Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard visitor for many, and keeping a hummingbird feeder is one of the best ways to attract these tiny birds. Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their main food source, and a well-stocked feeder provides them with the fuel they need to flap their wings up to 80 times per second! But to keep your hummingbirds happy and healthy, there are some important factors to consider regarding feeder placement and care.
Do hummingbirds prefer shade or sun?
Hummingbirds can tolerate both sunny and shaded conditions. However, most experts recommend placing hummingbird feeders in a shady spot. Here’s why:
- Nectar spoils faster in the heat. Direct sun exposure can cause the sugar-water in your feeder to ferment or become moldy quicker. This can make hummingbirds sick.
- Shade protects against overheating. Because of their tiny bodies and high metabolisms, hummingbirds are prone to overheating. Keeping feeders in shade gives them a cooler place to refuel.
- It’s less stressful for aggressive species. Some dominant hummingbird species like Anna’s and Rufous are very territorial around feeders. Keeping feeders shaded allows more timid species to access the nectar without conflict.
So while hummingbirds will visit both sunny and shaded feeders, shade seems to offer the optimal environment for healthy birds and harmonious feeding.
What are the benefits of shade?
Here are some of the key reasons why shade is preferable for hummingbird feeders:
Slows nectar spoilage
Nectar left in the sun can ferment in just 1-2 days while shaded nectar stays fresh for up to a week. This is because bacteria and yeast thrive in warmer conditions. Shade keeps feeders cooler and limits microbial overgrowth.
Prevents overheating
Hummingbirds have extremely fast metabolisms that generate a lot of internal body heat. Direct sun exposure raises their risk of overheating and dehydration. Resting and refueling in the shade helps hummingbirds conserve energy and regulate their temperature.
Allows access for less dominant species
Aggressive male hummingbirds often monopolize feeders in sunny locations. More timid species may get chased away before they can feed. The shade provides cover so less territorial birds can quietly sneak in to feed when the bullies aren’t watching!
Reduces fighting at feeders
Related to the above point, shade can lead to less squabbling at crowded feeders. Dominant hummingbirds are less likely to hover guard over a shaded feeder, allowing other birds to peacefully sip alongside each other.
Keeps nectar cooler for energy conservation
Less energy is required for hummingbirds to feed on cooler nectar. This helps them conserve calories to devote to important activities like breeding, nesting, and migration.
What problems can not having shade cause?
Lack of shade can lead to the following problems for hummingbird feeders:
Quick nectar spoilage
Without shade, nectar ferments rapidly due to heat and sunlight. This can happen in 1-2 days, whereas shaded nectar stays fresh up to a week.
Increased risk of tongue infections
Hummingbirds that consume spoiled nectar are more likely to develop fungal infections on their tongues. This can be fatal if left untreated.
Higher presence of bees and wasps
Bees and wasps are attracted to the sugar in nectar. Sunny feeders tend to draw more of these insects, which can intimidate hummingbirds from feeding.
Excess ant colonies around feeder
Ants love sweet nectar too. Sunny feeders are prone to ant infestations, contaminating the nectar with ant droppings and insects.
Territorial fights between hummingbirds
Dominant males are more likely to hover guard and chase away competition from sunny feeders. This raises stress and limits access for less aggressive birds.
Difficulty regulating body temperature
Overheating is a real risk for tiny hummingbirds, especially at hot sunny feeders. They can die from heat stroke in just minutes if they cannot find shade to cool down in.
How much shade is needed?
Hummingbird feeders should be kept in full shade for optimal results. Here are some shade considerations:
- Look for areas that receive shade all day. Morning sun + afternoon shade is not enough.
- Tree shade, patio covers, and porch overhangs work well to provide dappled shade.
- If using an umbrella, position it to fully shade the feeder for the entire day.
- Avoid areas with just brief intermittent shade throughout the day.
If adequate full shade isn’t possible, try to aim for at least 6 hours of continuous shade coverage each day to keep feeders cool.
Tips for providing shade
Here are some creative ideas to shade your hummingbird feeder:
Hang feeders under tree branches
Look for trees that produce dense shade. Try oak, maple, alder or fir trees. Evergreen trees work well to block sun year-round.
Use canopy hangers
Install a cover above the feeder to create instant shade. Canopy hangers attach to the feeder hanger and extend out about a foot.
Place near the house
Overhangs from rooflines, balconies, and porches provide excellent shade. North or East facing walls work best.
Invest in a shade umbrella
Umbrellas on a deck or patio make a perfect shady spot for hummingbird feeding. Look for types that can angle and lock into position.
Hang near water features
Bird baths or backyard ponds with fountain sprays create a cooling misty effect. Nearby feeders benefit from the evaporative cooling.
Use DIY shade screens
Make your own shade screen using Shade cloth, old screens, or landscaping fabric attached above the feeder.
Plant shade vegetation
Add shrubs, vines, or trellises planted strategically to block sun exposure over time.
Where should you never place a hummingbird feeder?
Here are some locations to absolutely avoid when siting your hummingbird feeder:
- In direct hot sun – This will cause rapid nectar spoilage.
- Under a streetlight or bright spotlights – Can disrupt sleeping patterns.
- Near busy roads – Excess noise causes stress and difficulty feeding.
- Next to bee or wasp nests – Risk getting stung and intimidation.
- Near other hummingbird feeders – Causes territory conflicts.
- On porches with cats – Predation risk from house cats.
- Beside clutter or laundry lines – Obstructions make accessing feeder difficult.
- Under eaves where rain drips – Dilutes and spoils the nectar.
- By windows or reflective surfaces – Hummingbirds may fly into glass.
Prioritize shade, tranquility, and safety when selecting the perfect spot for your hummingbird feeder.
Should you relocate a feeder during different seasons?
It’s not strictly necessary to move feeders to new spots during the seasons, but doing so can provide some benefits:
Winter
- Move feeder closer to house and out of wind/rain.
- Southern exposure catches more winter sun to keep nectar thawed.
Spring
- Keep feeder in the open for returning migrants to easily spot.
- Avoid areas with heavy pollen that could stick to nectar.
Summer
- Maximize shade from trees or structures.
- Consider bringing feeder into a covered area like a porch.
Fall
- Transition feeder to more protected area away from winds/storms.
- Ensure feeder has shade coverage as sun angle drops.
Relocating feeders by season helps provide an optimal setup as conditions and hummingbird behavior changes.
Conclusion
In summary, most experts recommend keeping hummingbird feeders in shaded locations rather than direct sun. Shade helps deter nectar spoilage, overheating, and aggression at feeders. Aim for all day shade coverage from trees, awnings, umbrellas, or DIY shade screens to create the ideal cool and calm feeding environment. Just be sure to avoid risky spots like by roads or under eaves. Proper shade coverage will help hummingbirds thrive through the seasons as they visit your backyard oasis.
