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Why You Don't Want To See Snakes Near Hummingbird Feeders
By KATE CUSSON
Snakes feed on birds and their eggs, and little hummingbirds make easy prey for them. They’re particularly vulnerable while returning repeatedly to drink from your bird feeders.
Snakes can easily climb up bird feeders to lie in wait for birds to arrive, and a 2021 study by Austral Ecology found that hummingbirds can’t always identify dangerous predators.
To protect your hummers, ensure your feeder is at least 5 feet off the ground, 10 to 15 feet from treelines, and 20 feet from other feeders so they can see predators and escape.
If you find a snake on or near your feeder, remove it yourself if you have the proper experience, or contact a wildlife specialist to remove it and relocate it away from the area.