Hummingbirds are territorial creatures, and it’s not uncommon to see them fighting over feeders in your backyard. If you have multiple hummingbirds visiting your yard, you may be wondering if adding a second feeder will help reduce the squabbles. Here are some quick answers to common questions about using two feeders to minimize hummingbird aggression:
Will a second feeder stop the fighting?
Not necessarily. Hummingbirds will still fight over a perceived “territory” even with multiple feeders. However, providing a second feeder can help spread them out and give more birds a chance to feed.
How far apart should the feeders be?
Ideally, place the feeders at least 10-15 feet apart to establish distinct territories. Put them out of sight of each other if possible.
Where is the best place to hang the feeders?
Hang one feeder in your front yard and one in your backyard to create separate feeding zones. You can also place one near foliage or garden features to help break up sight lines.
Should I get two of the same style of feeder?
Consistency is best, so the birds recognize both as feeding stations. Choose two identical feeders so there’s no perceived territory difference.
Why Do Hummingbirds Fight?
Hummingbirds are very territorial. There are a few key reasons they become aggressive and defend their resources:
Nectar Sources Are Limited
Flowers and nectar-producing plants are the natural food sources for hummingbirds. However, these can be limited based on climate, urbanization, and other factors. When food is scarce, hummingbirds become extra protective of the resources they do find. Supplemental feeders are prized sources of nutrition.
Breeding And Nesting Areas
Male hummingbirds will aggressively defend a territory around a nest or potential nesting site. This gives them the best chance to mate with females that enter the area. They will chase away other males to ensure their genetic lines continue.
Migration Pit Stops
Hummingbirds burn a huge amount of energy migrating. They are extra aggressive around reliable food sources along migration routes where they stop to refuel. A backyard feeder may be one of their only options.
Personality And Competition
Some hummingbird species, like the feisty Ruby-throated, are just more pugnacious by nature. Intense competition leads them to fight for any advantage. The more dominant birds chase the weaker ones away.
Typical Hummingbird Aggression Behaviors
Hummingbirds use specific displays and actions when defending their territory at feeders:
Chirping And Vocalizations
Listen for aggressive, scolding chips and chirping when a trespasser approaches. This is a warning signal to back off.
Dive Bombing
The defender will make quick vertical dives at the intruder. This physically forces them away from the area.
Aerial Dogfights
Birds will grasp each other with their feet and fight while fluttering in the air. This lets them joust and wrestle.
Displays
Watch for males puffing their throats or fanning their tail feathers to appear more dominant. Females may briefly expose white tail spots.
Chasing
The hummingbird will rapidly chase an intruder for several yards to drive them away completely. High-speed pursuit is common.
How To Minimize Hummingbird Aggression
Here are some tips to reduce hummingbird fighting with a two feeder approach:
Use Separate Feeding Zones
Place the feeders out of sight from each other in front and backyard areas. Break up the sight lines and define distinct territories.
Allow Plenty Of Feeding Ports
Get feeders with at least 2-4 ports so more birds can access the nectar at once. Minimize crowding and sharing ports.
Maintain Adequate Nectar Levels
Keep feeders fully stocked so birds don’t have to protect limited resources. Change the nectar every 2-3 days.
Include Flower Plantings
Provide natural food sources like nectar flowers and plants alongside feeders. This gives more feeding options.
Use Feeder Types Birds Prefer
Select the style of feeder dominant at your home, whether saucer, glass, or other design. Stick to what the birds know.
Position Near Cover
Situate feeders close to trees, shrubs, or garden structures so birds have escape routes. Nearby perches also help.
How To Stop An Active Hummingbird Fight
If you notice a vicious fight at your feeders, here are some steps to interrupt the altercation:
Spray Birds With Water
Use a spray bottle to gently mist the birds. The sensation will momentarily distract them from fighting.
Remove The Feeder
Temporarily take down the contested feeder so birds disperse. Bring it back up after a day or two.
Use Loud Noise
Make a loud snap or clap to startle the birds and disrupt the face-off. This shifts their focus.
Block The Feeder
Stand in front of the feeder to physically block access until the birds separate. Your presence can deter them.
Install A Squirrel Guard
A dome-style guard can impede birds from directly attacking each other on a feeder port.
Restrict View
Drape a towel or screen temporarily around the feeder to hide it from sight. Reduce territorial behavior.
Are Two Feeders Always The Best Solution?
While using two feeders is a common tactic, it doesn’t automatically solve hummingbird aggression issues in every backyard. Here are a few considerations:
Feeder Density
If your yard is small, two feeders in close proximity may not diffuse tensions. Separating them further could help.
Time Of Year
Hummingbirds are extra territorial during key breeding and migration seasons. More feeders can still be perceived as limited resources.
Population And Species
Backyards with several breeding males or larger species like Rufous may continue vigorous defense of feeders and territory.
Individual Personalities
No matter what steps you take, some hyper-aggressive or dominant hummingbirds will not be deterred. Personality plays a role.
Other Food Sources
Abundant natural nectar and flowers in your area means less dependency on feeders. Two feeders could be unnecessary.
Tips If Two Feeders Aren’t Working
If you’ve tried two hummingbird feeders and are still seeing aggressive behavior, here are some additional tactics to consider:
Add More Feeders
Consider placing 3-4 feeders around your yard to provide more feeding stations. Spread them far apart.
Try Different Feeder Styles
Vary the style or design of feeders. Birds may perceive them as separate territories.
Remove Perches
Eliminating perches removes a territorial vantage point. However, this also limits access for some birds.
Take Down Feeders Periodically
Completely removing feeders for a few days can disrupt territorial patterns.
Limit Feeder Time
Only put out feeders during peak activity hours like mornings and evenings. Remove them overnight.
Offer Nectar Alternative
Try switching to a different nectar formula or concentration. The taste change may distract birds.
Add Deterrents
Some deterrents like reflectors, noisemakers or fake predators near the feeder may scare aggressive birds.
Accept Some Squabbling
If your yard has an abundant hummingbird population, a certain degree of mild skirmishing may be inevitable.
The Verdict On Using Two Feeders
The answer to whether putting up two hummingbird feeders will prevent fighting depends on your specific backyard situation. While it often helps diffuse tension, personality clashes and limited territory can still lead to skirmishes. The key is spacing feeders widely, providing ample ports and nectar, using identical feeders, and utilizing other techniques as needed. With a little experimentation, you can discover the right setup to maximize visits from these feisty and fascinating birds!
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are highly territorial, leading to frequent aggression at backyard feeders as they compete for the limited nectar sources available. Adding a second feeder can help provide more feeding opportunities and spread out the birds by defining separate feeding territories. Ideal placement is at least 10-15 feet apart, out of sight from each other if possible. Keep feeders consistently filled and choose identical models to minimize squabbling. However, certain aggressive personalities may still fight, requiring additional techniques like more feeders or visual barriers. Pay attention to the specific needs of your yard’s hummingbird population and be willing to adapt methods over time. With observation and adjustments, you can harness the power of two feeders to create a rewarding, conflict-free feeding experience.