Hummingbird feeders are designed to provide food specifically for hummingbirds. However, many other birds besides hummingbirds will also feed from hummingbird feeders. This can happen for a variety of reasons.
Why Other Birds Eat from Hummingbird Feeders
There are several reasons why birds other than hummingbirds may be attracted to hummingbird feeders:
- The sugar water in hummingbird feeders is an excellent source of energy and calories for many small birds.
- Other small birds recognize hummingbird feeders as a reliable food source, especially during migration when natural nectar sources are scarce.
- The red color of many hummingbird feeders attracts birds visually.
- Some birds may be territorial and want to guard a perceived food source from competitors like hummingbirds.
While hummingbird feeders are designed for hummingbirds, their bright colors, sweet nectar, and reliability as a food source make them enticing for other small bird species as well. This attraction can lead to direct competition between hummingbirds and other birds at the feeders.
Common Birds that Use Hummingbird Feeders
Many different bird species will take advantage of the free food offered by hummingbird feeders. Some of the most common include:
Finches
Both American goldfinches and house finches are frequent visitors to hummingbird feeders. These small finches are primarily seed eaters, but they will not pass up an easy carbohydrate source from nectar. Their short conical bills allow them to easily feed on nectar.
Woodpeckers
Downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpeckers will often feed from hummingbird feeders. Their long tongues let them slurp up nectar. Like hummingbirds, woodpeckers have very high metabolisms and require a lot of calories.
Orioles
Both Baltimore and orchard orioles are attracted to sweeter nectar and will readily feed from hummingbird feeders, sometimes chased off by territorial hummingbirds. Orioles often migrate through yards with feeders during spring and fall.
Chickadees
Black-capped chickadees will cling to hummingbird feeders and feast on the sugar water. Their small size allows easy access to nectar feeders.
Titmouse
Tufted titmice are occasional nectar robbers, mostly during fall and winter when fewer hummingbirds are present. They can perch on feeders and sip nectar.
Warblers
A number of migrating warblers like yellow-rumped warblers will stop at hummingbird feeders for a drink, especially during spring and fall migrations when energy demands are high.
Preventing Other Birds from Using Hummingbird Feeders
Some people only want to attract hummingbirds to their feeders. Here are some tips to discourage other bird species:
- Use a specially designed hummingbird feeder with feeding ports that accommodate hummingbird beaks but exclude larger birds.
- Employ feeders that close or retract when heavier birds land on them.
- Place feeders in an open area away from trees and perches where other birds may wait.
- Use feeders with a bee guard to prevent crawling insects that may attract other birds.
- Apply slippery substances like cooking oil on hanging rods which can prevent climbing birds.
- Take feeders down at night when hummingbirds are not feeding to prevent overnight visitors.
With some deterrents, you can reduce visits from birds like finches and woodpeckers. However, extremely motivated birds may still occasionally access the nectar.
Embracing Bird Diversity at Hummingbird Feeders
While some prefer to restrict feeders to hummingbirds, other people enjoy the diversity of birds that visit hummingbird nectar feeders. Some tips for attracting a wider variety of birds include:
- Use larger capacity feeders that can accommodate more birds.
- Offer several feeders in different locations to reduce squabbles.
- Supplement feeders with fruit offerings for orioles and woodpeckers.
- Clean and refill feeders regularly to provide a reliable food source.
- Place feeders near bushes or trees that provide cover for species other than hummingbirds.
- Suspend feeders with a pulley system so the height can be adjusted to exclude large birds if needed.
By making some small modifications, you can create a feeding station that welcomes both hummingbirds and other small bird species.
The Pros and Cons of Feeding Other Birds from Hummingbird Feeders
There are some advantages and disadvantages to allowing species besides hummingbirds to access nectar feeders.
Potential Advantages
- Seeing a greater diversity of bird species in your yard.
- Learning more about different bird behaviors and interactions.
- Not having to actively deter other birds from a food source.
- Feeding birds that may struggle to find food like migrating warblers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Hummingbirds having to compete for limited food resources
- Larger or more aggressive birds dominating feeders and frightening hummingbirds
- More hassle refilling and cleaning feeders that empty quickly
- Some birds damaging feeders or making a mess below them
Depending on your priorities, the pros may outweigh the cons or vice versa when it comes to sharing hummingbird feeders.
Unexpected Visitors: Bees, Wasps, and Ants
Along with birds, hummingbird feeders may attract some unwanted insect visitors. Bees, wasps, and ants go crazy for the sugary nectar too!
Bees
Bees are generally docile pollinators but sometimes they congregate at hummingbird feeders where food is abundant. Managing bees gently by moving feeders away from hives or using bee guards can deter them.
Wasps
Aggressive wasps like yellowjackets can overtake feeders and scare away hummingbirds. It helps to avoid mixing artificial sweeteners or fruit juices into nectar which particularly attracts wasps.
Ants
Ants will climb up poles and wires to reach nectar. Dabbing petroleum jelly on wire hangers or poles can block their path. Ant traps nearby also limit their numbers.
With some adjustments, you can enjoy watching both hummingbirds and other small birds sharing your feeders peacefully!
Conclusion
Hummingbird feeders attract a surprising diversity of bird species in addition to hummingbirds. Everything from finches and woodpeckers to warblers and orioles will stop by to drink the sweet nectar. While some prefer to restrict feeders to hummingbirds alone, other people enjoy the variety of watching other birds at the feeders. With a few modifications, you can accommodate both hummingbirds and other species. The key is providing enough feeders in multiple locations to reduce squabbles. By understanding the different species attracted to hummingbird feeders, observing their interesting behaviors, and making minor adjustments, you can enjoy the full array of birds that visit.
