Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most unique birds found in nature. Their small size, colorful plumage, and specialized adaptations like hover-feeding make them a joy to observe. However, hummingbirds face threats from larger, more aggressive bird species that can displace them from food sources and nesting sites.
Birds That Aggressively Compete With Hummingbirds
There are several types of birds that are known to bother hummingbirds and compete with them aggressively for resources:
Jays
Jays like the Blue Jay and Steller’s Jay are some of the most notorious birds that harass hummingbirds. These resourceful corvids are able to adapt to urban areas and become quite bold around feeders.
Some specific problematic behaviors jays exhibit include:
- Mobbing hummingbird feeders and scaring away the smaller birds
- Stealing nectar from feeders designed for hummingbirds
- Raiding hummingbird nests and eating eggs or nestlings
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers like Northern Flickers can be extremely troublesome for hummingbirds. These birds will stake out hummingbird feeders and perch above them, swooping down and scaring hummingbirds away.
Some other ways woodpeckers bother hummingbirds:
- Woodpeckers will peck into hummingbird feeders and damage the ports
- They will also drill into hummingbird nests
- Large woodpeckers compete for sap wells that hummingbirds feed from
Orioles
Like hummingbirds, orioles are drawn to sweeter nectar sources. Species like the Bullock’s Oriole and Baltimore Oriole will aggressively chase hummingbirds away from feeders.
Orioles can be quite problematic because:
- They feast on nectar intended for hummingbirds
- Their larger size allows them to dominate feeders
- Orioles destroy hummingbird nests if they are perceived as a threat
Other Bird Species That May Cause Issues for Hummingbirds
In addition to the main offenders, other birds occasionally harass hummingbirds or compete with them as well:
Robins
While robins primarily eat insects and fruits, they will also sip nectar opportunistically. Robins can be quite territorial and may show aggression toward hummingbirds.
Grosbeaks
Large finches like Evening Grosbeaks are primarily seedeaters but do consume nectar on occasion. Their massive beaks allow them to quickly drain hummingbird feeders.
Crows
Intelligent American Crows sometimes pick up on the reward available at hummingbird feeders. While feeding, they may scare away hummingbirds.
Mimic Thrushes
Thrushes like the Gray Catbird imitate other species to drive them away from nests or food. They may copy hummingbird call notes to fool them.
Waxwings
Waxwings like the Cedar Waxwing thrive on fruit but will supplement their diet with nectar when the opportunity arises. They can mob hummingbird feeders in large flocks.
Tanagers
Scarlet Tanagers are attracted to sweet nectar and occasionally chase hummingbirds from feeders to lap up the sugary solution.
Impacts of Aggressive Birds on Hummingbirds
The harassment and competition from other bird species can have detrimental effects on hummingbird health and populations. Some of the major impacts include:
- Malnourishment – When hummingbirds are chased from feeders and flowers frequently, they may not get enough calories to maintain their hyperactive lifestyle.
- Interrupted feeding – If hummingbirds are scared off while feeding, they often expend more energy than they gained since their feeding is interrupted.
- Nest abandonment – Disturbance at the nest may lead parent hummingbirds to abandon their eggs/nestlings, leading to mortality.
- Predation – Aggressive birds like jays and crows may eat hummingbird eggs and young.
- Death – In extreme cases, aggressive competition can lead to fatalities if hummingbirds are chased relentlessly and unable to feed.
Discouraging Aggressive Birds at Hummingbird Feeders
Here are some tips to minimize problematic interactions between hummingbirds and nectar-stealing bullies:
- Use feeders with perch barriers designed for hummingbird access only
- Employ feeders that close off when heavier birds land on them
- Place hummingbird feeders well away from trees, fences and perches used by bullies
- Install feeders in multiple locations to spread the birds out
- Use feeder styles that limit the number of feeding ports
- Situate feeders near sites frequented by hummingbirds for quick access
- Apply slippery lubricants to discourage large birds
- Take feeders down at night when most hummingbird feeding occurs
- Provide other food sources like suet for birds to reduce nectar thievery
Dealing with Specific Bird Bullies
For persistent bully birds that don’t respond to general deterrents, you may need to take additional species-specific measures:
Jays
- Install feeders in covered locations away from perches
- Use caged or shrouded feeder designs
- Scatter feeders across a large area rather than clustering them
Woodpeckers
- Try moving feeders often to discourage drilling
- Put obstructions above feeders
- Use metal guards to protect ports and openings
- Offer suet feeders to distract them
Orioles
- Provide orange slice feeders specifically for orioles
- Use smaller port feeders they can’t access
- Place hummingbird feeders far from oriole-friendly areas
Deterring Birds from Hummingbird Nests
Hummingbird nests face threats from jays, crows, squirrels and other nest predators. Here are some techniques to help protect active hummingbird nests:
- Conceal nests with camouflage
- Surround nests with protective cages or baffles
- Use decoy nests to distract predators from real nests
- Position nests over water for protection
- Monitor nests using cameras to identify predators
- Trim back branches to eliminate perches near nests
Providing a Safe Habitat for Hummingbirds
In addition to dealing with bullies, you can also create an environment that promotes hummingbird success. Strategies include:
- Planting native flowers and shrubs that provide nectar
- Leaving brushy areas for nesting and shelter
- Avoiding pesticide use which reduces insect food sources
- Placing rocks, sand or water baths for hummingbirds to bathe
- Setting up nesting materials like string, pet hair or feathers
- Installing feeders properly to maximize safety
With some mindfulness and planning, you can reduce negative interactions with aggressive birds and ensure your yard is a haven for hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds face constant challenges from larger bird species like jays, woodpeckers, and orioles that compete for food and nesting sites. These aggressive birds can intimidate hummingbirds and even lead to injury or death in extreme cases.
There are several techniques that can discourage bird bullies, such as using specialized feeders, positioning feeders carefully, and taking targeted deterrence measures. Reducing access to food rewards can eliminate problematic behavior over time.
Ensuring hummingbirds have nesting sites protected from predators is also key. With thoughtful feeder setup, strategic habitat improvements, and consistent monitoring, you can create a welcoming space for hummingbirds to thrive safely.
