House finches and hummingbirds are two common backyard birds that often visit the same feeders and flowers. Some people wonder if aggressive house finches might bully or scare away more delicate hummingbirds. The answer is complicated and depends on several factors.
In general, house finches and hummingbirds can and do coexist in backyards and gardens. They have different feeding behaviors and preferences that allow them to share space and food sources. However, in some situations, house finches may dominate feeders and cause hummingbirds to feed elsewhere. Understanding what attracts these birds and their typical interactions can help you manage your backyard habitat for both species.
Differences Between House Finches and Hummingbirds
House finches and hummingbirds fill different niches in the ecosystem. Knowing their unique traits and needs helps explain their behavior at feeders.
House Finch Traits
- Weigh 0.6-1.1 oz
- Social, congregate at food sources
- Aggressive temperament, especially when breeding
- Wide beak adapted for crushing seeds
- Primarily eat seeds, fruits, some insects
Hummingbird Traits
- Weigh 0.1-0.2 oz
- Solitary, territorial around food sources
- Docile temperament, non-aggressive
- Slender beak adapted for lapping nectar
- Eat nectar, tree sap, small insects
The differences in size, diet, and temperament allow these species to utilize backyard resources in their own way. House finches are well-equipped to monopolize seed feeders. Meanwhile, hummingbirds are designed to feed on nectar and sap from flowers and feeders. Their feeding behaviors bring the two species into contact at times but not constant competition.
Do House Finches Act Aggressive Toward Hummingbirds?
House finches sometimes show aggressive behavior toward hummingbirds around backyard feeders. However, they are more problematic to other house finches than hummingbirds. Here are some examples of house finch aggressiveness and its impacts:
- House finch males may fight over access to feeders or females during breeding season. Their confrontational behavior can intimidate hummingbirds.
- House finches may bully hummingbirds away from seed feeders, where they directly compete for resources.
- At nectar feeders, house finches occasionally snap their beaks at hummingbirds that approach to feed. But hummingbirds have the maneuverability to access the nectar.
- House finches rarely harm hummingbirds. The tiny birds are agile fliers and can easily evade confrontation.
So while house finches sometimes exhibit aggressive tendencies around feeders, hummingbirds are equipped to avoid direct conflict. Hummingbirds may wait nearby or visit when house finches are not dominating a feeder. The two species continue to exist together.
Do House Finches Deter Hummingbirds From Coming to Feeders?
The evidence is mixed on whether house finches deter hummingbirds from using feeders. Here are some considerations:
- One study showed hummingbird numbers declined by 2-3 times at feeders dominated by house finches.
- However, other experts found no difference in hummingbird visitation rates to occupied vs. vacant feeders.
- Hummingbirds appear more wary of house finch presence than actually displaced by them.
- Providing multiple nectar feeders reduces competition and gives hummingbirds options.
- Well-supplied nectar feeders can sustain both species without impacting hummingbird numbers.
The consensus is that hummingbirds may avoid confrontation but are not scared away entirely. Setting up ample, spaced out feeders allows peaceful coexistence in most cases. Selective use of seed feeders also helps reduce competition between the two species.
Tips for Attracting Both House Finches and Hummingbirds
You can design your backyard habitat to welcome both house finches and hummingbirds. Some tips include:
Offer Separate Feeders for Each Species
Use tube feeders, mesh feeders, or platform feeders to provide birdseed for house finches. Offer nectar feeders with perches for hummingbirds. Separating their preferred foods reduces conflict.
Use Multiple Nectar Feeders
Give hummingbirds options by placing 2-3 nectar feeders around your yard 10-15 feet apart. This minimizes aggression from house finches and allows hummingbirds to access nectar peacefully.
Include Native Flowers and Plants
Landscape with tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. Shrubs like weigela and dogwood also provide natural food sources that reduce reliance on feeders.
Clean Feeders Regularly
Clean nectar feeders every few days and seed feeders weekly. Dirty feeders can spread disease and make birds ill. Regular cleaning encourages healthy visitation.
Use Cages or Guards
You can buy nectar feeders with integrated cages or guards that keep large birds like house finches away. This allows hummingbirds safe access.
Avoid Keeping Feeders Too Close
Space feeders far enough apart that house finches and hummingbirds don’t feel competing for the same sources. 10-15 feet apart is ideal.
Conclusion
House finches and hummingbirds naturally occur together across much of North America. While house finches may sometimes bully hummingbirds, they do not scare them away entirely. Providing ample, separate food sources allows these species to peacefully coexist. With good habitat design, you can attract both beautiful birds to your backyard.