Hummingbirds are small, fast, and fascinating birds that capture the attention of bird lovers everywhere. With their unique flying patterns and quick movements, they can often leave us in awe. But there’s more to these little creatures than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll dive into 10 interesting facts about hummingbird behavior that will make you appreciate them even more.
Why Do Hummingbirds Hum?
The familiar hum that we hear from hummingbirds isn’t from their voices. Instead, it’s caused by the rapid movement of their wings. Hummingbirds can flap their wings about 40 times per second, which creates a sound that we describe as humming. The fast wingbeats generate lift and drag on both the upward and downward strokes, resulting in this unique sound.
How Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Hummingbirds have long, forked tongues that can extend up to twice the length of their beaks. The tongue is lined with small hair-like barbs called lamellae, which help trap nectar. When they dip their tongue into a flower or feeder, these tiny barbs extend to capture nectar. Amazingly, a hummingbird can flick its tongue in and out of nectar as many as 20 times per second!
Why Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
Hummingbirds need a lot of energy to survive, eating every 10-15 minutes to maintain their high metabolism. They consume around 150,000 calories a day! When colder weather hits, flowers become scarce, and they need to move to warmer areas where food is available. This is why many hummingbirds migrate as fall approaches, traveling to places where they can find food through the winter.
Why Are Hummingbirds Attracted to Red?
You might notice that most hummingbird feeders are red. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red and yellow, but they can also see other colors that humans cannot. While they are attracted to red, it’s not the only color they like, so feel free to choose a feeder that matches your style.
Why Do Hummingbirds Hang Upside Down?
If you see a hummingbird hanging upside down from a branch or a feeder, don’t worry—it’s probably just sleeping! Hummingbirds enter a sleep-like state called torpor, where their body temperature and metabolism drop to save energy. This usually happens in colder weather or when the hummingbird needs to conserve energy. They can hang upside down for up to an hour, and once they wake up, they continue their search for nectar.
Why Do Hummingbirds Chase Each Other?
Hummingbirds might be small, but they can be very aggressive, especially when defending their food source. You might see hummingbirds chasing each other away from feeders or flowers. This territorial behavior is common as they try to claim the best feeding spots. During mating season, males may also chase and dive at females to get their attention.
How Do Hummingbirds Communicate?
While hummingbirds don’t sing like many other birds, they use chirps, calls, and squeaks to communicate. They also communicate through their physical movements. When a hummingbird chases or dives at another, it could be a sign of aggression or courtship.
When Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Hummingbirds are most active at dawn and dusk, but because of their high energy needs, they feed throughout the day. You can expect to see them visiting feeders in the early morning, late afternoon, and at various other times as they top up their energy levels.
What Do Hummingbirds Do in the Winter?
Not all hummingbirds migrate. For example, the Anna’s Hummingbird stays in the Pacific Northwest throughout the winter, where temperatures are mild. They rely on winter-blooming flowers and feeders to keep them fed during the colder months. Their ability to survive colder weather shows just how adaptable these tiny birds can be.
How Do Hummingbirds Find Feeders?
Hummingbirds have amazing memories. When they migrate, they often return to the same feeders year after year, remembering where they found food in the past. This is why it’s a good idea to put out your hummingbird feeder a couple of weeks before they are expected to return in the spring.
Hummingbirds are not only beautiful to watch, but they also display some fascinating behaviors. From their territorial instincts to their unique feeding techniques, these little birds are full of surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or new to the world of hummingbirds, understanding their behavior can help you appreciate them even more.
FAQ’s
Why do hummingbirds chase each other around feeders?
Hummingbirds chase each other to protect their feeding territory. They can be aggressive when it comes to claiming the best food sources, ensuring they have enough energy.
Do hummingbirds only eat nectar?
No, while nectar is a primary food source, hummingbirds also eat small insects and spiders for protein, which helps them maintain their high energy levels.
Why do hummingbirds hum?
The humming sound comes from their wings flapping rapidly—up to 40 beats per second—not from their voice. The fast wingbeats create the familiar hum that gives them their name.