Many backyard bird enthusiasts enjoy watching hummingbirds come to their feeders to sip on sugar water. Hummingbirds are small, beautiful birds that flap their wings up to 70 times per second. Their rapid wing beats allow them to precisely maneuver in the air and hover in one place. Hummingbirds have become increasingly popular to observe in backyards across North America. Thirty-one different species breed in North America and over 300 different species can be found worldwide. Providing supplemental nectar in hummingbird feeders is an excellent way to attract these birds to a yard. But will using multiple feeders attract more individual hummingbirds than a single feeder?
Why Do Hummingbirds Visit Feeders?
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy to support their small bodies and rapid metabolism. They get most of their energy from drinking nectar from flowers. Backyard feeders replicate the nectar they can find in nature. The sugar-rich artificial nectar gives them the calories they need to survive. Hummingbirds also eat small insects for protein and nutrients. But they rely heavily on drinking nectar, visiting 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day. That’s why they are attracted to the convenience of backyard feeders that offer them the sugary solution they depend on.
How Much Nectar Does a Hummingbird Need?
Hummingbirds have a very fast metabolism that requires a tremendous amount of energy. Their hearts beat up to 1,260 beats per minute. At rest, their breathing rate is 250 breaths per minute. To support all this activity, they need to eat between one-half and eight times their body weight in nectar each day. The average hummingbird weighs 5 grams. That means they can eat 2.5 to 40 grams of sugar from nectar per day. They get this by lapping nectar up at a rate of 13 licks per second. This need for huge amounts of nectar is why backyard feeders are so attractive to them. A single feeder can supply them with their main source of food easily and efficiently.
Do More Feeders Equal More Hummingbirds?
When it comes to attracting hummingbirds to a backyard, more feeders often attract more birds. Here are some reasons why:
More Feeding Spots Reduce Competition
Hummingbirds can be territorial over feeders. Some dominant males will perch nearby and chase other birds away. This monopolizing of a single feeder limits access for less dominant birds. With more feeders in a yard, there are more opportunities for all birds to find an open feeding port. The males cannot patrol all the feeders at once. This allows more hummingbirds to eat undisturbed.
More Feeders Mean More Food Supply
A single busy hummingbird feeder can be drained by hummingbirds in a matter of hours. The more feeders available in a yard, the longer the food will last. Hummingbirds often make feeding rounds to favored locations. If one feeder is empty, they can simply move on to the next full feeder nearby. Multiple feeders ensure a consistent food supply.
Feeders in Diverse Locations Target More Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have preferences for where they feed. Some like covered, shady areas. Others prefer open spaces. Some ornery males want feeders along the perimeter of a territory. Diverse feeder placement allows different preferences to be accommodated. The ideal scenario is to place feeders in several locations around the yard. Some should be high up, others lower down. Having feeder options in full sun and partial shade also helps. The more choices hummingbirds have, the more opportunities they have to find feeders that meet their needs.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | Heats nectar quickly | Can spoil faster |
| Shade | Keeps nectar cool | Does not attract as many hummingbirds |
| Tree Limb | Less accessible to predators | Harder to refill and clean |
More Feeders Extend Feeding Opportunities
Hummingbirds feed for long periods throughout the day. From dawn to dusk they are seeking out nectar. In the first hour of daylight, they need to replenish their reserves after fasting overnight. In the evening before dark, they need to refuel again to get enough energy to make it through the night. More feeders ensure they can access nectar during peak feeding times. The birds do not have to waste energy flying from location to location looking for limited food sources.
Tips for Increasing Hummingbird Numbers with Multiple Feeders
For the best results, follow these tips when setting up several feeders:
Clean Feeders Regularly
Multiple feeders should be cleaned at least once every 2 weeks. Use a mild vinegar solution to wash away any mold, bacteria, or mineral deposits. Rinse well with water and let dry completely before refilling. Rotate which feeders you clean to ensure some clean nectar is always available.
Use Nectar with Red Food Coloring
While artificial red dye is not necessary to attract hummingbirds, studies show that red-colored sugar water gets more visitors. Dye one-fourth of the feeders red. Leave the remaining feeders with clear nectar. Observe which color the hummingbirds seem to prefer.
Try Different Feeder Styles
Select a mix of feeder shapes and designs. Offer top-fill, bottom-fill, glass bottle, basin-style, and specialized bee-resistant options. See if the hummingbirds use certain styles more than others. Then tailor your lineup to match their preferences.
Vary Nectar Sugar Concentration
The ideal nectar mix is 1 part table sugar to 4 parts water. Make some batches a little sweeter and some a little more diluted. The birds will give you feedback by emptying their favorites first. Adjust the concentrations at each feeder accordingly.
Set Up Territorial Males First
Identify where territorial males like to perch and set up feeders within their sightline. Let these dominant birds claim their feeders before putting others too close. Then fill in the remaining areas with more feeders once the males are established.
Start Early, End Late
Put feeders out by early March before hummingbirds arrive. Keep them cleaned and filled faithfully through October when migration ends. Providing an uninterrupted food source before and after breeding season will keep your yard supplied with a steady stream of hummingbirds.
Number and Placement of Feeders
How many feeders are needed to maximize hummingbird traffic? And where exactly should they go? Consider these factors:
Feeder Number
For a small backyard, start with 3-4 feeders and observe activity. Increase number if all feeders see consistent use. For larger properties, utilize 5-10 feeders spread over the space. Have at least 1 spare feeder cleaned and ready to swap in when others are empty or dirty. Higher numbers of feeders will attract more birds up to a point. But overcrowding feeders can create competition. Find the right balance based on your space and bird numbers.
Feeder Placement
Arrange feeders about 10-20 feet apart allowing good visibility between them. Group 2-3 feeders together in prime locations the hummingbirds frequent. Supplement these areas with 1-2 solo feeders in secondary spots to expand options. Place feeders at different heights – some high on tree limbs, others lower on posts or hanging baskets. For territorial males, position their feeders so they can oversee the space while feeding. Avoid congesting all feeders or forcing birds to make close passes. The setup should minimize in-air fights.
| Number of Feeders | Yard Size |
|---|---|
| 3-4 | Small |
| 5-10 | Medium/Large |
Other Feeding Tips
In addition to multiple feeders, also provide:
- Flower gardens with native plants that attract hummingbirds
- Ground-level misters for bathing and drinking
- Perches for resting between feeder visits
This comprehensive setup will create an appealing habitat.
The Benefits of Multiple Feeders
What are the main advantages of using several feeders compared to just one?
Increased Hummingbird Visits
More feeders mean easier access to food. This brings in more traffic as birds can regularly find an open feeding port. Dominant males cannot guard all feeders which lets more birds eat.
Reduced Competition
Less squabbling over feeder access. Aggressive standoffs drop when every bird has a spot to feed.
Better Viewing Opportunities
With multiple feeder placements, you can watch natural hummingbird behavior and interactions unfold from many vantage points.
Added Convenience
Empty or dirty feeders can be swapped out without interrupting the food supply. Refilling and cleaning duties can be spread over time.
Improved Safety
Placing feeders low and high, in sun and shade decreases mid-air collisions and fights. Gives clumsy fledglings safe options to develop flying skills.
Increased Diversity
More feeders allow both dominant and subordinate birds to coexist. Traits of each species and sex can be observed.
Conclusion
Backyard feeders provide hummingbirds with an essential high-energy food source. Using multiple feeders in a yard is an excellent strategy to maximize hummingbird numbers. The more feeders, the more feeding opportunities are available. With open ports at all hours, aggressive standoffs are reduced as birds can spread out. Offering a range of feeder placements satisfies the diverse preferences hummingbirds have. Maintaining clean, freshly filled feeders will encourage hummingbirds to return frequently throughout the day. By tailoring number, styles and location of feeders to the needs of local hummingbirds, you can provide easy and plentiful access to supplemental nutrition they depend on. This will convert your yard into a safe haven the birds will eagerly flock to all season long.
