Key Takeaways
- Hang your hummingbird feeder near shelter and partial shade, but make sure it’s still visible to the birds and you.
- Surround your feeder with blooming native plants and space out multiple feeders to attract hummingbirds.
- Keep feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar by placing them within easy reach and maintaining them every 1–2 days.
You’ve purchased and hung your hummingbird feeder, added the nectar, and waited for your fluttering friends to arrive… but they haven’t. “Hummingbirds are remarkably good at finding feeders,” says Noah Perlut, PhD, ornithologist and professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England. So, if you’re noticing a lack of feathery guests, it’s probably a sign your setup isn’t quite right.
Here, experts share where you should (and shouldn’t) place your hummingbird feeder to make it the perfect pit stop for them, plus general tips for attracting birds to your yard.
Where to Hang Your Hummingbird Feeder
Place It Near Shelter
You might be inclined to pick a sunny, open spot in your garden, but this is not an ideal location for hummingbird feeders. The best place is actually near a potential shelter for birds, so they’ll feel safe when they’re feeding. “Keep it visible enough for a migrating hummingbird to see or check out,” says Dan DeBaun, founder of the blog Bird Bites. “Don’t put it directly under a tree canopy, for example.”
And some shade is ideal, otherwise your nectar will rot quickly. Plus, it gives the birds a little respite from the sun’s rays. Consider hanging your feeder from existing structures like an awning, gazebo, or gutter.
Once you’ve found the sweet spot, stick to it! Don’t move it around your yard. “Hummingbirds are creatures of habit and are much more likely to return to your yard year after year if you keep putting nectar out,” DeBaun says. “Their memory is amazing for such a tiny bird.”
Make Sure It’s Somewhere Observable
Maren Gimpel, associate director of Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory at Washington College, adds that it should also be a spot that you can see. After all, that’s part of the joy! “Studies show that watching birds can reduce stress and anxiety—what an enjoyable way to improve your mental health!” she says. “Place a feeder where you’ll be able to see it but won’t disturb the birds while they feed.”
Surround the Feeder with Blooming Plants
It’s important that there are other food sources surrounding your feeder, experts say. Specifically, flowering plants. Dr. Perlut recommends hanging feeders relatively close to or in direct path to the flowers. “These flowers offer alternative food resources, including the small insects that are attracted to them,” he explains.
DeBaun agrees, noting that he places his own hummingbird feeders near flowers and other plant life, like an evergreen tree or bush. “These provide shelter,” he adds. “And hummingbirds are especially attracted to tubular flowers.”
Keep the Feeder Within Easy Reach
One of the biggest mistakes people make is placing their feeder somewhere that’s inconvenient to pull down and clean. When this happens, you’re far less likely to clean it as frequently as you should, and this matters because a dirty hummingbird feeder will only attract pests. “Hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned every 1-2 days, especially when it is warm outside,” Dr. Perlut recommends.
What to Avoid With Your Hummingbird Feeder
Avoid Large Windows and Other Hazards
Dr. Perlut points out that you should keep in mind all the dangers hummingbirds have to face, like windows and predators. “The two most important hazards to avoid are large glass windows, where the hummingbirds could accidentally collide, and concealed hiding places or resting places for outdoor cats, which commonly prey on songbirds,” he explains.
Try not to place feeders too close to any windows, regardless of size and especially if they have real or fake flowers behind them. “Hummingbirds will often leave the feeders and mistake these indoor flowers as available food, thereby colliding with the window,” Dr. Perlut says.
If you really want to place your feeder by a window, make sure it’s bird-safe—applying a specialty film or decals to the glass makes it easier for birds to detect the window and prevent collisions.
Don’t Hang a Bunch of Feeders Near Each Other
Try not to place a bunch of feeders next to each other, DeBaun says—this might backfire on you. “You might succeed in attracting a lot of birds to your yard, but hummingbirds are surprisingly territorial and aggressive toward other hummingbirds, despite their size,” he explains. “I recommend hanging a feeder in your front and backyard to give ample space.” If space is limited, keep the feeders spaced out to the best of your ability.
Other Tips to Attract Hummingbirds
Placement matters when it comes to bird feeders, but there are other things you can do to entice hummingbirds.
Choose a Red Feeder With an Ant Guard
Gimpel says you can use any style of bird feeder that appeals to you, but many feeders have red in their design to attract hummingbirds. So if you want to boost your chances of a hummingbird sighting, pick a feeder with some red in it.
DeBaun adds that you should try to add an ant guard or find a hummingbird feeder with a built-in moat, which you fill with water to prevent ants from reaching the feeder. “If you don’t have this you might find your feeder swarmed with ants looking for that sweet nectar,” he explains. “You can get one for a few bucks online.”
Plant Native Flowers
“Whether they are migrating through or staying in your yard for the season, there are several ways to make life easier for these incredible birds,” Gimpel says. “Native flowering plants are a great way to provide food for wildlife.” She suggests checking out resources like your local garden center or searching online to choose the species best suited for your yard. “You will enjoy beautiful blooms and the hummingbirds get natural nectar,” she adds.
Refresh Your Nectar Frequently
“I can’t stress enough the importance of changing your hummingbird nectar often to keep it fresh,” DeBaun says. “Hummingbird nectar gets moldy in the hot summer months, and this can harm hummingbirds. Plus, they’re much more likely to be a regulars at your feeder if you keep the nectar fresh! You’ll be the best restaurant in town.” Swap your nectar every other day, or every day if it’s especially hot or humid outside.
To make nectar for your feeders, just mix four parts water with one part sugar.
Clean Your Feeder Often
We mentioned this already, but it bears repeating: Clean your feeder often, ideally right before you refresh your nectar. This might even mean daily if the weather’s hot. “Use a simple non-harsh soap (I use Dawn) and a clean scrubber of some kind, and rinse completely,” DeBaun suggests.
Keep Your Feeder Out Longer Than You Think You Should
“I live in Minnesota and often leave my hummingbird feeder out until mid-October,” DeBaun says. “That’s later than what most people expect!” According to him, many hummingbirds will stay in their migration spot into the fall, so it’s worth leaving your feeder out to help any late migrants looking to stockpile energy before they head south.
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