Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring color and excitement to backyards across North America. Watching them flit from flower to flower or buzz around a feeder is a delight. To attract hummingbirds and enjoy their antics, many people hang hummingbird feeders. But an important question arises: should you hang your hummingbird feeder high or low?
How high should you hang a hummingbird feeder?
The general recommendation is to hang hummingbird feeders around 5 feet high. At this height, they are easily accessible for hummingbirds but out of reach of other pests. Here are some of the benefits of hanging your feeder 5 feet high:
- It’s an optimal height for hummingbirds. They can easily fly up to access the nectar but don’t have to expend too much energy hovering and feeding.
- It deters ants and other crawling insects. Ants can’t reach a feeder that’s 5 feet off the ground.
- It prevents larger birds from monopolizing the feeder. Larger species like starlings can’t perch on the feeder.
- It keeps the feeder clean. At 5 feet, it’s protected from dirt splash up from the ground and safe from cats trying to paw at it.
- It allows you to enjoy the aerial acrobatics. At eye-level, you can comfortably watch the hummingbirds hover and feed.
Five feet is really the “goldilocks” height – not too high and not too low. It checks all the boxes in terms of hummer-accessibility, pest-deterrence, and viewing pleasure. Just make sure to hang it from a sturdy tree branch, rafter, or pole.
Should you hang hummingbird feeders low?
While 5 feet is ideal, some people do opt to hang their feeders slightly lower, such as at 3-4 feet high. Here are some pros and cons of a lower hummingbird feeder height:
Pros:
- Easier to fill and clean. You don’t need a step ladder to access the feeder.
- Young fledglings can reach it. Young hummers just learning to feed benefit from an accessible height.
- Allows for closer viewing. You’ll be at eye-level with any feeding hummers.
Cons:
- Ants and bees can access the nectar. Lower feeders are within reach of crawling insects.
- Cats may paw at the feeder. Curious felines can swat at it.
- Vulnerable to dirt and foliage. Wind-blown leaves, soil, and yard debris can contaminate the nectar.
Overall, a lower height does make the feeder more accessible but also exposes it to more pests and contamination. You’d have to be diligent about cleaning it and shooing away ants. But for mobility-challenged individuals or those who prioritize easy viewing over perfect pest-prevention, a lower feeder can work.
Should hummingbird feeders be hung at higher than 5 feet?
While 5 feet is the typical recommendation, some people opt to hung their feeders slightly higher, such as at 6-8 feet high. Here are some pros and cons of a higher hanging height:
Pros:
- Prevents access by cats, raccoons, and bears. Higher feeders are safe from clever clawed creatures.
- Keeps feeder exceptionally clean. Well above most wind-blown dirt and well away from crawling insects.
- Allows viewing from a deck or window. At 2nd story height, you can look down on the feeder.
Cons:
- Requires a very sturdy hanger. Need a tall, robust pole or post and robust hanging wire.
- Makes filling and cleaning difficult. You’ll likely need a ladder which is inconvenient.
- Hard for fledglings to reach. Young new hummers may struggle to feed so high up.
- Not as enjoyable viewing. At 8 feet up, fine details of hummingbirds can be harder to see.
There are some good reasons to go above 5 feet if you’re in an area with problematic raccoons and cats. But extreme heights make the feeder inconvenient to maintain and excludes the youngest hummers. Unless you have specific concerns, 5-6 feet is sufficient.
Where should you hang a hummingbird feeder horizontally?
In terms of horizontal placement, it’s ideal to hang your hummingbird feeder in these locations:
- Near flowering plants. Hummers are attracted to vibrant flowers, so situate the feeder among blooms.
- Close to trees and shrubs. Hangers and poles provide handy perches for hummingbirds.
- In a somewhat shaded spot. Dappled sunlight prevents the nectar from fermenting too quickly.
- By a window or seating area. Choose a spot where you’ll enjoy watching the feathered acrobats.
Avoid hanging the feeder directly in the hot sun or in a heavily wooded area where hummingbird traffic is lower. Optimally, look for a part-sun, part-shade spot near bushes and flowers where you’ll see the most action.
Tips for hanging hummingbird feeders
Here are some top tips for hanging your hummingbird feeders:
- Use a sturdy hanger. Sturdy S-hooks, poles, and adjustable plant hangers work well to reliably hold the feeder 5+ feet up.
- Install multiple hanging points. Having 2-3 hooks or poles allows you to move feeders around seasonally.
- Use strong wire or chain. From the hanger, suspend the feeder on braided steel cable or coated wire resistant to squirrels.
- Protect against ants. Coat the hanging wire in Vaseline or hot pepper gel to prevent ants from reaching the feeder.
- Set it in the wind. Position the feeder where it will sway slightly in the breeze, as hummers are attracted to moving feeders.
With a robust hanger, smart hanging techniques, and optimal placement, you’ll give your local hummingbirds a dependable, enticing food source.
Conclusion
To summarize the research on ideal hummingbird feeder heights:
- The goldilocks height is around 5 feet high. This balances accessibility for hummers with deterrence of pests.
- Lower heights like 3-4 feet make the feeder very convenient but also highly vulnerable to ants and contamination.
- Higher heights like 6-8 feet are very safe from pests but make filling and cleaning difficult.
- Aim for dappled sunlight near flowers and shrubs, and use sturdy hangers and protected wires.
Tuning into hummingbird feeding behavior and patterns in your own backyard can also help you identify the sweet spot that attracts these beloved pollinators. With a sensibly hung feeder filled with fresh nectar, you’ll be rewarded with the aerial acrobatics only a hummingbird can provide.
