Quick Answers
There are a few common reasons why hummingbirds may not be coming to a feeder:
- The feeder is in a poor location – Hummingbirds prefer feeders that are up high, away from bushes and trees, and in an open area.
- The nectar is old or spoiled – Hummingbirds have a very sensitive sense of taste and smell. They will avoid old, fermented nectar.
- Ants or bees have taken over the feeder – Hummingbirds will stay away from feeders with pest infestations.
- The feeder is dirty – Hummingbirds dislike feeders with cloudy nectar, mold, or debris.
- The feeder style deters hummingbirds – Some feeder styles, like enclosed saucer feeders, are ignored by hummingbirds.
- There is too much sugar in the nectar – Too much sugar can hurt hummingbirds. Follow package directions or use a 4:1 ratio.
- There is red dye in the nectar – Artificial dyes can be bad for hummingbird health. Use plain white sugar only.
- It’s too early in the season – In cooler areas, hummers may not arrive until April/May. Inconsistent migration timing year to year.
- There are no hummingbirds in the area – In some cases, there simply may not be any hummers around to find the feeder.
Checking all the potential issues listed above is the first step in troubleshooting a hummingbird feeder with no visitors. Read on for more details on each factor.
Location, Location, Location
Proper feeder placement is one of the most common reasons hummingbirds fail to find or use a nectar feeder. Hummingbirds have very specific criteria when it comes to feeder locations:
- Up High – The feeder should be suspended at least 5 feet off the ground. This helps protect the hummers from predators.
- Free of Obstacles – There should be a clear approach to the feeder without trees, bushes, wires or other things blocking the path.
- In the Open – Hummers prefer feeders placed in open areas of the yard versus crowded onto a porch or hidden amongst dense vegetation.
- Good Visibility – The hummingbirds want to be able to see threats coming. Avoid placing feeders right next to buildings or walls.
- Some Shade – Partial sun is ideal, as very hot weather can cause the nectar to spoil more rapidly.
- Sheltered from Wind – Excessive swinging/movement will deter hummingbirds.
Keep in mind that hummingbirds can be territorial. If your feeder is too close to a neighbor’s, the resident hummingbirds may drive newcomers away. Avoid placing multiple feeders within sight of each other.
Improving the placement of your feeder is one of the simplest ways to make it more attractive to passing hummingbirds. Ensure it’s up high, free of obstructions, and located in an open area of the yard. Avoid overly shaded or crowded areas.
Fresh, Clean Nectar Only
Hummingbirds have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and taste. They can detect even trace amounts of spoiled nectar, fungus, mold, or contamination in their food source.
To keep your nectar fresh and appealing:
- Change the nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather, 5 days in cooler conditions.
- Use only plain white cane sugar and water – no honey, artificial sweeteners or food coloring.
- Use a 4:1 ratio of sugar to water – 4 cups sugar for every 1 cup of water.
- Avoid using metal nectar mixes – they can harbor bacteria.
- Store unused nectar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks – do not leave at room temperature.
- Thoroughly clean the feeder before refilling – use a bottle brush.
Fermented or spoiled nectar has a vinegary smell that will quickly cause hummingbirds to avoid the feeder entirely. Even trace amounts of contamination can make the nectar unpalatable.
When refilling your feeder, be sure to completely empty out old nectar instead of just “topping off.” Any remnants will taint the fresh batch. Follow the above tips for nectar handling to keep your feeder filled with fresh, clean, appealing food.
Pest Control is Important
Hummingbirds are incredibly sensitive when it comes to their feeders. Even a small infestation of ants, bees or other bugs is enough to deter them from visiting.
To prevent pest issues:
- Suspend the feeder on a pole or hook so ants cannot access it from branches/poles.
- Use an ant guard or apply petroleum jelly on hanging wires to block ants.
- Move the feeder constantly to prevent ant trails from forming.
- Avoid dripping, use a built-in ant moat, or place a water dish under leaks.
- Keep the area under and around the feeder clean.
- Use insecticidal soap or other pest control methods if needed.
Bees can become an issue if there is exposed nectar, for example leaky ports or flowers nearby. Make sure to clean up any drips and consider moving bee-attracting flowers away from the feeder area.
Regular cleaning and relocating your feeder helps prevent ants and other pests from becoming established. Even a minor infestation will cause hummingbirds to find a safer place to feed.
Dirty Feeders are Avoided
Hummingbirds have excellent vision and will notice even a small amount of debris, cloudiness or buildup in the nectar. Dirty feeders with mold, algae, or bits of insects/nesting material are repulsive.
To keep your feeder clean:
- Dump and thoroughly rinse the feeder before refilling each time.
- Occasionally scrub with a bottle brush and non-toxic cleaner.
- Take apart components and clean hard-to-reach spots.
- Let the feeder air dry completely before refilling.
- Soak in a white vinegar solution to remove stubborn buildup.
- Replace feeders that are badly stained/damaged or hold odors.
Ideally, feeders should be cleaned about once a week. Inspect visually for debris/cloudiness each time you refill. Deep clean with brushes and vinegar as needed to remove residue.
Dirty, sticky feeders can breed bacteria and mold very quickly in hot weather. Frequent cleaning is required to provide hummingbirds with an appetizing food source.
The Right Feeder Style Matters
There are many different types of hummingbird feeders, ranging from simple tubes to decorative glass bottle options. When a feeder isn’t drawing in hummers, the wrong style could be to blame.
These feeder characteristics appeal most to hummingbirds:
- Multiple feeding ports – Allow more than one hummer to use at once.
- Red coloration – Attracts hummingbirds’ attention visually.
- Easy hovering access – Should hang open with room to fly around it.
- Drip/leak proof – No dripping nectar to attract pests.
- Easy to clean – Simple to take apart all components.
Avoid enclosed, cup-style feeders. Hummingbirds don’t like to stick their heads inside to drink. Similarly, single-port bottle/glass feeders limit accessibility.
Look for multiple exposed perches and several upward facing feeding holes. Drip-proof designs are preferred to reduce bee attraction and waste. If your current feeder lacks these features, switching styles may help attract more hummingbirds.
Too Much Sugar Repels Hummingbirds
While hummingbirds thrive on sugary nectar, creating a solution that is too concentrated can actually harm them. Follow package guidelines or use approximately 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
Signs that your nectar ratio has too much sugar include:
- Granulated sugar at the bottom – the water is supersaturated.
- A thick, syrupy consistency.
- Hummingbirds visiting but not drinking.
- Increased aggressive behavior.
- Fewer hummingbirds coming to the feeder over time.
Extra sugar can damage hummingbird livers and kidneys. It also encourages aggressive territorial behavior. Diluting your nectar by adding more water may bring back more birds.
For premixed powders, do not add more than recommended. With homemade solution, maintain a 1:4 sugar to water ratio at most. Too much sugar will eventually cause hummingbirds to avoid the feeder entirely.
No Dyes – Sugar Only
While many people think dyeing nectar red will attract more hummingbirds, the opposite is true. Red dye can be toxic and may deter hummingbirds if used long term.
Potential issues with food coloring include:
- Can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in hummers.
- May affect metabolism, digestion, and excretion.
- Red dye in particular is thought to be more hazardous.
- Artificial dyes provide no nutritional value.
- Coloring can mask signs of spoilage in old nectar.
There is no evidence that a red feeder or ornamentation is not sufficient to draw hummingbirds. Dyeing the liquid itself provides no benefit and poses unnecessary risks.
For the healthiest nectar, avoid any food coloring. Use only plain white cane sugar mixed into water at a safe ratio. If you previously used red dye, switching to clear may help attract more visitors.
Migration Timing Varies
Hummingbirds are only present in certain areas during warmer months. The exact timing of migrations can vary significantly year to year based on weather and other environmental factors.
In northern states, first sightings often occur between:
- Eastern states – Mid March to early May
- Western states – Mid April to early June
- Southern states – February to April
- Pacific Northwest – Mid April to early July
Do not expect hummingbirds until well after the last frost date for your region. Begin checking birding forecast maps in late winter for sighting reports.
The key is to have your feeder up and ready 1-2 weeks before hummers historically arrive in your particular location. Be patient, and understand migration patterns vary annually. Keep fresh nectar stocked through fall to attract migrants and stragglers.
Verify Local Hummingbird Populations
In a very small number of areas, a lack of hummingbirds is simply due to minimal populations. Certain regions do not have breeding hummingbirds and only see migrants occasionally.
Check resources such as the National Audubon Society to verify that your location should have hummingbird activity:
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/ruby-throated-hummingbird
In regions along the Pacific Flyway and Atlantic Flyway migration routes, transient hummers should stop at feeders even if they do not nest nearby.
Carefully research what species occur in your state, region and town. If few sightings have been reported, low populations could explain minimal feeder activity. Adding flowering plants may help attract more migrants.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting hummingbird feeders takes some trial and error. Start by reviewing each potential issue covered above. Ensuring your feeder setup follows the guidelines can help identify any problems.
Carefully examine the feeder location, nectar quality, cleanliness, style and maintenance routine. Eliminate use of red dye, and monitor for perfect sugar ratios. Time the nectar availability for seasonal migration patterns in your area. Finally, verify that local habitat supports hummingbirds.
With some adjustments, you should be able to provide an attractive, healthy nectar feeding station. Be patient, as it may take time for hummingbirds to discover it. If problems persist, don’t give up! Reach out to local experts and birding groups for tips specific to your region. With the right techniques, you’ll be rewarded by a flock of energetic hummers buzzing around your yard.
| Potential Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Poor location | Move feeder to higher, open area away from obstructions |
| Spoiled nectar | Change nectar every 2-5 days depending on weather |
| Pest infestation | Suspend feeder away from branches, use ant guards |
| Dirty feeder | Frequently wash all components with soap and water |
| Wrong style | Use a style with multiple exposed perches and drip-proof |
| Excess sugar | Follow 1:4 ratio guidelines for sugar to water |
| Artificial dye | Use only plain white sugar with no dyes |
| Too early | Time nectar availability for migration seasons |
| Low populations | Verify range maps show hummingbirds in your area |
References
Hummingbird Central. “Top 10 Reasons Hummingbirds Aren’t Coming to Your Feeder.” https://hummingbirdcentral.com/top-10-reasons-hummingbirds-arent-coming-to-your-feeder/
The Old Farmer’s Almanac. “Hummingbird Migration.” https://www.almanac.com/bird/hummingbird-migration-map
The Spruce. “How to Attract Hummingbirds.” https://www.thespruce.com/attract-hummingbirds-386586
National Audubon Society. “Guide to North American Hummingbirds.” https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide/browse
