We love attracting hummingbirds to our gardens with native plants and flowers. It’s also fun to watch them sipping fresh nectar from hummingbird feeders we set out. But if you’re looking for other ways to support these tiny jeweled beauties, you may have seen products advertised as hummingbird swings. Will hummers actually use them—or are they just a cute addition to your garden decor?
First, it helps to understand the habits of hummingbirds. “Hummingbirds perch regularly despite their reputation for constant, hovering flight,” says Chad Witko, specialist, avian biology with the National Audubon Society. “Males often choose exposed perches to watch over feeding territories, and perching is especially common between feeding bouts and during territorial defense.”
In nature, that means they prefer to perch where they can check things out in safety. They tend to favor thin, exposed-to-semi-exposed branches and dead twigs that provide a clear view of their surroundings, especially on small shrubs or larger trees. “Perches are typically lightweight but stable, allowing for quick takeoff,” says Witko. “They are often located near nectar sources or along established feeding routes, where visibility helps with both foraging and predator detection. Hummingbirds rarely venture deeper into vegetation.”
With all the energy they burn up zipping about your garden, they also need to take a break occasionally. “They sometimes just need to rest their wings! The energy it takes to fly and get around means hummingbirds almost constantly need to be hunting down food—they have really high metabolisms,” says Holly Grant, Project Assistant, NestWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, albatrosses can ride the air currents that crest over ocean waves and the updrafts continually keep them airborne over the sea. But most other birds, including hummingbirds, have to use a lot more energy to keep themselves airborne and need a lot more rest stops.”
Ahead, read on to learn more about hummingbird swings and whether you should add one to your garden:
Will Hummingbirds Use a Hummingbird Swing?
There are no guarantees, but adding one could be a fun add-on to your hummingbird-friendly garden. “A swing likely mimics the thin, flexible, exposed perches that hummingbirds naturally prefer, such as small twigs,” says Witko. “The fact that it is a ‘swing’ likely offers no particular benefit, but it also isn’t a deterrent—hummingbirds routinely perch on branches that move in the wind.”
For us humans, it’s decorative. But when placed strategically, it can serve as a convenient resting and lookout point for the birds. “In effect, it functions as an artificial perch in spaces where natural options may be limited,” says Witko.
Interestingly, some species, like Anna’s Hummingbirds specifically, have been reported to have built their nest on a swing like this. “I would say it’s too uncommon of a behavior to ‘expect’ them to nest on it,” says Grant. But you certainly can provide a swing, if you like, to see what happens in your own backyard!
Where Should I Place a Hummingbird Swing?
Place swings near nectar sources such as flowering plants or feeders, ideally within a few feet. “Positioning them in partially shaded areas can provide cooler resting spots, especially in warmer climates. Elevated placement—near eye level or slightly higher—likely will help hummingbirds feel secure while maintaining good visibility,” says Witko.
You will want to avoid dense cover where predators could ambush. Also, be mindful of placing swings in areas where window collisions can be a problem. “Just like feeders, the safest swings are likely those close to windows, 3 feet or less, or far enough away that windows are not an issue,” says Witko.
Along those same lines, a perch in the sun can help hummingbirds stay warm on chilly spring days. “Some hummingbirds go into ‘torpor’ at night, which is a state where they have a very slowed-down heartbeat to help them save energy,” says Grant. “But the sun is a big help to warm them up faster when it’s time to wake up.”
How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Backyard
While a hummingbird swing can be a fun addition, the first step is making your yard hummingbird-friendly. There are many ways to create an environment that supports these birds, including:
Plant flowers and shrubs hummingbirds love.
“Native, tubular flowers rich in nectar are the most effective at supporting hummingbirds,” says Witko. “A mix of species that bloom from spring through fall helps ensure a consistent food supply. Prioritizing native plants also supports the insects hummingbirds rely on, especially during the breeding season.”
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use.
This is critical because it protects the insect populations hummingbirds depend on year-round. Even “targeted” insecticides can reduce prey availability or introduce toxins into the food chain, says Witko.
Provide clean water sources.
Hummingbirds don’t use “traditional” birdbaths, which often can be too deep for them. Instead, they prefer very shallow baths with drippers or misters, particularly in hot, arid environments, says Witko.
Clean feeders regularly.
Regular feeder maintenance is the most important factor in keeping hummingbirds safe and healthy. If you’re going to use feeders, make sure to clean them frequently—every few days in warm weather and daily during extreme heat—to prevent mold and fermentation. You don’t need to use soap; use a bottle brush and rinse thoroughly with hot water. A light vinegar solution can be used, but rinse well, says Witko.
Choose saucer-style feeders if bees and wasps are an issue.
“Tube feeders make nectar more accessible to bees due to gravity,” says Witko. “Saucer feeders generally require a hummingbird’s long tongue, as long as bees don’t access the ports.” Also, avoid feeders with fake yellow flowers, which can attract wasps unintentionally. You also can add an ant moat, which is filled with water and keeps ants from making their way into the feeder and drowning, contaminating the nectar.
