Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that bring joy to backyard birdwatchers. Their diminutive size, iridescent feathers, and energetic flight captivate people across North America. If you live in an area frequented by hummingbirds and want to attract them to your yard, a hummingbird feeder is the way to go. But how many of these tiny birds will visit your feeder? Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that influence hummingbird numbers.
What is the geographic location of the feeder?
The number of hummingbirds likely to visit a yard is strongly influenced by geographic location and climate. There are over 300 different hummingbird species found throughout the Americas, but only a handful commonly occur in the United States and Canada. Which species can potentially visit your feeder depends on where you live.
For example, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most widespread and common backyard hummingbird in eastern North America. If your feeder is located anywhere in the eastern U.S. or Canada, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are likely your primary visitors. Meanwhile, Anna’s Hummingbirds are common along the Pacific Coast and portions of the Southwest. Someone with a feeder in California or Arizona would expect Anna’s Hummingbirds rather than Ruby-throats.
There are also species like Rufous and Allen’s Hummingbirds that breed farther north but migrate through many southern and western areas in winter. The range maps in field guides are helpful for figuring out which hummingbirds live in or pass through your region.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird range
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird breeds across most of the eastern United States and southern Canada. It migrates through Texas and the Gulf Coast region in spring and fall.
Anna’s Hummingbird range
Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast and portions of the Southwest. Their range extends east to Arizona and New Mexico.
What time of year is it?
Hummingbird numbers also fluctuate significantly throughout the year as populations migrate and breed. In northern areas, hummingbirds are present only during the spring and summer nesting season. Farther south, higher numbers may be present in winter due to southbound migrants from northern areas overlapping with year-round resident populations. For example, a southeastern U.S. feeder may see spring/summer Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Rufous Hummingbirds in winter, and year-round populations of Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.
Therefore, when trying to estimate potential hummingbird visitors, it’s important to consider both your geographic location and the time of year. The seasonality of hummingbird populations is complex due to the various migration strategies of different species. Checking regional birding resources can provide greater insight into typical hummingbird numbers throughout the annual cycle.
Hummingbird numbers in the Southeastern U.S.
| Season | Expected Species | Relative Abundance |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | High |
| Summer | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | High |
| Fall | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Declining |
| Winter | Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird | Low to moderate |
How many feeders are present?
The number of hummingbird feeders in a yard also influences the potential quantity of hummingbird visitors. More feeders provide greater feeding capacity and access for hummingbirds. Spacing multiple feeders around the yard also allows territorial individuals to stake out their own feeder without excluding others.
Studies of hummer populations at backyard feeders have found that numbers level off after about four feeders. Any additional feeders beyond four may not necessarily attract more birds. However, specific needs vary by location. Places with higher hummer density may benefit from more feeders, while one or two feeders might be sufficient in areas with sparser populations.
Hummingbird capacity per feeder
| Number of Feeders | Approximate Capacity |
|---|---|
| 1 Feeder | 2-4 Hummingbirds |
| 2 Feeders | 5-10 Hummingbirds |
| 3 Feeders | 10-15 Hummingbirds |
| 4 Feeders | 15-20 Hummingbirds |
How frequently are the feeders cleaned and refilled?
To get the highest hummingbird numbers, feeders must be properly maintained with fresh nectar. Hummingbirds will abandon dirty feeders filled with old, fermented nectar. Replacing the nectar every 2-3 days and thoroughly cleaning feeders every 1-2 weeks is best. For people with multiple feeders, rotating the cleaning schedule prevents all feeders from being empty at once.
During peak hummer season when feeders are getting heavy use, nectar may need to be replaced every other day. Rinsing and refilling feeders rather than a full scrubbing can help maintain some continuity. Keeping feeders full of fresh nectar should encourage hummingbirds to frequently return.
Hummingbird feeder maintenance schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Replace nectar | Every 2-3 days |
| Rinse feeders | 1-2 times per week |
| Thorough scrubbing | Every 1-2 weeks |
What type of habitat is nearby?
Hummingbirds depend on certain habitat features in addition to feeders. Availability of nest sites and natural food sources in the surrounding environment also influences how many hummingbirds are attracted to a yard.
Hummingbirds nest in trees and shrubs, so yards with mature vegetation provide habitat for breeding. Flower gardens and other flowering plants supply nectar that supplements feeders. Water features like sprinklers, ponds, and waterfalls provide drinking and bathing opportunities.
Landscaping with hummingbird favorites like trumpet vine, cardinal flower, and bee balm brings more hummingbirds into the area. They stick around not just for the feeders but everything else the habitat has to offer.
Plants to attract hummingbirds
| Plant | Flowers | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Trumpet Vine | Orange/red | Summer |
| Bee Balm | Red | Summer |
| Cardinal Flower | Red | Summer |
| Fuschia | Red/purple | Summer-Fall |
| Butterfly Bush | Purple | Summer-Fall |
Are there predators in the area?
Predators can also affect hummingbird activity and feeder visitation. Birds like hawks and crows may scare hummingbirds away from feeders positioned in open areas. Squirrels and cats stalking near feeders deter hummingbirds which prioritize safety.
Strategic feeder placement provides protection and shelter. Hang feeders on porches or under tree branches rather than suspend them in the middle of the yard. Group multiple feeders together to concentrate activity in a safe spot.
Feeders with squirrel baffles or placed out of reach of climbing predators see higher hummingbird usage. Avoid locations where cats may pounce from nearby bushes. With secure and guarded feeders, hummingbirds should have little reason to fear danger.
Feeder locations to deter predators
| Location | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Covered porch | Roof provides shelter from aerial predators |
| Tree branches | Foliage blocks sight lines for stalking predators |
| Baffled pole | Prevents access by climbing mammals |
| Grouped together | Safety in numbers |
Conclusion
Estimating hummingbird numbers depends on several interrelated factors like species distribution, seasonal timing, feeder setup, habitat, and predators. The ideal circumstances of optimal location, peak season, properly maintained multiple feeders, hummingbird gardening, and secure placement could attract up to 20 birds at once given sufficient population availability. More typical backyard scenarios would expect approximately 5 to 10 hummingbirds at a time at the height of hummer season.
While hummingbird feeders are an excellent resource, also be sure to provide habitat elements like flowering plants, nesting areas, water, and insect prey to help sustain hummingbirds over the course of the year. By tuning your yard to the needs of hummingbirds, you can enjoy their dazzling displays throughout the seasons.
