Yes, other birds do use hummingbird feeders
Hummingbirds are the main visitors to a nectar feeder, but they are not the only ones. A number of other birds are attracted to sugar water, either because they naturally eat nectar or because they have learned that the feeder is an easy source of calories. Seeing a different bird at your feeder is not unusual.
Common visitors
Orioles
Orioles are among the most commonly reported guests. Baltimore, Orchard, Bullock’s, and Hooded orioles may visit nectar feeders, and many people deliberately offer them nectar and orange fruit. Their bills and bodies are larger than a hummingbird’s, so they often perch to drink, and they may need a feeder with a sturdy perch and larger ports.
Woodpeckers
Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers are often reported at nectar feeders. They may perch on the rim and dip their tongues into the ports. Some woodpeckers can also damage plastic parts while trying to reach the nectar.
House Finches and sparrows
House Finches sometimes drink from feeders with perches and can monopolize them. Some sparrows may do the same. If you are curious about what a House Finch looks like, note that it has a short, thick, cone-shaped bill rather than the slender bill of a nectar specialist.
Warblers and other migrants
Some warblers, such as Yellow-rumped and Tennessee Warblers, occasionally take a sip during migration. Other birds are sometimes reported as well, including tanagers and catbirds, though less commonly and depending on the region.
Not birds: insects and mammals
Bees, wasps, and ants frequently come to nectar. In some regions, bats may also visit feeders at night. These are separate from bird visitors but are often part of the same question.
Is it a problem?
For the most part, a little sharing is not harmful. Birds that drink sugar water are getting energy, and plain sugar water is generally safe for them in small amounts. The main concerns are:
- Nectar runs out faster, leaving less for hummingbirds.
- Larger birds may crowd or chase hummingbirds away.
- Damaged feeders, especially if woodpeckers peck at plastic.
- Dirtier feeders, since more visitors can mean more contamination and faster spoilage.
Sugar water is not a complete food, so other birds also need their natural diets.
How to keep other birds away
- Choose feeders designed for hummingbirds. Small ports and no large perches can make it harder for bigger birds to drink. See our hummingbird feeder types comparison for design options.
- Remove or skip perches if you are comfortable with hummingbirds hovering.
- Use a feeder guard or cage, if available, that allows small birds through but blocks larger ones.
- Offer a separate feeder for orioles, with larger openings, so they leave the hummingbird feeder alone.
- Move or temporarily take down the feeder if persistent birds are a problem.
- Keep it clean and refill on schedule. See the safest hummingbird feeder for cleaning tips.
Do hummingbirds recognize the people who feed them?
Many people report that hummingbirds seem to approach them or hover nearby when they come out to refill a feeder. Hummingbirds are good at remembering feeding locations, and they may associate a person with food, but the extent to which they recognize individual humans is not clearly established.
What is a hummingbird’s worst enemy?
Hummingbirds face a variety of risks, including cats, window collisions, large insects such as praying mantises, spiders, and some larger birds. Habitat loss, pesticides, and spoiled nectar are other concerns. No single predator is clearly the top one in all places.
A note on timing
Orioles and some other visitors are often present during certain times of year. Our feeder season guide can help you plan when to put feeders out.
Quick takeaways
- Orioles, woodpeckers, House Finches, and some warblers may all visit.
- Occasional visits are generally fine, but monitor feeder condition.
- Use feeder design, separate feeders, and placement to keep hummingbirds’ access.
- Keep nectar plain white sugar and water, and clean regularly.