Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most delicate birds, weighing only a few grams. Their size makes them vulnerable to predators and territorial disputes from larger, more aggressive bird species. Fortunately, there are effective ways to discourage problem birds and create a safe environment for hummingbirds in your yard or garden.
Why Do Hummingbirds Need Protection?
Hummingbirds have high metabolisms and must feed frequently to maintain their energy. They rely heavily on nectar from flowers and sap from feeders. If other birds take over these food sources, hummingbirds can be deprived of vital nourishment. In addition, their small size and lack of sharp talons or beaks leave them unable to effectively defend resources. Larger birds may see hummingbirds as competition and try to drive them away or even prey on them.
Common bullies that can threaten hummingbirds include:
- Crows
- Jays
- Sparrows
- Starlings
- Orioles
- Woodpeckers
- Finches
These pushy birds will consume the nectar and sugar water meant for hummingbirds. They may also commandeer prime nesting sites and dive-bomb the smaller hummingbirds to intimidate them.
Preventing Access to Feeders
One strategy is to make hummingbird feeders inaccessible to larger birds. You can hang feeders on thin poles or wires that bigger birds can’t comfortably perch on. Placing feeders well away from trees, fences, and ledges prevents other birds from swooping in.
Specialized caged feeders allow hummingbirds to access nectar through slots or small holes but keep out birds with larger beaks and heads. Adding a rain guard or placing feeders under an awning will also help deter other birds.
Using Deterrents
Various tools can make your yard less inviting to birds that displace hummingbirds:
- Scare tape – Reflective ribbons or strips of metallic tape sway and shimmer in the breeze. The flashes of light and movement startle territorial birds.
- Fake predators – Lifelike replica hawks, owls, or snakes can frighten nuisance birds. Move them regularly so they don’t lose effectiveness.
- Sprinklers – Motion-activated sprinklers deliver a surprising yet harmless spray when triggered by movement. After a few soakings, animals learn to avoid the area.
- Sharp spikes – Affixing plastic spiked strips along ledges and fences prevents larger birds from landing and perching.
You can also hang old CDs or pie pans that clang and spin when hit by wind. The noise and reflections disturb birds and cause them to avoid the area near your feeders.
Plant Choices
Your landscape plants can either attract or repel wild birds:
- Avoid plants with large seeds and fruits that appeal to backyard bullies.
- Choose tubular flowers like fuchsias and certain salvias that suit hummingbird anatomy.
- Plant prickly, dense hedges to prevent access by larger birds.
- Let shrubs and trees grow tall to provide hummingbirds safe cover.
Consult with a landscape designer to select nectar-rich flowering plants that hummingbirds favor over plants that primarily attract other species.
Supplemental Feeding
Providing additional food sources distracts territorial birds away from your hummingbird feeders. Try setting up separate seed, suet, fruit, or nectar feeders for species like orioles, woodpeckers, and finches. Place them far from your hummingbird feeders to draw those birds away.
You can also set out ‘decoy’ feeders with diluted nectar or plain sugar water. Let the bullies fill up on these while your hummingbirds stick to their quality feeders.
Active Deterring
At times, you may need to actively intervene when you spot a bully bird harassing hummingbirds:
- Make loud noises like clapping, yelling, or banging pots to startle aggressive birds.
- Use a water hose or spray bottle to squirt territorial birds.
- Run outside and physically chase birds away from feeders and nests.
Be consistent and persistent, and the unwanted birds will eventually look for easier feeding opportunities elsewhere. Don’t let them get comfortable monopolizing your yard.
Excluding Predators
Larger predatory birds like hawks and crows may not be deterred by standard harassment techniques. For these, you’ll need to physically exclude them:
- Install netting over hummingbird feeders and plants.
- Hang strands of paracord or fishing line over open areas to entangle birds in flight.
- Cover ponds and birdbaths to prevent predators spotting hummingbirds from above.
Tree collars also prevent climbing predators. Prune back tree limbs above feeders and nests to eliminate hunting perches.
Provide Shelter
Hummingbirds feel safest when they have access to protected spots:
- Plant dense, thorny bushes and shrubs they can quickly duck into.
- Install nesting baskets and boxes suitable for tiny hummingbirds.
- Leave up tree snags and dead logs with cavities for roosting and nesting.
- Set up small wooden shelters and flying insect houses.
Having hiding places and escape routes empowers hummingbirds to evade and outmaneuver bullies.
When to Get Help
In most cases, some simple deterrents and excluding tactics will convince pushy birds to leave your hummingbirds alone. But if aggressive or predatory species persist despite your best efforts, you may need expert assistance.
Contact a wildlife removal professional if:
- Hawks, crows, or jays routinely attack your feeders and birds.
- Woodpeckers drill holes in your house hunting for nests.
- Dive-bombing birds cause hundreds of dollars in damage.
- Territorial birds don’t respond to numerous deterrents over time.
They have access to specialized equipment and bird-scaring techniques to remove persistent bird problems. This provides a safe, humane resolution when DIY options fail.
Tips for Deterring Birds
Follow these tips to make your yard unwelcoming to birds that displace hummingbirds:
- Use multiple deterrents together for greater effectiveness.
- Move and vary deterrents to prevent habituation.
- Be persistent in using scare tactics at the first sign of aggression.
- Tailor your landscaping and feeder setup to exclude larger birds.
- Provide shelter and alternative food sources for bullies.
- Be willing to call in experts if individuals persistently target hummingbirds.
The Bottom Line
Hummingbirds are prized visitors whose safety and access to food must be protected. Startling territorial species, altering habitats, and physically excluding predators are the best ways to discourage birds that can harm hummingbirds or disrupt their feeding. With some strategic adjustments, you can turn your yard into a haven for these delicate, whirring wonders to nourish themselves in peace.
