Hummingbird feeders are designed for their namesake birds, but other species enjoy the sweet nectar too.
While hummingbirds are the primary visitors, many other birds like orioles, woodpeckers, and chickadees are also attracted to nectar feeders.
Why Other Birds Drink Nectar
Many bird species are drawn to nectar because it provides a quick source of energy. The sweet liquid is appealing to these birds, especially during times when natural food sources may be limited.
Nectar serves as an easy, supplemental energy boost that helps keep these birds active and healthy.
1.Orioles
Orioles are frequent visitors to hummingbird feeders. They have long, slender beaks that allow them to sip nectar with ease.
Their vibrant colors make them a delightful addition to any yard.
However, orioles can sometimes monopolize a feeder, especially in large numbers.
To accommodate them, consider adding dedicated oriole feeders with larger perches, which will also help reduce competition with hummingbirds.
2.Woodpeckers
Certain species, like the Downy Woodpecker, visit hummingbird feeders for nectar. They drink nectar from the same small ports as hummingbirds.
Woodpeckers are also attracted to suet and other food sources, making them versatile visitors to your yard.
Their visits add variety to the types of birds feeding from your hummingbird feeder.
3.Chickadees
Chickadees are small, agile birds that occasionally drink from hummingbird feeders. They especially enjoy sweet liquids during warmer months when food sources can become scarce.
Chickadees are non-intrusive and often feed without disturbing the hummingbirds, making them a welcome addition to your yard.
4.Tennessee Warblers
Tennessee warblers are another small bird species that drink nectar from feeders, especially during migration.
Their small size allows them to easily access the nectar ports without causing disruption. These warblers are seasonal visitors but are a delightful surprise at any nectar feeder.
How to Keep Other Birds Away From Your Hummingbird Feeder
While it can be enjoyable to watch a variety of birds at your feeders, some people prefer to limit the traffic to just hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds are small, delicate birds, and larger or more aggressive birds can sometimes scare them away or monopolize the feeder. If you’re looking to keep other birds—such as orioles, woodpeckers, chickadees, or even larger species—away from your hummingbird feeder, here’s an in-depth guide to help you maintain a hummingbird-only zone.
Use Hummingbird-Specific Feeders
One of the easiest ways to deter other birds from visiting your hummingbird feeder is to use feeders specifically designed for hummingbirds.
Hummingbird feeders have small, narrow feeding ports that are perfectly sized for their long, slender beaks and tongues.
Other birds, especially larger ones like orioles and woodpeckers, may struggle to access the nectar through these tiny ports.
Tips:
- Opt for feeders with bee guards or mesh screens over the ports to make it even harder for larger birds to drink from them.
- Use tube or saucer-style feeders, as they’re harder for larger birds to access compared to traditional bottle feeders with perches.
1.Choose Feeders Without Perches
Many birds, especially larger species like orioles, prefer to perch while feeding. Hummingbirds, on the other hand, can hover while drinking nectar. By choosing feeders without perches, you can naturally discourage larger birds from using the feeder, since they won’t be able to sit and feed easily.
Tips:
- Look for feeders with small, compact designs that don’t offer perching space.
- If your current feeder has removable perches, consider taking them off.
2.Place Feeders in Locations Difficult for Larger Birds
Strategic feeder placement is another way to limit unwanted bird visitors. Larger birds, such as woodpeckers and orioles, may have difficulty reaching feeders that are placed in areas where they can’t easily land or perch.
Tips:
- Hang the feeder from thin, flexible branches or hooks that can’t support the weight of larger birds.
- Avoid placing the feeder near stable surfaces, such as decks, window ledges, or strong tree limbs, that make it easier for other birds to land.
3.Provide Alternative Feeders for Other Birds
One way to keep other birds away from your hummingbird feeder is to offer them their own food sources. By providing alternative feeders with food specifically for larger birds, you can draw them away from the hummingbird feeders. Birds like orioles and woodpeckers are attracted to foods like oranges, grape jelly, and suet.
Tips:
- Place oriole feeders with nectar, fruit, or jelly in a separate area of your yard, far from your hummingbird feeders.
- Hang suet feeders or seed feeders specifically for woodpeckers and chickadees in different spots, away from the hummingbird’s feeding area.
4.Use a Feeder with Nectar Guards
Nectar guards, also called bee guards, can help block out both insects and other birds. These guards are designed to cover the feeder’s ports with a mesh or barrier that only allows hummingbirds to access the nectar. While orioles, woodpeckers, and other birds might try to drink from the feeder, the nectar guards will make it difficult for them to reach the nectar.
Tips:
- Invest in feeders with built-in nectar guards, or purchase nectar guard attachments that fit onto your existing feeders.
- Regularly check and clean the guards to ensure they remain effective and don’t get clogged.
5.Hang Feeders in Isolated Areas
Hummingbirds are agile and fearless when it comes to maneuvering through tight spaces, but other birds may be less confident in more secluded or hard-to-reach spots.
Hanging your feeder in an isolated area, such as under the eaves of your house, on narrow tree branches, or in areas surrounded by dense foliage, can discourage larger birds from visiting.
Tips:
- Position your hummingbird feeder near thick bushes or trees where larger birds may feel less comfortable feeding.
- Avoid hanging feeders in wide-open areas where larger birds can easily access them.
Read also: Where To Hang A Hummingbird Feeder?
6.Feeders with Small Nectar Capacity
Larger birds like orioles tend to drain nectar feeders quickly. To discourage this, choose hummingbird feeders with smaller nectar capacities. Smaller feeders will need to be refilled more often, but it makes it less worthwhile for larger birds that may be looking for a bigger meal.
Tips:
- Opt for feeders that hold less nectar—around 4-6 ounces—so that the nectar is consumed mainly by hummingbirds.
- The need to refill frequently can ensure only hummingbirds benefit, as larger birds may stop visiting once they see the nectar runs out quickly.
7.Avoid Bright, Bold Colors on Feeders
Birds like orioles and woodpeckers are drawn to bright colors, particularly orange and red, which they associate with fruit and nectar. While hummingbird feeders are traditionally red, you can reduce attraction for other birds by opting for feeders with subtler shades of red, or even those that use yellow or clear colors instead.
Tips:
- If you want to keep the traditional red color for attracting hummingbirds, avoid using bright orange in any nearby décor or plants, as this will attract orioles.
- Use feeders with less visible, smaller red accents.
8.Add Deterrents for Larger Birds
If larger birds are persistent despite your best efforts, you can try adding physical deterrents near the hummingbird feeder. These don’t have to be harsh—simple measures like hanging wind chimes, reflective objects, or ribbons can gently dissuade larger birds from hanging around.
Tips:
- Use lightweight, moving objects like wind spinners or streamers near the feeder to make it less inviting for larger birds.
- Ensure any deterrents are placed far enough away that they don’t scare off the hummingbirds too.
Conclusion
Attracting orioles, woodpeckers, chickadees, and even Tennessee warblers to your hummingbird feeder adds diversity and enjoyment to birdwatching. By offering nectar and using best practices, you can create a welcoming space for all these nectar-loving birds while ensuring your hummingbirds are not crowded out.
