Ask the Bird Lady: is it normal for a hummingbird to perch?

Hummingbird at feeder
Photo by Jerry Pickard

A reader asks:

I recently relocated a hummingbird feeder (wasn't having much luck) to a spot under my front eave, and success! It's been found and they seem to like being out of the weather for a bit.

My question is : Is it normal for a hummer to perch on a feeder for a lengthy time? (5 min +) I'm just amazed one would come to a stop like this.

Chris the Bird Lady responds:

It is not unusual for a hummer to do so, especially if the feeder is under cover, and it is wet out.

I have hummers that will stay for a while, then have to leave when another more dominate male chases it off.

I have one feeder with a weather cover where a hummer sat for long times repeatedly when it was snowing.

Chris the Bird Lady