Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most fascinating birds. Their ability to hover mid-air and drink nectar from flowers makes them a joy to watch. However, hummingbirds can be territorial, especially when defending food sources. This leads to a common question: will other birds keep hummingbirds away from feeders?
Quick Answers
In short, the presence of other birds may deter hummingbirds from feeders, but it depends on the species. Larger, aggressive birds like jays and sparrows can bully hummingbirds away from feeders. However, smaller birds like finches and chickadees may peacefully coexist with hummingbirds. The key factors are size, aggression, and timing.
How Hummingbirds Interact with Other Birds
To understand if other birds deter hummingbirds, it helps to know how hummingbirds interact with other species. Here are some key points:
- Hummingbirds are solitary and territorial – They do not flock together. Males defend nectar sources to attract females.
- They are aggressive to defend resources – Hummingbirds will chase away other birds, even larger ones, if defending a prime food source.
- They have specialized bills to reach nectar – Their long, slender bills give them exclusive access to tubular flowers.
- They need to eat often – Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and feed every 10-15 minutes.
- They are small and easy to scare off – Weighing 2-20 grams, hummingbirds are vulnerable to disturbance from larger birds.
Knowing hummingbird behavior helps predict their interactions with other bird species at feeders.
Impact of Large Aggressive Birds
Larger aggressive bird species often bully hummingbirds away from feeders. These include:
Jays
Blue jays compete with hummingbirds for feeders. Being over 3 times larger at 70-100 grams, jays physically intimidate hummingbirds. Jays gorging on a feeder can make hummingbirds too anxious to approach.
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers like the downy and hairy woodpecker occasionally visit feeders. At 20-35 grams, woodpeckers can scare off smaller hummingbirds from prime spots.
Sparrows
Plentiful birds like house and chipping sparrows enjoy feeders. Weighing 25-30 grams, flocks of sparrows can deter hummingbirds from competing at feeders.
Starlings
Invasive European starlings, at 70-100 grams, travel in aggressive flocks and greedily dominate feeders if allowed, keeping hummingbirds away.
These larger birds all tend to chase hummingbirds away through physical intimidation or by depleting feeders. Discouraging their presence can help attract hummingbirds.
Impact of Small Birds
Smaller bird species are less likely to deter hummingbirds from feeders. These include:
Finches
Goldfinches, at 10-20 grams, do not generally intimidate hummingbirds. Timed feeders allow finches to eat first thing in the morning and hummingbirds later in the day.
Chickadees
Black-capped chickadees only weigh 10-12 grams, so hummingbirds are not threatened by them. Specialized feeders let chickadees and hummingbirds peacefully coexist.
Nuthatches
White-breasted nuthatches, at just 20 grams, visit feeders opportunistically. Multiple feeders reduce competition with hummingbirds.
These smaller birds all get along well with hummingbirds. Having separate or specialized feeders helps provide enough food access.
Strategies to Attract Hummingbirds
If other birds are keeping hummingbirds away from your feeders, here are some strategies to try:
- Use feeders designed just for hummingbirds – The specialized openings prevent larger birds from feeding.
- Place hummingbird feeders out of reach – Hang them from high or isolated branches, porches, etc.
- Put up more feeders – Ensure there are enough to meet demand so hummingbirds have access.
- Use separate feeders for small birds – Finch and chickadee feeders divert other birds away.
- Deter large birds – Discourage jays, starlings, etc. using deterrents.
- Clean frequently – Keep feeders clean to avoid mold and bacterial growth.
- Use red feeders – Hummingbirds are attracted to red.
- Supplement with flowers – Plant tubular flowers that only hummingbirds can access.
Trying a combination of these tactics can help provide hummingbirds a welcome feeding area away from bullies.
When to Call for Help
In some cases, discouraging other birds from feeders requires extra help. Consider calling in a professional if you notice:
- A major infestation of problem birds that won’t deter
- Significant damage or risks from aggressive bird activity
- A health hazard from excessive bird droppings accumulating
- Repeated destruction of feeders or bird deterrents
- An inability to adequately clean or disinfect feeders
Trained pros have specialized tools and methods for removing problematic birds humanely and safely.
The Bottom Line
Will other birds keep hummingbirds away from feeders? Sometimes. Larger aggressive species like jays and sparrows often intimidate hummingbirds. However, smaller birds like finches and chickadees typically don’t bother them. Using specialized hummingbird feeders, placing feeders strategically, and discouraging bullies can help provide access. A combination of tactics will invite hummingbirds to your yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do woodpeckers keep hummingbirds away?
Woodpeckers can sometimes deter hummingbirds from feeders due to their larger size and sharp beaks. However, they do not usually directly attack hummingbirds. Using specialized feeders and providing multiple sources can allow both to feed peacefully.
What are the most aggressive birds at feeders?
The most aggressive birds at feeders are typically larger species that travel and dominate in flocks, including European starlings, house sparrows, grackles, and blackbirds. Jays and crows can also be very aggressive.
Should you feed hummingbirds and orioles together?
It’s best not to combine hummingbird and oriole feeders. Orioles are much larger at 70-100 grams and can scare hummingbirds away or even physically attack them. Separate specialized feeders work better to avoid conflict.
Do finches and hummingbirds get along?
Yes, finches and hummingbirds generally get along well. Finches are much smaller and not very aggressive, so hummingbirds do not feel threatened by them. Timed or specialized feeders allow finches and hummingbirds to peacefully coexist in the same space.
How do I get rid of blue jays and attract hummingbirds?
To deter blue jays and attract hummingbirds:
- Use specialized hummingbird feeders with perch barriers
- Place feeders well away from trees and cover where jays lurk
- Install physical deterrents like hawk statues or shiny objects
- Use chemical repellents on non-hummingbird feeders
- Plant shrubs and flowers for hummingbirds away from feeders
- Clean frequently to prevent mold and bacteria
Can hummingbirds and chickadees share a feeder?
Yes, hummingbirds and chickadees can share feeders peacefully. Chickadees are small, acrobatic birds that do not compete directly with hummingbirds. Specialized feeders with multiple ports allow easy access for both species.
Comparison of Bird Sizes
This table compares the relative sizes of common backyard birds that may interact with hummingbirds:
| Bird | Average Weight (grams) |
|---|---|
| Hummingbird | 2-20 |
| Chickadee | 10-12 |
| Finch | 10-20 |
| Nuthatch | 20 |
| Woodpecker | 20-35 |
| Oriole | 30-45 |
| Sparrow | 25-30 |
| Starling | 70-100 |
| Jay | 70-100 |
As a general rule, birds up to about twice the size of hummingbirds may coexist, while larger birds tend to bully hummingbirds from feeders.
Tips for Deterring Problem Birds
Here are some specific methods to try deterring aggressive bird species that may compete with hummingbirds:
Jays and Crows
- Scare tape – Reflective strips that move in wind
- Fake predators – Owl or hawk decoys/statues
- Laser lights – Sweeping motion startles them
- Noisemakers – Banging pans, playing loud sounds
Starlings
- Netting – Overhangs block roosting spots
- Spike strips – Pointy barriers on ledges
- Methyl anthranilate – Chemical repellent applied to roosts
- Ultrasonic devices – Emits high-pitch noise
Sparrows
- Predator effigies – Fake snakes, hawks, owls
- Vegetable oil – Apply slippery coating to discourage perching
- Movement deterrents – Shiny pinwheels, wind chimes, etc
- Pepper repellent – Capsaicin sprayed on non-hummingbird feeders
Consulting an experienced pest control professional can help develop an integrated deterrent plan tailored to your situation.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard
To make your yard as welcoming as possible to hummingbirds, incorporate these key elements:
- Feeders – Have several specialized hummingbird feeders in red and well-spaced
- Flowers – Plant native flowers with tubular shapes and red blooms
- Water – Provide a water feature like a mister, fountain, or small pond
- Shelter – Have protected forest/garden edges and tall shrubs
- Nesting – Leave up dead trees and branches for nest sites
- Pest Control – Use environmentally safe deterrents
Making these hummingbird-friendly additions to your landscaping will create an enticing environment.
Conclusion
Other birds certainly can make hummingbirds avoid feeders or food sources in some cases. Aggressive larger species that deplete feeders and intimidate hummingbirds tend to be the biggest problem. Smaller, more passive birds generally do not bother them. Using a variety of specialized feeders, careful placement, and integrating hummingbird-friendly plants can allow you to enjoy both hummingbirds and other birds in your yard.
