How Far Apart to Place Bird Feeders?

Nectar Feeders

• Nectar feeders are used primarily to attract hummingbirds. Most people like to watch small, colorful hummingbirds dart around a bird feeder. These feeders are different from most bird feeders in that you fill them with nectar (sugar water) rather than seeds. It's important to space these feeders carefully. Hummingbirds are quite territorial and may fight with other birds for space at the feeder. Feeders placed too close together may actually cause collisions as the birds jostle for space. Instead of grouping a bunch of hummingbird feeders together, hang just one hummingbird feeder, or place multiple feeders at least six feet apart. Hang them out of the sunlight, as direct sunlight will cause the nectar to spoil.

Tray & Platform Feeders

• These feeders consist of a tray or platform suspending by a hanging mechanism and filled with seeds. Songbirds, woodpeckers and others frequent such feeding stations, but they also attract squirrels. Place these bird feeders at least 10 feet from branches on which squirrels may perch and high enough that they are safely out of the reach of cats. If you are hanging more than one, space them at least six feet apart.

Tube Feeders

• Tube feeders have little holes, or windows. Under each window is a peg. The birds (small wild birds love these feeders) perch on the pegs and nibble on the seeds through the windows. These long, slender tubes are often hung by windows, but any bird feeder hung by a window needs to be closer than three feet to the window, or even attached to the glass. This will reduce the chances of a bird colliding with the window. Feeders placed more than six feet from a window allow a bird taking flight too much space in which to accelerate before striking a window, increasing the likelihood such a collision will be fatal. Again, because many wild birds are territorial, place only one bird feeder by each window. Skip a window if placing a feeder there will put two feeders within six feet of each other.

Specialty Feeders

• Some feeders are designed to hold tasty treats such as worms and fresh fruit. Woodpeckers and orioles love oranges, and worms will attract brightly colored bluebirds, which are very territorial. Only one pair typically nests in or near a home garden. Nesting boxes for bluebirds should be spaced at least 100 yards apart. Feeding stations with food especially for bluebirds, woodpeckers and orioles should be limited to one.