Do Bats Sip Sweet Nectar From Hummingbird Feeders?

When backyard bird enthusiasts like us put sugar water Feeders are set up; we anticipate attracting some of our beloved hummingbirds—however, stay vigilant as unexpected observations can also occur. butterflies Or other types of birds such as woodpeckers , orioles and warblers , which can be surprising for homeowners and may prompt questions.

With that said, some may get a truly unexpected sight swooping in at their sugar water feeders: bats! Here’s why this isn’t as shocking as you might think, and why a bat would choose a hummingbird feeder as a food source.

Why Is There a Bat at My Hummingbird Feeder?

To start off, having a bat visit your hummingbird feeder shouldn’t cause alarm. It’s highly likely that the presence of the bat indicates nothing out of the ordinary; most likely, there’s no reason for concern. wrong with your feeder , either.

In simple terms, fruit-eating bats known as frugivores might sometimes go to hummingbird feeders seeking sweet nectar. Their visits become more frequent when their usual food sources are scarce.

Since bats are active at night, you won’t likely spot one in your yard during daylight hours. Actually, the sole sign that a bat may have visited could be an empty birdfeeder upon waking up early in the morning. Keep in mind, however, that the absence of nectar might mean needing to prepare more; here’s how to do it. hummingbird nectar recipe There is no harm being done.

Bats do not get affected by sugar water since they require the calories to power their flight, and similarly, the bats will not cause harm to the hummingbirds. Nonetheless, keep an eye out for these issues. hummingbird predators ).

The bats also shouldn’t cause any damage to your feeders. For the sake of the bats’ (and hummingbirds’) health, though, you should always maintain cleanliness of your hummingbird feeder .

What Species of Bats Use HummingbirdFeeders for Nectar?

There are three kinds of nectar-drinking bats that travel to the southwestern part of the U.S. Should you be based in regions such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas, you could spot one visiting your hummingbird feeder. These include the Mexican long-tongued bat, the Mexican long-nosed bat, and the lesser long-nosed bat. They journey northward from Mexico during spring for breeding purposes before returning south again come autumn.

Nevertheless, northern birdwatchers should not anticipate spotting bats drinking nectar from their feeders. Within other regions of the U.S., bats generally consume insects. As such, they will not look for sugar water as nourishment.

For those who wish to continue aiding bats, think about installing a bat box Or cultivating indigenous flora that draws insects into your outdoor space.

Sources

  • Pima County Public Library, " Bats and Hummingbird Feeders “
  • National Audubon Society, “ How Hummingbird Enthusiasts Are Aiding in the Protection of a Bat That Crosses Borders “
  • Ask a Biologist at ASU, What Is Part of Bats' Diet? “
  • National Wildlife Federation, “ Voyage of the Nectar Bats “
Posting Komentar (0)
Lebih baru Lebih lama