Hummingbirds Question
Hi,
For the past 3 years there has been a nesting couple of ruby throated hummingbirds somewhere near my house. I put up a feeder and flowers but only the female will feed from the feeder and flowers. The male just sits on his favorite perch on a plum tree. Does anyone know why the male refuses to feed in my backyard?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Angela Hardy on -
My guess is that the male probably feeds from your flowers and feeder...... you just haven't seen him. Have you ever tried to watch to see where (or in which direction) he goes when he leaves his perch? Your answer may be there. They are very territorial. He may have a "favorite spot" close by. Try putting up another feeder (maybe hanging from the plum tree or a distance away from the first feeder). I have a dozen or more hummers and 15 feeders + all the flowers they love. They will knock each other silly to get to their favorite feeder. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Boldylocks on -
She may be feeding first because she is about to lay her eggs. The male may be feeding when you arent around and not as often as the female because of this. I live in Pa, and noticed the same this year as well. There was only one female hummingbird at our three feeders and I nadnt even seen a male at all. Finally, there are about 10 of the little birds and I noticed they are smaller than the original mother-- I think she had her offspring some weeks ago, and I was working overtime alot these past weeks, so havnt been outside much.
Suddenly we have about 10 little ones and they are having a blast enjoying nectar from the orange Jewelweed flowers in our back yard as well as the feeders :-)
If you have a Rose of Sharon bush- they also like the beautiful blossoms from these as well.
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