Quick Answers
Bird feeders and hummingbird feeders should be placed at least 10-15 feet apart to reduce competition between species. Hummingbirds are very territorial and won’t share feeders, so adequate spacing is important. Place hummingbird feeders in open areas away from trees and shrubs to make it easier for hummingbirds to access and defend.
When it comes to backyard bird feeding, figuring out proper feeder placement can be tricky. You want to attract as many different species as possible, but you also need to minimize squabbles over food resources. Two types of feeders that require some special consideration are bird feeders designed for songbirds and feeders intended specifically for hummingbirds. So how far apart should these different feeders be?
In general, most experts recommend keeping bird and hummingbird feeders at least 10-15 feet apart. This reduces competition between the species and allows hummingbirds sufficient space to engage in their typical territorial behaviors. However, feeder placement should also take into account factors like yard size, landscaping, and the types of birds you want to attract. Continue reading for more detailed tips on optimal feeder spacing and placement.
Why Keep Bird and Hummingbird Feeders Separate?
There are a few key reasons it’s important to space standard bird feeders and hummingbird feeders at least 10-15 feet apart:
Differing Feeder Needs
Bird feeders are designed to accommodate perching while eating. Platform feeders, hopper feeders, tube feeders etc. all allow songbirds to land and grip the feeder while they pick up seed. Hummingbird feeders work very differently. Hummingbirds eat on the wing, hovering in front of the feeder and extending their long tongue into the nectar. They cannot perch and eat. Due to these different feeding strategies, hummingbirds need open access to their feeders without competition from other birds.
Hummingbird Territorialism
Hummingbirds are extremely territorial, especially around their food sources. They will aggressively defend feeders, chasing away other hummingbirds as well as species like finches and woodpeckers. Allowing ample space between feeders reduces squabbles and bullying. With their own area, hummingbirds feel less need to guard their feeder quite as fiercely.
Minimizing Disease Transmission
When birds from multiple species congregate very closely around shared feeders, there is increased potential for transmission of diseases. Providing adequate spacing helps minimize contact and spread of bacteria, fungi and parasites. This is beneficial for both hummingbird and songbird health.
Preventing Choking Hazards
Bird seed should never be placed right below hummingbird feeders. The small seeds pose a serious choking hazard as hummingbirds feed. Keeping feeders well-spaced eliminates this dangerous situation.
Ideal Distance for Feeder Placement
Most experts recommend maintaining at least 10-15 feet of separation between hummingbird feeders and other bird feeders. However, in some situations more or less distance may be suitable. Here are some general spacing guidelines to follow:
– Small urban garden – Minimum of 10 feet between feeders
– Typical suburban backyard – 12-15 feet between feeders
– Large yard/garden – 15-20+ feet between feeders
– Areas with multiple feeders – 10-15 feet between each grouping (ex: one hummingbird feeder clustered with a suet feeder and hopper, spaced 15 feet from a tube feeder and platform feeder cluster)
– Areas with heavy competition – Err on the longer end of the spacing range
The most important point is keeping adequate separation so hummingbirds feel comfortable accessing their feeders. Observe the birds in your yard and adjust as needed to minimize aggressive behavior. Don’t be afraid to experiment with setups to find the right balance.
Ideal Placement for Hummingbird Feeders
When deciding precisely where to locate hummingbird feeders, keep these key factors in mind:
Find Open Spaces
Hummingbirds prefer feeding in open areas with good visibility. This allows them to spot potential threats as well as food competitors. Mount feeders away from dense trees, shrubs and foliage that could conceal other birds. Open areas also provide easier flight access.
Near Natural Food Sources
Look for spots near flowering plants that already attract hummingbirds. This will make the feeder more visible and appealing. The birds will quickly learn to associate the area with food.
Elevated Positions
Mounting feeders at least 5 feet off the ground provides protection from predators. Elevated placements also enable hummingbirds to easily drop down out of reach if threatened.
Multiple Access Points
Having multiple feeder ports allows more than one hummingbird to feed at once. This helps reduce squabbles over a single opening.
Shaded Locations
While hummingbirds prefer open feeding zones, some shade is ideal to prevent nectar from spoiling rapidly in hot sunlight. Place feeders under eaves or light tree cover.
Sheltered Spots
Extreme winds can make accessing feeders difficult for hummingbirds. Seek somewhat sheltered areas that still offer easy access.
Ideal Placement for Bird Feeders
When placing bird feeders intended for perching birds like finches, sparrows, cardinals and woodpeckers, here are some optimal setup tips:
Near Trees and Bushes
Most songbirds feel safest feeding near some type of cover where they can quickly take refuge if threatened. Avoid leaving feeders isolated in wide open areas.
Arranged for Safety
Bird feeders should be positioned so birds have a clear escape path away from predators. Avoid placing feeders directly against fences, walls or buildings.
At Multiple Heights
Cater to different species by hanging feeders at varying heights. Small birds prefer low placements while species like woodpeckers opt for high.
Visible from Inside
Locate feeders where they can be easily seen through windows. You’ll enjoy maximum birdwatching this way.
Not Too Close Together
Avoid crowding too many feeders closely together. This can increase territoriality in some species. Space different feeder types at least several feet apart.
Spacing Tips for Other Feeders
Proper placement guidelines also apply to other specialized feeders beyond basic hummingbird and bird options:
Oriole Feeders
Hang orange juice and jelly feeders favored by orioles at least 15 feet from hummingbird feeders. Orioles can be very territorial and may intimidate hummingbirds.
Suet Feeders
Woodpeckers relish suet, but can be aggressive around other birds. Position suet feeders with a 10-15 foot buffer from other feeders. Also avoid directly above or below hummingbird feeders so drippings don’t contaminate the nectar.
Nectar Feeders
Some songbirds like orioles or Northern Cardinals will also drink nectar from hummingbird feeders. Place a separate nectar feeder 10-15 feet from hummingbird feeders to reduce competition if desired.
Ground Feeders
Feeders placed directly on the ground attract doves, juncos, sparrows and other species that prefer to forage this way. Set ground feeders at least 20 feet from hanging feeders to discourage other birds from descending to the ground.
Other Placement Considerations
Beyond spacing between feeders, also factor in:
Yard Size and Shape
The dimensions of your yard will impact optimal feeder numbers and arrangements. Make sure feeders are spread out appropriately for the available space.
Feeder Poles vs Hanging
Pole-mounted feeders typically require more separation than hanging feeders. Pole feeders also create more defined territories that birds may compete over.
Sufficient Food Capacity
Make sure each feeder area offers enough food availability and ports to meet demand. This prevents crowding and aggression.
Predator Protection
Situate feeders in spots that don’t provide cover for stalking by neighborhood cats or overhead attacks by raptors.
Windows
Avoid placing feeders directly against windows. Reflections cause deadly window collisions for birds.
Tips for Avoiding Feeder Aggression
With well-spaced feeders, issues like hummingbirds and other birds competing and fighting should be minimal. But if aggressive behavior persists, try these troubleshooting tips:
Increase Spacing
Gradually widen the gap between problem feeders inch by inch until aggression stops. Some dominant birds may require 20 feet or more of separation.
Offer More Feeders
Adding more duplicate feeders creates more feeding opportunities. This reduces the need to fight over a single food source.
Improve Visibility
Trim plant growth around feeders so birds can see each other coming and don’t feel ambushed. Increased visibility reduces startling reactions.
Reduce Crowding
Limit the number of birds at a single feeder by using fewer ports or restricting capacity. Overcrowding fuels hostile behavior.
Separate Species
Use separate feeder setups specifically for aggressive species like hummingbirds, orioles or woodpeckers. Isolate them from more docile birds.
Try Moving Feeders
Periodically relocate feeders to disrupt territorial claims. This forces birds to reestablish boundaries and may curb fighting.
Conclusion
Properly spacing bird and hummingbird feeders helps create an inviting backyard environment for a diverse range of species. Follow the recommended minimum distance of 10-15 feet between feeders, adjusting as needed based on monitoring the birds. Optimal feeder placement also depends on yard features, feeder types, and preventing overcrowding around food sources. Take time to observe activity patterns and fine-tune positioning as required. With some thoughtful planning, you can provide perfect feeder access for both perching birds and hummingbirds to enjoy safely.
