fly. Seek wildlife rehab assistance if you observe injured birds. An injured hummingbird will not survive long in the wild.
Signs of damaging aggression to watch for include:
- Missing or broken feathers
- Birds balding from pulled-out feathers
- Limping or inability to fly
- Cuts, scratches or other wounds
Separating or removing feeders may be necessary if fighting leads to obvious harm. Hummingbird safety should be the top priority.
When to call in a professional
In most cases, the feeder tactics described above should successfully reduce hummingbird conflicts in your yard. However, if aggressive behavior persists and leads to dangerous mid-air collisions or consistent injuries despite your best efforts, contacting a wildlife professional may be warranted.
A biologist or bird rehabilitation expert can observe the birds, identify any particularly problematic aggressors, and suggest targeted interventions. For severe situations, they may recommend temporarily trapping and relocating excessively aggressive males until breeding/territorial behaviors subside. Relocation more than 5 miles away can disrupt their ability to return and bully feeders.
Before taking this extreme step, be sure to:
- Consult your local wildlife authorities to ensure relocation is legal in your area
- Have an expert identify appropriate release sites with ample habitat far enough away
- Ensure birds are properly contained, transported, and released to maximize survival chances
Relocation stresses birds and should only be a last resort. But it can quickly solve cases of harmful bullying and fighting when other measures have failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hummingbirds starve if I take down my feeders?
Hummingbirds get the vast majority of their nutrition from natural nectar sources and insects, not feeders. So they will not starve if you temporarily remove feeders to discourage fighting. Just time removal outside of migration seasons when alternative foods are plentiful.
Do hummingbirds recognize each other from year to year?
Individual hummingbirds likely do not remember each other between years. Territorial disputes start anew each season as birds return and re-establish boundaries. However, males may remember and attack specific rivals from current and previous days within the same season.
How close should two feeders be?
As a general rule, separate feeders by 10-15 feet or more to establish distinct territorial boundaries. Closer proximity leads to increased squabbles over competing food sources.
Are some types of feeders better than others?
Saucer and trough-style feeders with multiple feeding ports reduce monopolization and allow more birds to feed simultaneously. Avoid single-port feeders which can be easily guarded.
Should I take down my feeders at night?
This is an option to disrupt territorial patterns each morning. But leaving feeders up 24/7 provides a vital food source for migrating hummers who need the energy and may arrive at all hours.
How often should I clean my feeders?
Clean with a 10% non-bleach solution at least once per week in warm weather, or every 2-3 days during peak summer usage. Change nectar every 2-3 days as well to limit bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are captivating but pugnacious creatures, and disputes over feeders are inevitable with these ultra-territorial birds. But you can take steps to reduce fighting and allow hummingbirds to peacefully share feeder space. Provide an abundance of adequately spaced feeders, discourage bullying, carefully monitor for injuries, and consider targeted relocation only as a last resort. With some patience and creativity, you can create a harmonious backyard oasis that meets the needs of all your hummingbird visitors. Enjoy their beauty and fascinating behaviors while minimizing stressful skirmishes. A diverse happily humming hummer haven is possible!
