Quick Answer
Yes, hummingbirds will use window feeders. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar in window feeders, just like they are attracted to flower nectar in the wild. Placing a feeder near a window allows you to easily watch and enjoy hummingbirds coming to feed. However, some considerations should be made to ensure the feeder is safe and successful. Using a feeder with perches, keeping it freshly filled with nectar, and locating it properly are key factors. With the right setup, window feeders provide an up close view of hummingbirds.
What attracts hummingbirds to window feeders?
Hummingbirds are attracted to the sweet nectar in window feeders, just as they are drawn to flower nectar in nature. Nectar provides the main food source for hummingbirds. They have evolved long beaks and tongues perfectly adapted for accessing nectar.
Window feeders are filled with simulated nectar made from sugar and water. The sweet liquid is placed in the feeder to mimic flower nectar. When hummingbirds discover a window feeder, they quickly learn that it provides the nourishing nectar they depend on. This reward brings them back repeatedly.
In addition, the colorful feeders placed near windows naturally attract hummingbirds. Bright red is an especially effective color for grabbing their attention. It signals that nectar is available, similar to how red tubular flowers specially adapted for pollination by hummingbirds attract the birds in the wild.
Why window feeders work
Window feeders are effective for several reasons:
– Hummingbirds are constantly on the search for nectar sources. Putting feeders near windows makes the nectar visible and accessible.
– The see-through liquid and colorful feeders easily catch their eye.
– Windows allow people to sit nearby and watch the hummingbirds feed. This adds protection against other birds or animals that may try to take over the feeder.
– Window areas tend to be bright and sunny. Hummingbirds prefer feeding in lighted spaces near cover.
Overall, the combination of sweet nectar reward and ideal feeding conditions draw hummingbirds to utilize window feeders.
Proper setup and care for window feeders
To create an optimal window-feeding experience for hummingbirds, the following setup tips and maintenance practices should be followed:
Location
First, place the feeder on a window where you will be able to observe the hummingbirds coming and going. Choose a window facing a garden, flowers, trees, or other natural features if possible since hummingbirds may first notice the feeder when visiting those areas.
Avoid windows that have limited visibility due to buildings, walls or fences that block the line of sight. Make sure no trees or branches are right outside the window that could provide perches for bigger birds to take over the feeder.
Keep the window clean for maximum visibility. Set the feeder near flowering plants or hang a flowering basket/planter by the window to provide an extra attractant.
Visibility
Position the feeder towards the outer edges of the window, not directly in the center. This helps make it clearly visible to approaching hummingbirds. It also reduces window strikes, as hummingbirds tend to peck at the center of windows.
Hang the feeder from the top so it’s at, or slightly above, eye level when seated indoors. This allows convenient watching without having to crouch down. For two-story homes, hang it below the second story window ledge for best visibility.
Accessibility
Make sure to hang the feeder where you can easily reach it to refill the nectar and clean the feeder. It should also be accessible so you can move it indoors or to a sheltered spot during severe weather if needed.
Position it just a few inches from the window for the closest up-close views of feeding hummingbirds. But allow enough space so their wings don’t hit the glass while feeding.
Deter pests
Avoid setting the feeder right next to bushes, trees or other structures where squirrels could jump on. Similarly, place it well below overhanging roofs or ledges that could serve as perches for bigger birds.
Pest deterrents can also be added. Slip-on feeder covers, hanging strips or wires are designed to prevent ants, bees and other insects from drowning in the nectar. Squirrel-proof cages or baffles can be used to keep squirrels and birds like starlings away.
Safety
Select a reinforced feeder made from sturdy materials that will not easily break if bumped against the window. Glass and metal feeders are too hard. Heavy plastic acrylic feeders are safer choices.
Use a feeder with multiple perches so more than one hummingbird can feed at a time. This helps minimize aggression and fighting. The feeder should also have built-in ant moats or channels to keep crawling insects out of the nectar.
Nectar
Fill the feeder with homemade nectar using a proper ratio of sugar to water. Using 1 part sugar to 4 parts water is ideal. Boil the mixture for one minute to kill bacteria. Let it cool before pouring into the feeder.
Never use food coloring, honey, artificial sweeteners or other additives in the nectar. Plain white sugar and water are all that is needed.
Change the nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. Rinse and clean the feeder with a mild detergent every couple weeks. Thoroughly rinse before refilling. Keeping fresh nectar in a clean feeder is key.
Different types of window feeders
There are a few main styles of window feeders to choose from:
Suction cup feeders
These feeders attach directly to the glass using rubber suction cups. They come in basic styles as well as decorative options shaped like flowers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Can fall off window |
| Simple to install | Limited nectar capacity |
| Allow close viewing | Few perches |
Hanging feeders
These feature holders to hang them from hooks, mounts or existing feeder poles outside the window. Some clip onto the windowsill.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More stable installation | Need a hanger |
| Larger nectar reservoir | Viewing not as close up |
| Often have ant moats | Can swing in wind |
A-frame or platform feeders
These feature a triangular plastic frame that sits on the window sill to hold the feeder. Some have multiple feeder ports.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very stable | Take up more space |
| Allow multiple feeder capacity | Can disrupt window views |
| Raised feeder ports | Plastic can degrade over time |
Getting hummingbirds to find your window feeder
Here are some tips to help attract hummingbirds to a new window feeder:
– Hang a colorful feeder with red parts to attract them.
– Place the feeder near red, orange, or yellow flowers. The flower colors will get their attention.
– Install the feeder in early spring when hummingbirds first return from migration before they establish feeding patterns.
– Use a nectar with higher sugar concentration at first, such as 1 part sugar to 3 parts water. Once they discover the feeder, transition to the proper 1:4 ratio.
– Provide multiple feeders in different locations to give them options.
– Add more feeders as the seasons change and more hummingbirds appear in your area.
– Be patient. It may take a few days or weeks before they notice the feeder. Once they find it and start using it regularly, they will come back.
– Avoid using pesticides near the feeder so insects are available for the hummingbirds to eat too.
– Place an outer feeder in your yard to help draw hummingbirds close to your window.
– Don’t give up! Even if it takes a while for them to find it, keep the nectar fresh and the feeder hanging.
Establishing a routine
It takes repetition for hummingbirds to establish a reliable food source. Hanging a feeder in the same spot and keeping it freshly stocked will encourage them to routinely return.
Make sure to keep the feeder up year-round. In colder climates, bring it indoors during freezing weather. Then return it outdoors on warmer days so hummingbirds can continue accessing the energy-rich nectar they need.
Once your feeder becomes part of their feeding network and foraging routine, they will regularly utilize and depend on it.
Tips for observing hummingbirds at window feeders
Watching hummingbirds up close from indoor window feeders provides a special experience. Here are some tips for getting the most out of observing them:
– Position a comfortable chair in front of the window where you can sit quietly and watch for extended periods.
– Have a pair of close-focusing binoculars handy to get detailed views.
– Use a field guide or download an app to help identify species. Keep notes on when each type visits.
– Pay attention to behavior like aggressive actions, establishment of pecking order, or courtship rituals.
– Note how many birds visit at a time, whether any appear injured or sick, and if the feeder design meets their needs.
– Maintain a log of activity patterns, such as dates of first arrivals in spring and last sightings before migration.
– Supplement watching by putting up a hummingbird sound recorder when you are away.
– Avoid tapping on the window, getting too close, or making sudden movements that startle them.
– Consider attaching a hummingbird camera or setting up a video camera on a tripod for live action shots.
– Invite others to quietly join you so more people can enjoy their beauty and fascinating behaviors!
Identifying males and females
One fun aspect of feeder watching is identifying males and females. In most species males have the bright, iridescent throat feathers, while females have white throats. But immature males often resemble adult females until they molt and grow their colorful feathers.
Observing banded birds is extremely helpful for determining sex. Returning banded birds are identifiable as male or female adults. Seeing which unbanded birds regularly associate with them provides clues to their sex and stage of maturity.
Noting arrive and departure dates
Recording first and last sightings each season helps document how climate change may be impacting hummingbirds. Keeping detailed logs and sharing observations through citizen science programs contributes to understanding their migration patterns.
Comparing temperatures and bloom cycles with arrival and departure timing year to year shows if more hummingbirds are delaying migration and staying later. This data demonstrates effects of global warming and habitat loss that threatens hummingbird populations.
Potential problems
While window feeders create an enticing opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close, they do come with some risks and difficulties to be aware of:
Window strikes
Hummingbirds may accidentally fly directly into the window glass, especially highly territorial males chasing other birds away. Using feeders that attach to the sides of windows rather than the center can help reduce collisions. Placing external feeders or decorations on the glass is also useful.
Feeder aggression
Dominant males often dive bomb and chase other hummingbirds from feeders. Providing multiple feeder ports allows less dominant birds to access nectar while limiting fights. Use of feeders with perches reduces hovering competition.
Ants and bees
Ants will crawl into feeders, drowning in the nectar. Adding water moats or other deterrents keeps them out. Bees are also attracted to the sugar water and can overtake feeders.
Bee stings
Bees stinging hummingbirds have been documented, especially with feeders that leak. Use of properly sealed feeders prevents leaks. Avoid yellow feeders and flowers which strongly attract bees.
Feeding artificial nectar
While sugar water provides calories, it lacks nutrition compared to natural nectars. Periodic use of feeders is fine but should not serve as a complete diet replacement. Natural food sources still need to be available.
Salmonella risk
Dirty feeders can spread diseases like salmonella. Frequent cleaning and nectar replacement reduces contamination. Taking down feeders temporarily may help control outbreaks.
Conclusion
Installing hummingbird feeders on windows provides close viewing opportunities not found with typical outdoor feeders. The essential requirements for attracting hummingbirds are providing fresh nectar in a brightly colored, properly positioned feeder. Developing a routine feeding schedule and keeping the feeder clean helps maintain ongoing use by hummingbirds. With a quality feeder in the right spot on your window, you’ll be rewarded with endless enthralling hours of observing these energetic, acrobatic birds! Supplementing feeder watching by noting observations aids research and conservation for these captivating creatures. The more we learn about hummingbirds, the better we can support maintaining healthy populations of these special birds. So grab a comfy seat by your window feeder and immerse yourself in the entertaining show!
