Hummingbirds have a keen sense of smell, though it is not their primary sense. Their ability to detect scents allows them to identify nectar sources and potential predators. Hummingbirds can detect Vicks VapoRub, but research indicates they likely do not enjoy the strong medicinal odor.
Do hummingbirds have a sense of smell?
Yes, hummingbirds do have a sense of smell. While vision and spatial memory are more vital for hummingbirds when seeking nectar, research shows they use smell to locate food sources. Their sensitivity to odor helps them find nectar-rich blossoms and avoid danger.
Studies have found that hummingbirds can distinguish between scents. When researchers placed unscented oil in artificial feeders, hummingbirds preferred these over feeders with strongly scented oil. This demonstrates they can detect subtle differences in smell.
Hummingbirds have proportionately large olfactory bulbs for their brain size. The olfactory bulbs process scent information. Having well-developed olfactory bulbs points to smell being an important sense for hummingbirds.
Behaviors showing hummingbirds use smell
Certain hummingbird behaviors provide evidence for their use of smell:
- They sniff blossoms before feeding, suggesting they use scent to locate nectar.
- They are attracted to fragrant flowers, indicating scent helps guide them.
- They exhibit a flehmen response, curling their tongues to further expose scent molecules.
- They avoid strong odors from predators like ants near food sources.
Researchers have observed hummingbirds displaying these behaviors in the wild and lab settings. The behaviors demonstrate hummingbirds’ ability to detect scents and use smell cues.
Do hummingbirds have a strong sense of smell?
Hummingbirds have a modest sense of smell compared to other bird groups. While they utilize scent cues, their sense of smell appears weaker than species who rely heavily on smell to survive.
Turkey vultures and tubenosed seabirds like albatrosses have a extremely acute sense of smell. These species use smell to find food. Hummingbirds chiefly depend on vision and memory, not smell, when foraging.
Among hummingbird species, differences in olfactory capability have been documented. Some hummingbird species, like the rufous hummingbird, have more scent receptors than others. Overall, however, hummingbirds are not considered to have an especially strong sense of smell relative to other birds.
Factors limiting hummingbirds’ smell ability
Certain physiological and behavioral factors limit hummingbirds’ sense of smell:
- Small olfactory bulbs compared to skull size
- Small number of active scent receptor genes
- High metabolism may constrain scent detection
- Reliance on sight and spatial memory to find food
With these limiting factors, hummingbirds’ sense of smell appears adapted to supplemental use rather than primary dependence.
How do hummingbirds respond to Vicks VapoRub?
There is limited research specifically on hummingbirds’ reaction to Vicks VapoRub. However, given their odor sensitivity, hummingbirds likely detect and avoid the strong smell of Vicks.
Vicks contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients give it a powerful, medicinal scent. While the odor may seem pleasant to humans, it does not appear attractive to hummingbirds.
In one small study, researchers observed hummingbird feeders coated with Vicks. Hummingbirds visited the feeders less often compared to unscented feeders. This indicates an aversion to the smell.
Anecdotal reports of hummingbirds avoiding Vicks align with these findings. People who apply Vicks to deter hummingbirds describe it as effective repellent.
Possible reasons for Vicks deterring hummingbirds
There are several possible explanations for why hummingbirds avoid Vicks VapoRub:
- Strong medicinal smell may overwhelm their senses
- Irritation from menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil
- Association of the scent with toxicity or danger
- Dislike of intense artificial odors
The potent aroma likely deters hummingbirds as it masks any natural fragrant clues from flowers. Their avoidance suggests Vicks creates an inhospitable feeding environment.
Using smell to attract or repel hummingbirds
Gardeners can harness the power of scent to influence hummingbird behavior. Smells hummingbirds like will invite them, while scents they dislike will deter them.
Smells that attract hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are drawn to sweet, fresh, natural fragrances. Scent cues that appeal to them include:
- Nectar-rich blossoms like trumpet vine, fuchsia, and sage
- Sugar water mimicking flower nectar
- Pollen and sweet aromas signifying food sources
- Fruity, citrusy smells like oranges and lemons
- Herbal smells like lavender, thyme, and mint
Using plant extracts, essential oils, or artificial scents with these profiles may help lure hummingbirds.
Smells that repel hummingbirds
Hummingbirds tend to avoid strong, artificial odors. Scent deterrents include:
- Pungent spices like garlic, chili pepper, and cayenne
- Chemical fragrances found in cleaners and deodorizers
- Menthol and eucalyptus smells
- Citronella oil
- Perfumes and air fresheners
These overpowering scents, especially menthol, can act as effective hummingbird repellents.
Conclusion
Research shows hummingbirds have a modest sense of smell that aids in finding food and avoiding danger. While not as smell-reliant as other bird groups, they can detect odors and discriminate between scents.
The potent aroma of Vicks VapoRub likely deters hummingbirds. Its camphor and menthol smell may irritate them or overwhelm their senses. This aversion suggests hummingbirds do not find the medicinal odor appealing.
Gardeners can use smell to influence hummingbird behavior through careful scent selection. Sweet floral notes and fruit extracts will attract them, while pungent spices and artificial fragrances will repel them.
