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External Threats
Hummingbird Predators: The Complete, Fact-Checked Guide
Cats, snakes, spiders, hawks, jays, and mantises — the full, honestly fact-checked guide to what actually preys on hummingbirds, and how ...
What Really Eats Hummingbird Eggs? A Caring Look at Nest Raiders
What eats hummingbird eggs and nestlings? A caring, myth-busting guide to jays, crows, squirrels, chipmunks and snakes — and how to help.
Aug 15, 2026
Cats and Hummingbirds: What We've Learned Keeping Both Safe in Our Own Yard
We love cats too — here's what actually works to protect hummingbirds from an outdoor cat, backed by real research and our own backyard s...
When Praying Mantises Prey on Hummingbirds — And How to Protect Yours
A large praying mantis can occasionally prey on a hummingbird at the feeder. Here's what the research actually shows, and how to protect ...
The Birds That Actually Prey on Hummingbirds (Hint: Not the Big Hawks)
Most hawks won't touch a hummingbird. Meet the small, fast raptors that actually do — the sharp-shinned hawk, merlin, shrike, and sneaky ...
Aug 24, 2026
Do Spiders Eat Hummingbirds? What Orb-Weavers Really Mean for Your Feeder
The honest answer on orb-weaver spiders, Joro spiders, and hummingbirds — plus how to keep webs off your feeders and rescue a trapped bird.
Snakes and Hummingbird Feeders: What's Actually Going On
Yes, rat snakes sometimes climb hummingbird feeders — but it's rarer than you think. Here's the honest science and how to keep snakes awa...
Why Hummingbirds Are Especially Vulnerable to Window Strikes
Hummingbirds are disproportionately vulnerable to window strikes. Why it happens, the 2-inch marker spacing that prevents it, and where f...
