If you’ve recently purchased a hummingbird feeder, or are thinking about buying one, then you probably already considered where place it in your yard. Knowing where to hang a hummingbird feeder can be crucial to its success. Success meaning that you were able to attract hummingbirds to your feeders.
First let’s go over some ideas about places and methods to hang your new hummingbird feeders, after that we’ll touch on some hummingbird feeder placement tips to put you on the right track to attracting as many hummingbirds as soon in the season as possible.
Where to hang a hummingbird feeder – 4 ideas
Trying to find the best place to hang your new hummingbird feeder? Well, you’re in luck because in this article we’ll give you 4 great ideas for places to hang hummingbird feeders.
1. Porch, deck or patio
If you have a covered porch, deck or patio you can simply use a little screw in utility hook to hang your feeder from. Another option is screwing a plant hanging bracket to one of the 4×4 posts that holds up the roof.
2. Bird feeder pole
Using a bird feeder pole or shepherds hook is a very common way to hang a hummingbird feeder. In fact I’ve got 2 feeders right now hanging from a pole that I have a view of from my bedroom window. Here are the ones I’m using:
3. A tree
If you’re hanging your hummingbird feeder from a tree, choose a location that is out in the open and from a branch that allows you to hang the feeder at least 5 feet from the ground. Wrap a piece of twine, string, wire, or even a coat-hanger around the branch and hang the feeder from it so as not to damage the tree.
4. Your window
This is one of the easiest ways to get started feeding hummingbirds. Window hummingbird feeders stick right to your window with suction cups and do indeed attract hummingbirds! We’ve had good luck with this hummingbird window feeder from Amazon and are using it right now actually.
Hummingbird feeder placement – 9 important tips
When choosing a location to hang your hummingbird feeder it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Here are 9 hummingbird feeder placement tips to ensure that you get them put in good spots that allow you attract as many hummingbirds as possible!
1. Spot with great view
First and foremost, you want to be able to see them right? I mean that’s why we do this, because we enjoy bird watching. With that in mind, walk around your house and look out the windows. Find a location that you can easily see from your window if at all possible, or even from your patio or deck.
2. A little privacy please
What I mean is, don’t hang your hummingbird feeder right over the pathway to your backdoor or above your dog’s doghouse. Try and give them their own little area away from the commotion where they can safely sip nectar. Avoid highly trafficked areas.
3. Cover and protection nearby
So that they feel safe from predators, place your hummingbird feeder within 10-15 feet of the nearest cover like bushes, trees and shrubs.
4. Near flowers
To attract hummingbirds throughout the season, plant early and late blooming flowers. Trumpet shaped flowers are best such as fuchsia, gladiolas, and petunias. Hang your feeders near these flowers to increase your chances of attracting hummingbirds.
5. Partial sun
Direct sunlight all day long can make the nectar spoil quickly. It may also mean your feeder is too far away from any protective cover that the hummingbirds like to fly back and forth from. Consider placing your feeder in partial sunlight so that it doesn’t get the worst of the days heat. This way your hummingbirds feel safe at the feeder location and the nectar doesn’t spoil as quickly.
6. In the open
Hummingbirds need room to maneuver around the feeder, and dart back and forth between cover and the feeder. There’s a sweet spot that’s not too far away from cover and still a bit out in the open.
7. Near water, if you have it
Do you have a bird bath in your yard, or maybe a garden pond? Hummingbirds will use bird baths just like other birds so having a water source near a feeder is just one more thing in your favor that could help you attract hummingbirds to your newly placed feeder.
Check out this article for some of best bird baths for hummingbirds
8. Place away from windows
Unless you are using a window hummingbird feeder, which is fine to use, you should be sure to hang your feeder at least 15-20 feet away from windows as they can be a hazard for hummingbirds. Directly on the window or at a 15-20 foot distance, but avoid areas in-between.
9. Convenient to refill
It’s also important to hang your feeder somewhere where it’s easy for you to maintain. Hummingbird feeders may require a little more maintenance than traditional bird feeders so make sure it’s easy to reach so you can clean and refill it often.
Hummingbird feeder placement FAQ
Can I hang a hummingbird feeder from the gutter of my house?
I have personally never done this but the theory is sound. Take a coat-hanger and straighten it out but bend one end into a hook. Place the hook into your gutter and attach your feeder to the other end. I’m not sure how well this would work long term or how appealing it will look.. but give it a go if you want!
Can you put a hummingbird feeder next to a bird feeder?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Hummingbirds are small and nervous little birds that like privacy and their own space, so give them some room to buzz around away from other bird feeders.
How far apart should you hang hummingbird feeders?
Some will tell you to space even the hummingbird feeders 10 feet apart to give them some room. However many other sources will tell you to go ahead and group them together. I tend to agree with the latter and think grouping them together is fine.
Is my hummingbird feeder too high off the ground?
Try and keep your feeders around 5-6 feet from the ground. However keep in mind what height hummingbirds are used to feeding at. They don’t drink from flowers up in the treetops, but much closer to the ground. If you hang your feeder too high they may have trouble finding it.
Wrap up
When it comes to where to hang a hummingbird feeder there are definitely some things to consider, but don’t overcomplicate it. Just follow the tips in this article and hang your feeder in the proper location for both you and the hummers. You’ll be watching them from your window in no time!
Are you curious when hummingbirds arrive in your state? Checking out this article about when to put out your hummingbird feeders in each U.S state
Jesse has been feeding birds in his backyard and bird watching across the country for years. He loves learning about the different species and sharing his knowledge and experiences on this website.