Are Window-Mounted Hummingbird Feeders Safe To Use Or A Potential Mistake?

Getting more hummingbirds to come around your home is a win-win. If hummingbirds decide to come by, then you're probably doing something right and giving them some much-needed sustenance, but on the flip side, you'll also get to watch them dart to and fro while spending time around your home and yard. There are several great types of hummingbird feeders that you can choose to buy and set up, so it can be tough to decide which one is best for your home.

Hummingbirds, along with all other types of birds, can be endangered by a clean, clear window. Due to this, some say that installing a bird feeder close to a window may not be the best idea. The truth of the matter isn't quite this straightforward, however. It's true that all kinds of birds, including hummingbirds, may mistakenly fly into a window and get harmed, so it's best to hang a standard nectar feeder no closer to a window than 15 to 20 feet away. This will help reduce the chances that a bird will come close to a window and then get confused and fly into it.

Despite this, a window-mounted hummingbird feeder is unlikely to cause this problem the way a nectar feeder that is simply located near the window might. Adding a hummingbird feeder directly to a window will actually make the window more visible — hummingbirds will likely pay attention and become more aware of the window itself while simultaneously noticing the food source attached to it. Still, there are some more guidelines to follow so you don't make the mistake of putting your hummingbird feeder in the wrong spot. 

Remember that, although window-mounted hummingbird feeders can work well, they may sometimes be a bit scarier for hummingbirds than those that are located further away from your home. If a hummingbird sees movement through your home window, they can be wary — though they are bolder than most birds. Also, remember that all bird feeders have the potential to attract other animals and pests as well, so be sure to know the best ways to keep unwanted pests away from them. Before installing a window-mounted feeder, you'll want to consider the pros and cons of keeping a feeder further away instead. 

If you have a hummingbird pollinator garden, for example, you may want to locate a feeder closer to it so that you can ensure they'll also find any flowering plants you want them to pollinate. If you do decide to put a window-mounted hummingbird feeder up, there are various things you can do to make it more attractive to (and safe for) your feathered friends. Adding colorful window clings to the glass can deter birds from colliding with your windows. And if you want more of these small birds to visit your home, also add more plants and flowers that they love and more shrubs and perches for them to rest on. Check out our list of genius tips and tricks to attract hummingbirds to your yard for even more ideas. 

You can also add more colors that they like such as red, yellow, orange, and pink to the feeder itself or nearby to make it more likely that they'll come by. Always be sure to clean your hummingbird feeder safely and regularly with a diluted vinegar solution or a combination of hot water and hydrogen peroxide — avoid using dish soap and ensure that no harmful residue is left on the feeder when you set it back out. Also, freshen up the nectar on a regular basis as well – around every one to four days is best, opting for more often if the weather is hot and less if it's cooler. If you're sold on a window-mounted hummingbird feeder, try this one by HCGADON, which is available to purchase on Amazon.