Sparrows drinking from hummingbird feeders is a common sight in many backyards. While hummingbirds are the intended diners at these nectar feeders, other birds like sparrows often partake as well. This leads many people to wonder – why are sparrows drinking from the hummingbird feeders? There are a few key reasons sparrows are attracted to these feeders.
Sparrows are opportunistic feeders
Sparrows are omnivores and opportunistic feeders. This means they will eat a wide variety of foods from both plant and animal sources. Sparrows have adapted to live successfully alongside humans and take advantage of many food sources we inadvertently provide. This includes eating at bird feeders not necessarily intended for them. While hummingbird feeders offer a specialized nectar formula, sparrows will happily drink it as an easy meal.
The feeders provide a concentrated food source
Hummingbird feeders provide a concentrated, high-energy food source in the form of sucrose-rich nectar (usually 1 part sugar to 4 parts water). This is an appealing, convenient source of carbohydrates and calories for sparrows, especially in urban or suburban areas where natural food may be scarce. Sparrows are constantly on the lookout for their next meal and will readily avail themselves of the free nectar, even if the feeder wasn’t designed with them in mind.
Sparrows outcompete hummingbirds
In some cases, sparrows may actually prevent hummingbirds from feeding at their own feeders. Sparrows tend to be larger and more aggressive. They will boldly chase hummingbirds away and monopolize feeders. Their sheer numbers can also overwhelm hummingbird feeders and leave little left for hummingbirds. Since sparrows are not a migratory species, they can maintain a constant presence at feeders.
How can you deter sparrows from hummingbird feeders?
If you want to reserve your hummingbird feeders strictly for hummingbirds, there are some tactics you can try to deter sparrows:
Use a specially designed hummingbird feeder
There are feeder designs marketed specifically for hummingbirds that have specialized perches and feeding ports that make it difficult for larger birds like sparrows to access the nectar. Look for a feeder advertised as having “antimoat” perches or other features to exclude sparrows and larger insects. Make sure it doesn’t have any large perches or landing areas conducive to sparrows.
Use a feeder moat or baffle
You can add a plastic or metal moat or baffle above or below the feeder ports. This serves as a barrier to block sparrows from being able to sit and drink from the ports. Just make sure the moat isn’t so restrictive that it also impedes hummingbirds from feeding.
Place feeders well away from trees/buildings
Hummingbirds can hover in place to feed, but sparrows need a landing area. Placing feeders at least several feet away from trees, fences, walls, etc. can help prevent sparrows from accessing them. You can also try hanging feeders from a wire or pole in an open area.
Use red dye in nectar
Adding red food coloring to the nectar may deter sparrows. Red dye makes the nectar less visually appealing to them, but hummingbirds are attracted to the color red. Just make sure the dye is non-toxic and intended for hummingbird food.
Clean feeders thoroughly and regularly
Sparrows may be more attracted to feeders that have mold, fungus, or buildup of old nectar. Thoroughly clean and rinse feeders with hot water at least once a week. Change the nectar completely every 2-4 days in hot weather.
Scatter millet or birdseed on the ground
You can try luring sparrows away from hummingbird feeders by providing an alternative food source on the ground. Scatter some millet or a small amount of mixed birdseed in an area visible to sparrows but well away from your hummingbird feeding area.
Use feeders with weight sensitivity
Some hummingbird feeders have counterbalanced perch mechanisms that tip down when heavier birds like sparrows try to land on them. This causes the sparrows to slide off while allowing the lighter hummingbirds to feed. Look for this feature if you want to actively deter sparrows.
Try a “hummingbird only” nectar formula
There are some commercial nectar products designed just for hummingbirds. The formula may have a different taste profile compared to regular white sugar/water nectar. Because it’s not as palatable to sparrows, they tend to avoid it. Just make sure hummingbirds will accept it.
Use feeders with narrow, elongated ports
The ports on some hummingbird feeders are designed to accommodate the long, slender beaks of hummingbirds. The elongated shape physically prevents sparrows from inserting their wider beaks into the ports to drink from them.
Position feeders in sight of windows
Hanging feeders right outside windows allows you to monitor activity and deter sparrows. If you see them trying to access the feeder, you can scare them away by knocking on the window. Be careful not to startle hummingbirds in the process.
Use a cage-style feeder
Caged hummingbird feeders feature an outer wire enclosure with small openings that hummingbirds can easily enter and exit. The limited access helps prevent large pests and birds from getting to the nectar. Cages still allow hummingbirds free movement to feed.
Try using a feeder guard
Plastic bird feeder guards or “squirrel baffles” can be placed over or below feeders to prevent access by larger pests. Make sure the guard allows hummingbirds to reach the feeder but deters sparrows and other undesirables. Guards can be slippery, spring-loaded, or spun to tip animals off.
Set up multiple isolated feeders
Try setting up several smaller hummingbird feeders spaced well apart from each other instead of one large communal feeder. Give each hummingbird their own personal space for dining, isolated from sparrows.
Use a sparrow “spooker”
Deterrent devices like plastic owls, flashing lights, metallic tape, and clanging pie tins can help startle and scare off sparrows when they land on feeders. Just be careful the “spooker” doesn’t frighten away hummingbirds too. Relocate occasionally so pests don’t get used to it.
Install a squirrel-proof pole
Slippery poles and feeder hangers can prevent larger climbing pests like squirrels from taking over feeders. Squirrels often pave the way for sparrows to move in once they establish themselves on a feeder. Stop them first and sparrows have no landing zone.
Try safflower seed
Safflower is less appealing to sparrows so they tend to avoid it. You can fill a separate feeder with safflower seed near your hummingbird feeder. The sparrows will likely go for the alternative, while safflower will not attract hummingbirds.
Use a feeder guard
Plastic bird feeder guards or “squirrel baffles” can be placed over or below feeders to prevent access by larger pests. Make sure the guard allows hummingbirds to reach the feeder but deters sparrows and other undesirables. Guards can be slippery, spring-loaded, or spun to tip animals off.
Why are sparrows attracted to hummingbird nectar?
For the carbohydrates
The primary ingredient in homemade hummingbird nectar is white granulated sugar, which provides carbohydrates in the form of sucrose. Sparrows seek out this quick source of energy from the sugary nectar. The lack of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in nectar is irrelevant to them.
For the water content
Hummingbird nectar has a high water to sugar ratio. Sparrows need to maintain water balance and equilibrate hydration. The water in nectar aids this process. This is especially true in hot, dry conditions.
To supplement their diet
In addition to seeds and insects, sparrows will consume nectar for supplemental nutrition and calories. The sugary nectar provides fat-free calories.
It’s an easy meal
Drinking prepared nectar from a feeder requires minimal effort compared to foraging. Sparrows are opportunistic and take advantage of convenient food sources to reduce their energy expenditure.
Feeders provide good visibility
Elevated feeders allow sparrows to perch and watch for potential danger as they drink. Open feeders give them an unobstructed view of their surroundings.
They outcompete hummingbirds
Being larger and more aggressive, sparrows can displace hummingbirds from feeders. They will boldly consume the nectar once hummingbirds are chased off, sometimes preventing them from feeding.
Nectar is palatable to them
The 1:4 sugar/water ratio of hummingbird nectar happens to also taste good to sparrows. The sweet flavor, dilute sugar concentration and lack of toxins make it palatable.
They associate feeders with food rewards
Once sparrows learn to associate the feeders with the reward of nectar, they will continue exploiting them. Positive reinforcement conditions them to return.
Their young are drawn to it
Sparrow fledglings instinctively investigate sweet food sources like nectar as they develop foraging skills. Adults may accompany their young to feeders.
Fun facts about sparrows
They are very adaptive birds
The House Sparrow was introduced to the Americas and Australia from Europe and has become one of the most widely distributed birds in the world. They thrive living alongside humans.
Sparrows are social and live in flocks
You’ll often see House Sparrows traveling, feeding, and nesting in noisy flocks of a dozen or more birds. They rarely are seen alone.
They prefer to build nests near human homes
Sparrows almost exclusively nest on or inside manmade structures. They rely on buildings for suitable nesting sites and shelter.
Their eggs can have interesting color variations
While House Sparrow eggs are typically white with brown spotting, some individual eggs can also be pale blue or green. Why this color variation occurs is not fully understood.
Sparrows take dust baths
To clean their feathers and control oil, you may see sparrows rolling and thrashing in dirt or dust. They then preen their feathers to distribute the dust.
They can have multiple broods per year
House Sparrows can raise 2-5 broods of 2-7 chicks each breeding season. With frequent clutch hatches, their numbers can increase rapidly.
Male and female sparrows look different
Male House Sparrows have gray crowns, black bibs on their throats, and white cheeks. Females have tan and brown streaked coloring without the bold black and white markings.
Their eggs hatch in about 2 weeks
Sparrow eggs incubate for 10-14 days before hatching. Both sexes participate in incubating the eggs. The chicks fledge around 14-15 days after hatching.
Sparrows are incredibly adaptable
House Sparrows have the ability to quickly adapt to new environments, food sources and nesting sites. This helps explain their ability to thrive around the world.
They have a short lifespan
The average lifespan of a House Sparrow in the wild is just 1-3 years. However, the maximum recorded lifespan for the species is approximately 13 years.
| Interesting Sparrow Facts |
|---|
| – Sparrows can eat up to 30% of their body weight daily |
| – The oldest known wild House Sparrow lived to be over 13 years old |
| – Sparrow nests contain feathers for insulation |
| – There are 25 recognized subspecies of House Sparrows |
Conclusion
In conclusion, several key factors drive sparrows to drink from hummingbird feeders, despite the nectar being intended for hummingbirds. Primarily, sparrows are opportunistic foragers looking for convenient, high-energy food sources. They will exploit any readily available food. Their adaptations allow them to thrive in human-altered environments. Deterrents like specialized hummingbird feeder designs can help discourage sparrows. Understanding their behavior and motivations allows us to better manage how they interact with feeders and hummingbirds. The important thing is finding a good balance that meets the needs of both species, allowing them to coexist. With some strategic techniques, we can accommodate their shared appetite for that delicious homemade nectar flowing from our hummingbird feeders.
