Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds in the world. Known for their incredibly fast wing beats, hover capability, and appetite for nectar, these tiny birds captivate people everywhere they live. But despite their popularity, many people wonder – are hummingbirds comfortable around humans? Will they allow people to get close to them or even feed from an outstretched hand? The answers lie in understanding hummingbird behavior, needs, and natural instincts.
Do hummingbirds like humans?
Hummingbirds are naturally quite timid and wary of any large animals, including humans. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predators, so they tend to avoid anything they perceive as dangerous. However, that doesn’t mean hummingbirds dislike humans altogether. With time and patience, hummingbirds can become accustomed to a non-threatening human presence. It’s possible to gain the trust of local hummingbirds so they feel safe visiting feeders or flower gardens even with people nearby. The key is to move slowly and let the hummingbirds adjust on their own terms.
Hummingbird feeding behavior
Hummingbirds have specialized adaptations for feeding on nectar. Their long, slender beaks and tongues are perfectly designed to reach inside flowers and extract the sweet liquid. They prefer tubes or funnel-shaped flowers where they can comfortably perch while feeding. Artificial nectar feeders try to replicate these natural food sources. When positioned correctly in open spaces, feeders provide essential energy and nutrients hummingbirds need to survive. However, hummingbirds can be territorial around feeders as they compete for this limited resource. Dominant males may try to discourage other hummers from approaching through aggressive displays.
Do hummingbirds bond with humans?
Studies show hummingbirds can recognize individual people, especially those who routinely provide food. With repeated positive interactions, the birds develop some affinity towards their human feeders. However, this shouldn’t be misconstrued as true affection or bonding. Hummingbirds relate to humans purely on an instinctive level related to their survival needs. They associate certain people with availability of food, not companionship. Any hand-feeding or taming of wild hummingbirds should be avoided, as it can be harmful long-term by compromising their self-sufficiency.
Hummingbird Comfort Level Around Humans
How close hummingbirds will allow humans to get largely depends on the specific context. Here are some factors that influence their comfort level:
Location
In more remote wilderness settings with limited human activity, hummingbirds will be more skittish and keep their distance from people. Those living in neighborhoods, parks, or other populated areas are accustomed to routine human presence. They may not fly away or even change behavior when someone approaches nearby.
Movement
Sudden movements can startle hummingbirds and cause them to flee before they’ve assessed if a threat actually exists. Moving slowly and deliberately without direct approach helps them understand you are not dangerous. Once feeding, quick motions may interrupt them mid-slurp, but they often return quickly after.
Noise
Loud sounds and voices tend to make hummingbirds extra cautious. Keeping voices hushed allows them to hear their typical environment. Excess noise may prevent them from hearing dangers.
Proximity to nest
Hummingbirds are extremely protective near their nest, diving aggressively at any perceived threat. It’s best not to get too close. But away from the nest, they tend to be more tolerant.
Time of day
Hummingbirds are most active in the early morning when seeking nectar after fasting overnight. During the busiest feeding times, they focus intently on eating and are more oblivious to humans nearby.
Weather conditions
Chilly or excessively hot weather increases hummingbird metabolism and need for energy. When more stressed by temperature extremes, they may overcome typical wariness and get very close to feeders.
Age
Younger hummingbirds can be more timid and less skilled at maneuvering around people. Adults that have successfully lived near humans year after year show less apprehension.
Predators
Where predatory birds also exist, hummingbirds seem especially alert and retreated. The additional threat makes them seek safety from any and all larger animals.
Hunger level
Hungry hummingbirds are much more emboldened to get close to humans that may provide food. Well-fed hummers may not be as motivated to overcome their fear.
Do Hummingbirds Allow Humans to Touch Them?
Touching hummingbirds is extremely inadvisable. Here are some reasons why:
It can cause injury or death
A hummingbird’s heart rate reaches up to 1,260 beats per minute during flight. If startled and attempting to escape while being touched, the heart could seize up or fail. Their bones and wings are also very delicate and can easily be broken. Even minimal contact could damage their chance for survival.
It removes their protective coating
Hummingbirds have a thin coating of dust on their feathers and skin called powder down. This protects them from temperature changes and insects. Touching wipes away this crucial coating, leaving them exposed until they can rebuild it by visiting water sources and dust baths.
It spreads harmful bacteria
Humans naturally carry bacteria and oils on their skin that could infect hummingbirds when touched. Something as simple as a staph infection could kill a tiny hummer. It’s safer not to make direct contact.
It prevents important behavior
Time spent interacting with humans prohibits hummingbirds from doing essential feeding, breeding, preening, and resting activities for survival. Handling them should not take precedence.
It’s prohibited by law
All native wild hummingbirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It’s illegal to physically handle them without permits. Fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment can result.
It makes them less self-sufficient
Positive reinforcement from touching teaches hummingbirds to seek unnecessary human interaction. This diversion can cause dependence, reducing their natural abilities over time.
Is Hand-Feeding Hummingbirds OK?
Hummingbirds will retrieve nectar from open palms or fingers on rare occasions. But this type of hand-feeding should be avoided for the following reasons:
It can promote aggression
Hand-feeding reinforces territorial behavior as the hummingbird attempts to monopolize the food source. This can compel normally peaceful hummers to attack human fingers.
It spreads disease
Our hands pick up germs and substances that could be passed to hummingbirds during hand-feeding. A sick hummer may then transmit diseases at community feeders.
It diverts them from natural foraging
Easy access to hand-feeding dissuades hummingbirds from visiting natural flowers. This can diminish pollination and their resilience if feeders are unavailable.
It makes migration difficult
Hummingbirds fed by hand may delay travel to follow food sources or lack stamina from reduced foraging efficiency for migration.
It hurts wild behavior
Reliance on handouts curbs a hummingbird’s primal instincts to find food on their own. This damages abilities needed for survival.
It’s against responsible feeding principles
All major hummingbird care authorities advise avoiding hand-feeding. Responsible feeders should respect this expert guidance.
It can lead to overfeeding
Hummingbirds have a very specialized diet. Hand-feeding could cause them to exceed caloric needs or deliver improper concentration.
Tips for Safely Getting Close to Hummingbirds
With some simple precautions, you can observe and enjoy hummingbirds up-close without causing harm:
Move slowly and talk softly
Avoid sudden movements and loud voices so you don’t startle them. Take your time around hummingbirds.
Wear non-descript clothing
Bright patterns, hats, and sunglasses can seem threatening. Wear plain, muted colors.
Don’t make direct eye contact
Looking directly at hummingbirds can be intimidating. Keep your eyes averted or squint.
Remain still if hummers approach
Let hummingbirds satisfy their curiosity on their terms without reaching for them.
Sit where they congregate
Position yourself near nectar sources or feeders so they become accustomed to your presence.
Keep a safe distance from nests
Don’t disrupt or provoke defending parents. Observe from at least 10 feet away.
Avoid use of flash photography
Flashes can distract and disorient hummingbirds. Take photos with natural light only.
Provide fresh sweet nectar
Well-maintained feeders encourage hummingbirds to stay nearby.
Be patient
Allow hummingbirds to adapt to you over multiple days or weeks before expecting close interaction.
Are There Any Dangers to Hummingbirds From Humans?
Though small, hummingbirds are quite resilient in the presence of humans if basic welfare is respected. The biggest dangers from humans include:
Uncleaned feeders spreading disease
Dirty nectar with mold or bacteria quickly sickens hummingbirds. Always sterilize feeders thoroughly.
Pesticides in gardens and yards
Chemical residues can poison hummingbirds through treated plants and contaminated insects. Avoid use near hummingbird habitat.
Trapping or caging hummingbirds
Capturing and confining hummingbirds is cruel and usually fatal. Never attempt.
Pet cats catching hummingbirds
Outdoor cats are lethal threats to hummingbirds. Keep cats indoors or supervised. Install bird deterrents.
Poorly positioned wind turbines and windows
Collisions from wind turbines and windows kill many hummingbirds annually. Strategic modifications can reduce risks.
Displacement of natural food sources
Removing native flowers and trees essential to hummingbird survival pushes them out of areas developed by humans. Protect natural habitat whenever possible.
Climate change disrupting migration and breeding
Global warming impacts floral blooming and nesting seasons hummingbirds rely on. We must curb climate change to ensure hummingbird survival long-term.
Key Takeaways on Hummingbirds and Humans
– Hummingbirds are instinctively cautious of humans, but can become tolerant with repeated non-threatening exposure.
– While they may learn to trust certain individuals, they do not form social bonds the way fellow birds or humans do.
– Providing clean feeders with proper nutrition in a safe setting is the best way to support hummingbirds.
– Hand-feeding and touching hummingbirds does much more harm than good.
– Enjoy hummingbirds naturally by moving calmly, watching patiently, and respecting their space.
– With conscientious care and environmental stewardship, we can ensure hummingbird populations thrive for generations to come.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds and humans can coexist remarkably well. While they may never seek companionship the way pets do, hummingbirds can become comfortable in our presence when treated thoughtfully. We owe these energetic pollinators a responsible duty of care – especially as climate change and habitat loss threaten the many species. By creating gardens to provide needed nectar, monitoring cats and windows to prevent injury, and properly using feeders while avoiding handling, we can ensure hummingbirds remain dazzling additions to backyards everywhere. With conscientious respect for their autonomy and needs, hummingbirds can thrive as charming neighbors. Our reward is the gift of watching their buzzing wings and aerial dances bring vibrant life wherever we share space.
