How to Hang a Hummingbird Feeder: 10 Tips to Help You Get It Right (2024)

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to attract hummingbirds to your backyard, then hanging a feeder is the way to go! But before you start, there are a few things you need to know.

In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips for hummingbird feeder placement. It’s not rocket scient by any means, but there is a bit of an art to hanging hummingbird feeders, my friend.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to attract visiting hummers and enjoy watching these beautiful birds up close and personal!

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The Amazing Little Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are amazing creatures. They’re tiny, yet they can fly faster than any other bird. They’re also incredibly acrobatic, able to hover in mid-air and perform quick changes in direction. And they’re brightly colored, with iridescent feathers that shimmer in the light.

All of these things make hummingbirds fascinating to watch. But what really makes them special is their diet. Hummingbirds rely on nectar for food, and they consume more nectar than any other type of bird.

In fact, hummingbirds eat about every 15 minutes or so and may visit up to 2,000 flowers in a day.

This constant search for food makes them mysterious creatures, always on the move and never staying in one place for very long. It’s this mystery that makes them so beautiful and so absorbing to watch.

And, it’s their love of nectar that drives bird lovers to hang a hummingbird feeder (or two, or more!) in their yard to make sure that the nearby hummers always have something nutritious to eat.

Nutritious Nectar

Nectar is a sugary liquid secreted by flowers as a way to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. While the sugar provides a quick energy boost, nectar also contains other nutrients like protein and minerals that help hummingbirds stay healthy.

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds also consume small insects, which provide them with essential protein.

While most of their diet consists of sugary foods, hummingbirds also need to consume small amounts of salt to maintain their electrolyte balance. They typically get this from eating spiders and ants.

By eating a variety of food sources, hummingbirds are able to get the nutrients they need to survive with a nectar feeder.

How to Hang a Hummingbird Feeder

There are ways to hang a hummingbird feeder, my friend, and then there is the right way to hang the feeder so that your tiny friends have the best opportunity to find and enjoy the nectar. And you, as the bird aficionado, will be able to get the most enjoyment out of watching.

Whether you’re looking to place one feeder or multiple feeders, these tips will help you navigate to the best location on your property with the perfect hummingbird feeder.

1 | Easy to find

If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your yard, one of the most important things to do is to hang your hummingbird feeder in a spot where the hummers will be able to see it.

While these little birds are excellent at finding food sources, they’re also very territorial and will often only visit a feeder if they can see it. If you hang your feeder in a spot where it’s hidden by trees or other foliage, the chances of attracting hummingbirds are slim.

Instead, try to place it in an open area where it will be easily visible. You’ll also want to make sure that the feeder is hung in a location where you can observe and enjoy the hummingbirds feeding.

With a little trial and error, you’ll soon find the perfect spot for your feeder and be rewarded with the sight of these beautiful creatures visiting your yard regularly.

2 | High enough

Hummingbird feeders are a great way to attract these beautiful, tiny birds to your yard – but it’s important to hang them high enough off of the ground to discourage predators, like cats.

Cats are natural predators of birds, and they’re known to patrol hummingbird feeders in hopes of snatching a quick meal.

By hanging your feeder at least five or six feet off the ground, you’ll make it much more difficult for cats (or other predators) to reach it. As a bonus, the added height will also give you a better view of the hummingbirds as they visit your feeder!

3 | Some sun

Hanging a hummingbird feeder in a spot that gets some sun, but not too much, is important for a few reasons. First, the sugar water in the feeder will spoil more quickly if it is in direct sunlight.

Second, hummingbirds are attracted to the color red and other bright colors, so if the feeder is in the shade, it may be less likely to draw their attention.

By hanging the hummingbird feeder in a spot that gets some sun, but not too much, you can help ensure that the sugar water stays fresher and that the hummingbirds will be able to find it easily.

A good rule of thumb would be to place the feeder in a location that gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

4 | Safety first

You might be surprised to learn that where you place your hummingbird feeder can have a big impact on the birds themselves. If you hang the feeder too close to your home or other structure, bird collisions can occur and they may injure themselves or worse.

The best way to attract hummingbirds is to hang the feeder fewer than 5 feet for window feeders or more than 15 feet from your home or other structure. By doing this, you can be sure that the birds will be able to find the feeder and enjoy its contents without putting themselves at risk.

5 | Sharing

If you’re lucky enough to have hummingbirds visiting your yard, you may want to consider hanging more than one hummingbird feeder to enjoy their company.

While it’s true that hummingbirds can be territorial, they will usually only defend their feeding territory if there are other food sources nearby. By hanging your feeders further apart, you can encourage the hummingbirds to spread out and enjoy the abundance of food.

Additionally, when you hang hummingbird feeders in different locations it will give you a better view of the birds as they visit your yard. So if you’re looking to attract more hummingbirds, remember to give them plenty of space!

6 | Give a perch

Hummingbirds expend a great deal of energy when they fly, and when they eat. They’ll want to find a safe place to rest and perch for a bit.

If you can place the feeder near a high perch such as a tree branch or a tall bush, that will provide the option for the hummers to rest.

Keep in mind that you don’t want the feeder too close to the perch area, though. If it is touching, it invites ants to ‘come on over’ and have a sip. That ends up in a mess for sure.

7 | Close cover

While they may seem fearless, hummingbirds are actually quite vulnerable, especially when they are feeding. That’s why it’s important to hang hummingbird feeders close enough to bushes or trees to provide a source of cover for the hummingbirds – about 10 to 15 feet from the feeder.

By hanging the feeder close to cover, you can provide the hummingbirds with a safe place to retreat if they feel threatened. And, as an added bonus, you’ll be able to enjoy watching them up close as they come and go from their safe haven.

8 | Water source

One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard is to put up a hummingbird feeder. But did you know that it’s just as important to have a water source near your feeder?

Hummingbirds are constantly searching for water so they can bathe, clean themselves, and drink. A hummingbird bird bath, mister, or small fountain near your feeder will give them the water they need and make your yard even more attractive to them. Plus, it’s a great way to watch these fascinating creatures up close!

9 | Maintenance

For anyone who enjoys watching hummingbirds, it’s important to hang the feeder in a location that is easily accessible. First, this will make it easier to fill and clean the feeder regularly. The sugar water can quickly become contaminated if it gets too hot from the sun or it’s not kept clean.

Second, hanging the feeder in an easily accessible location will allow you to keep an eye on it and make sure that the sugar water level doesn’t get too low. Hummingbirds need a constant supply of sugar water, and they won’t stick around if the feeder is empty.

Finally, an easily accessible feeder will allow you to enjoy watching these amazing creatures up close.

10 | Other feeders

As you’re learning, it’s important to choose the right location for your feeder, and our next tip for how to hang a hummingbird feeder has to do with other types of bird feeders.

Hanging it near other bird feeders for different bird species can actually deter hummingbirds, as they are quite shy and will avoid areas where there is too much activity.

Instead, try to find a spot that is quiet and out of the way. This will give the hummingbirds a chance to feed in peace, and it will also give you a front-row seat to all the action.

Bonus tip: What’s below

If you’re like me, you love hummingbirds. They’re so fascinating to watch as they zip around the yard, and they always seem to bring a smile to my face.

But if you’re not careful, your hummingbird feeder can quickly become a mess. The sugar water that hummingbirds love can attract ants and other insects, and it can also start to mold if it’s not kept clean.

And, keep an eye on what is located under the hummer’s feeder, as it could very likely end up with a sugar-water coating!

Where to Place Your Hummingbird Feeder

Now that you know the best tips for how to hang the hummingbird feeder, where will you put it? Keep in mind the tips that note what should be located near the feeder, such as a perch, cover for protection, etc.

Here are a few suggestions, including the type of hardware that could be helpful:

• from a covered porch or deck – use a bracket or hook
• from a gazebo – use a bracket or hook
• in a flower garden with hummingbird flowers – use a pole or shepherd’s hook
• in the yard – use a pole or shepherd’s hook
• window hummingbird feeder with suction cups

Conclusion: Hanging a Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbird feeders are a great way to attract these amazing creatures to your yard, and with the right tips, you can make sure that they have everything they need to stay healthy and happy.

By following our 10 tips to place hummingbird feeders, you’ll be able to provide a safe and comfortable feeding environment for these beautiful birds.

RESOURCES:

• https://www.wired.co.uk/article/the-hummingbird-thats-faster-than-a-fighter-jet
• https://www.adirondackcouncil.org/page/blog-139/news/10-facts-about-hummingbirds–and-other-interesting-tidbits-1101.html
• https://animals.mom.com/hummingbird-nutrient-requirements-4015.html