Hummingbirds are territorial creatures that prefer to feed alone. There are several reasons why hummingbirds won’t share a feeder including competition for food resources, mating behaviors, and differences between species. Understanding why hummingbirds are unwilling to share can help birders set up their feeders and gardens in a way that supports these feisty little birds.
Competition for Food
Hummingbirds need a lot of food to survive. Their high metabolisms require them to eat almost constantly throughout the day, consuming over half their body weight in nectar each day. Because of their nearly insatiable appetites, hummingbirds aggressively defend flower patches and feeders from other birds that may consume “their” food resources.
Even a small backyard feeder only holds a limited amount of sugar water. If another hummingbird comes along to drink, that means less nectar for the current bird. Hummingbirds will aggressively chase away any intruders to prevent them from depleting the nectar they depend on. Their blazing fast flying speeds and sharp beaks make them fiercely competitive around prime food sources.
Mating Behaviors
Hummingbirds also defend feeders because they serve as ideal spots to interact with potential mates. The abundant nectar source attracts other hummingbirds, giving males and females frequent chances to meet. Males will aggressively guard a feeder, using it as a display point to show off their colors and perform courtship rituals for visiting females.
If other males approach the feeder, the territorial bird will chase them away to ensure he has the female’s full attention and access to the choice mating spot. This mating behavior leads male hummingbirds to monopolize feeders whenever possible.
Differences Between Species
Not all hummingbird species are equally aggressive about defending feeders. Some types like Anna’s and Black-chinned are especially territorial, while Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds are more tolerant of feeder sharing. Species that evolutionarily depended more on scattered food sources adapted to be fiercely protective of each flower or feeder they find.
On the other hand, hummingbirds that migrated longer distances and relied more on dense flower clusters tended to share resources when necessary. These behavioral adaptations contribute to which species you’ll see battling over your feeder. Knowing which hummingbirds are most common in your area can help you understand just how fiercely they’ll defend the feeder.
Tips for Minimizing Aggression
While we can’t get hummingbirds to truly share, we can set up our feeders in ways that minimize aggressive behavior:
Use Multiple Feeders
Putting out several separate feeders allows more hummingbirds to feed at once. With more feeding ports available, birds don’t have to battle over one prized spot. Place feeders at least 5-10 feet apart so each has its own distinct territory.
Choose Widely Spaced Feeders
Clusters of tall flowers naturally provide more approach points for multiple hummingbirds. Seek out feeders with multiple widely spaced feeding ports to mimic this dispersed arrangement. Avoid narrow feeders that force the birds to feed close together.
Hang Feeders at Different Heights
Vertical spacing creates distinct aerial territories, giving each bird space to feed undisturbed. Lower feeders appeal more to dominant males, while higher ones allow juveniles and females to feed in peace.
Provide Adequate Nectar
Refilling feeders regularly prevents fierce competition when the sugar water runs low. Maintain fresh nectar so birds don’t have to fight over the last few drops.
Try Specialized Feeders
Some feeders have specialized designs that accommodate hummingbirds’ territorial needs. Dish feeders have multiple access points around the rim, preventing squabbles over ports. Tray feeders scatter nectar across a broad surface, creating space for many birds.
Other Methods of Minimizing Aggression
In addition to feeder placement, a few other strategies can help minimize hummingbird conflicts:
Provide Enough Flowers
Planting more natural food sources spreads the birds throughout your yard. Concentrating all the nectar in one feeder creates more competition. A diversity of flowers reduces territorial battles.
Use Cages
Specialty bird cages allow hummingbirds to access nectar through the slats but prevent larger birds from displacing them. This provides a protected feeding zone.
Wait It Out
Early in the season, competition is fierce as migrants return and males establish territory. Once nesting starts, the battles die down. Time often solves issues of overcrowding at the feeder.
Signs of Excess Aggression
While some squabbling is normal, excessive hummingbird fights indicate steps should be taken to minimize conflicts:
Injuries
Aggressive attacks sometimes lead to injuries. Watch for hummingbirds missing feathers or with skin punctures from beaks. This signals serious territorial behavior.
Lethargy
When one hummingbird monopolizes a feeder, others may become undernourished and lethargic from lack of food. They conserve energy rather than repeatedly fighting.
Lack of Use
If hummingbirds avoid your feeder altogether, it likely has an aggressively territorial bird that has claimed ownership. The others stay away to avoid conflict.
Stress Behaviors
Frequent chirping, agitated hovering, and rapid exits may indicate your feeder environment stresses the birds. Increased vigilance and anxiety behaviors signal problems.
If aggression remains persistent, switching to a more accommodating feeder design or adding extra nectar sources can help calm battling birds.
The Importance of Multiple Feeders
To understand the importance of multiple feeders, let’s compare the experience of one territorial hummingbird at a single feeder versus at multiple feeders:
One Feeder
| Experience | Effect |
|---|---|
| Guards feeder aggressively from other birds | Constant energy expenditure defending territory |
| Monopolizes all nectar | Gorging leads to obesity risks |
| No breaks from defending feeder | Increased stress hormone levels |
| Frequent chases and battles | Greater injury risks from fights |
Multiple Feeders
| Experience | Effect |
|---|---|
| Defends only one feeder | Lower energy expenditure |
| Shares nectar with other birds | Healthier feeding habits |
| Takes breaks when feeding elsewhere | More relaxation time |
| Less direct competition | Lower risk of injury |
Having multiple feeder stations allows hummingbirds to display natural territorial behavior while minimizing the negatives of that aggression for both dominant and subordinate birds.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are famously territorial creatures that prefer to monopolize food sources. However, some simple techniques like having multiple feeders, wide spacing, and adequate nectar can reduce problematic aggressive behaviors. With a bit of strategic feeder planning, we can support the needs of these feisty, fascinating birds. Careful setup makes it easier to enjoy watching hummingbirds without constant squabbles ruining the show.
