Managing A Bully Hummingbird

@CarolDM (203478)
Nashville, Tennessee
July 15, 2021 2:49pm CST
For the past couple of years I have noticed only two or three hummingbirds visit the feeders in the back. I am used to seeing several at both feeders. Have always had the perch attached above the feeder. They always seem to enjoy sitting and pruning and chilling on the perch. The last few days I have noticed only one hummingbird and I have named him EZ. A story for another day. But he sits on the perch as a lookout. And dive-bombs any other hummingbirds that come along. No wonder I only have one hummingbird 99% of the time. So, the perch is gone for now. Just took it down. He can find other places to perch. On the fence and in the trees. I want to see more hummingbirds. Fingers crossed this might help. Snapped this photo of him dive bombing another male hummingbird.
18 people like this
13 responses
@kobesbuddy (73891)
• East Tawas, Michigan
15 Jul 21
I've heard that other male animals are aggressive with each other. But male hummingbirds, I never imagined they could be this way!
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Jul 21
They are, but this one will not allow males or females at the feeder.
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (73891)
• East Tawas, Michigan
15 Jul 21
@CarolDM I think that's very uncommon behavior, for hummingbirds!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Jul 21
@kobesbuddy No, it is common for some to be very aggressive. I have read about it and my neighbors have had the same problem. Most of the time they at least allow the others to drink. That is why I have two feeders. I usually have at least a dozen or so at one time. Until this one came along.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137251)
• United States
15 Jul 21
He's protecting his "private stock" from anyone else wanting some. Good job taking the perch down. That should help.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137251)
• United States
15 Jul 21
@CarolDM I really hope that works.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Jul 21
@DaddyEvil Thank you! I do as well.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Jul 21
I know and it finally dawned on me, the perch is the culprit. It is down.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (84363)
• Wheat Ridge, Colorado
15 Jul 21
lol look at that guy
1 person likes this
• Wheat Ridge, Colorado
15 Jul 21
@CarolDM Yes the meanie one stands out
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Jul 21
Two guys.
1 person likes this
@HazySue (39269)
• Gouverneur, New York
16 Jul 21
I didn't know that there were bullies among the hummingbird world. Have you seen him since you took down the perch?
1 person likes this
@HazySue (39269)
• Gouverneur, New York
17 Jul 21
@CarolDM I hope he gets more into sharing.
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
17 Jul 21
@HazySue I just saw two at the feeder this morning. Not for long but that is progress.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
They are just all territorial. Especially the males. It is their extinct to want the feeder to themselves. But sometimes you will get one that is crazy aggressive. This one is it. I have seen him, still chasing off the others. But I hope he will slow down a bit. We will see.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (153181)
• United States
16 Jul 21
GREAT photo! That little bully is so cute; but he needs to mind his manners!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
I told him but he would not listen. Now his perch is gone. But he has others in the yard.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54413)
• United States
16 Jul 21
or TAC on the name. interesting, i didn't know hummingbirds were so territorial!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
They are the worst about being aggressive and territorial.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54413)
• United States
16 Jul 21
@CarolDM as always, go to the bird guru to learn about birds. thank you, i did not grok that until just now!
1 person likes this
@id_peace (14010)
• Singapore
16 Jul 21
I wonder why do they dive bomb each other? Is it to defend their territory or it is for mating rites?
@id_peace (14010)
• Singapore
17 Jul 21
Oh thanks for the information.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
Defending their territory.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
17 Jul 21
@id_peace No problem.
1 person likes this
@sabtraversa (12420)
• Italy
15 Jul 21
Hummingbirds look so innocent but seems like their size is deceptive. Hopefully this bully will "learn the lesson" and stop harassing the other birds. He got you a wonderful shot though!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 Jul 21
He is still beautiful. But I want to see others as well like I used to. Thanks I was lucky to get this one. They are challenging.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (93502)
• Marion, Ohio
16 Jul 21
I hope that works. Just proves there is bullies everywhere
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
I do too and yep, bullies are literally everywhere.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (72494)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
15 Jul 21
Nice photo, Aww that is not being nice or polite, I hope that hummingbird shapes up It is like the kittens here they just opened their eyes but if one gets to Mama to eat the other wants the same spot they are batting at each other with their little hands,
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
It is in his nature. But I want to see more than just one, so hope it works. Kittens are at the awww stage.
1 person likes this
@MALUSE (69428)
• Germany
15 Jul 21
I've never seen a hummingbird. Hummingbirds are only found in the New World, including North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
@Dena91 (15758)
• United States
16 Jul 21
I guess bullying crosses into all species. I wouldn't have thought that hummingbirds would do that. I hope by removing the perch you'll see some more around the feeders.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203478)
• Nashville, Tennessee
16 Jul 21
They are so territorial. I hope it works too.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (115606)
• United States
15 Jul 21
My former MIL gets dozens of them each day