Hummingbirds are some of the most remarkable birds in the world. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. But these tiny creatures, some species weighing less than a penny, also face challenges in extremely hot weather. So when temperatures climb to scorching levels, can it get too hot for hummingbirds?
How do hummingbirds stay cool?
Hummingbirds have adapted in several ways to prevent overheating. Here are some of the ways hummingbirds try to stay cool:
– Flying generates a lot of internal body heat. Hummingbirds dissipate heat by fluttering their wings even when not flying. This action cools their bodies.
– Hummingbirds pant to help release heat. Their fast breathing and heart rate from flying allows for effective heat loss when panting.
– They seek shade to rest during the hottest parts of the day. This reduces their sun exposure and allows their body temperature to recover.
– Their rapid metabolism generates internal heat, which they release through their feet. You may see hummingbirds dangling their feet to help cool off.
– Hummingbirds can go into torpor, a temporary hibernation, to drastically slow their metabolism and reduce body heat production.
How hot is too hot?
Hummingbirds can tolerate high temperatures surprisingly well compared to many other birds. Here are some temperature thresholds to understand:
– Up to 104°F – Hummingbirds are generally fine at these temperatures, relying on the cooling behaviors described above.
– 105°F to 113°F – Hummingbirds experience heat stress in this range and need adequate water and shade. Mortality risk increases if exposed for extended periods.
– Above 113°F – This is extremely dangerous for hummingbirds. At these extremes, their heat dissipation system cannot keep up. Seeking shade and staying hydrated are critical for survival.
– Above 117°F – This temperature is often lethal, even in shade. Hummingbirds can die from overheating once temperatures reach this level for an extended time period.
Signs of heat stress
Here are signs that indicate a hummingbird is struggling in the heat:
– Heavy panting and gaping – Open mouth breathing is a sign a hummingbird is overheated. The heavier the panting, the more distressed.
– Winging/body spread – Hummingbirds will hold their wings away from their body in an effort to release excess heat.
– Feet dangling – Dangling their feet maximizes heat loss from their feet. This is a response to overheating.
– Lethargy – Lethargic or sluggish movements indicate a hummingbird lacks the energy to stay active and is likely overheated.
– Sunning – If a hummingbird spreads out on a branch in direct sunlight, it could be dangerously overheated. Sunning is not normal behavior.
– Near water – A hummingbird splashing in or near water is likely trying to cool itself. Healthy hummingbirds do not typically get wet.
Providing shade and hydration
Here are some ways you can help hummingbirds stay cool during hot weather:
– Provide shade – Having trees, awnings, or umbrellas that offer shade gives hummingbirds a place to rest out of the sun.
– Offer dripping or misting water – Dripping fountains or misters allow hummingbirds to fly through and cool down. The moving water helps their heat dissipation.
– Put out a shallow bird bath – Small bird baths with an inch or two of water allow hummingbirds to splash through or even bathe if needed.
– Hang wet towels – Hang towels soaked in water on clotheslines or branches. The humidity from the wet towels cools the air for hummingbirds.
– Avoid using red dye – Red dye can attract hummingbirds to unsafe conditions. Keep feeders clean and don’t use dye.
– Provide adequate food – Having adequate food sources helps hummingbirds avoid expending extra energy foraging.
Danger zones in the landscape
Parts of the landscape can become danger zones for hummingbirds during extreme heat:
– Trees and bushes – Shady trees and bushes are go-to resting spots for hummingbirds. But as temperatures rise, radiation reflecting off surfaces can heat shaded areas to lethal levels. Providing shade shelters or shade cloth helps block this radiation.
– Asphalt – Asphalt absorbs massive amounts of heat during hot sunny days. The radiant heat from asphalt driveways, roads, and parking lots can create heat pockets with temperatures up to 125°F. Large asphalt areas should be avoided.
– Vehicles – The metal on cars and trucks conducts heat and can turn vehicles into ovens, quickly reaching 140°F inside. Hummingbirds may try to rest under or inside hot vehicles. Keep vehicles in garages or carports to reduce this threat.
– Glass windows – Glass absorbs and intensifies the sun’s rays, with window temperatures sometimes exceeding 160°F. Hummingbirds are prone to colliding with windows and being injured or killed when attempting to rest on hot glass. Apply decals to windows or use screens to prevent collisions and burns.
Threats hummingbirds face
In addition to heat illness and death from hyperthermia, hummingbirds face other indirect threats during extremely hot weather:
– Dehydration – Hummingbirds are at high risk for dehydration because of their small size and high metabolism. Adequate water sources are critical.
– Starvation – Hot temperatures and drought can deplete nectar sources. Providing supplemental feeding with hummingbird feeders helps prevent starvation.
– Predation – Heat-stressed hummingbirds lose maneuverability and the ability to escape predators like hawks, making them more vulnerable to predation.
– Territorial behavior – When food and water are scarce, hummingbirds become more territorial and aggressive, sometimes leading to injury or preventing others from accessing vital resources. Providing multiple feeding locations helps reduce competition.
– Nest abandonment – Excessive heat raises the temperature of nests to dangerous levels, forcing parent hummingbirds to abandon their eggs or young. Proper shading of nests can help avoid abandonment.
Steps to help hummingbirds in hot weather
Here are proactive steps you can take to help hummingbirds endure hot temperatures:
– Provide shade – Make sure hummingbirds have access to adequately shaded areas on your property, using trees, shade structures, shade cloth, and umbrellas.
– Offer clean water – Have multiple bird baths and misters available and change water daily to prevent bacterial growth.
– Put out feeders – Ensure ample nectar feeders are available, using a 4:1 ratio of water to white granulated sugar. Avoid food coloring.
– Grow native plants – Maintain native plantings that provide natural food sources. Choose native species adapted to your climate.
– Eliminate pesticides – Avoid using pesticides that could impact hummingbird food supplies and health. Practice organic gardening.
– Monitor for distress – Watch for signs of heat exhaustion like heavy panting and lethargy. Be ready to intervene if needed.
– Provide emergency care – If you find a heat-stressed hummingbird, get it into air conditioning or use a mister to allow it to cool gradually. Offer sugar water for quick energy. Seek wildlife rehab assistance if needed.
Regional temperature threats
The highest risk areas for extreme heat threats to hummingbirds include:
Southwest U.S. deserts – With frequent summer temperatures over 110°F, desert areas like Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of California and Texas can be dangerous for hummingbirds during heat waves.
Southeastern coastal plains – The humid Southeastern U.S. suffers extreme heat indexes when temperatures in the 90s combine with high humidity. Hummingbirds here rely on ample shade.
Southern California – Inland areas and valleys in Southern California see some of the hottest temperatures in the U.S., reaching up to 130°F, requiring extra precautions.
Tropical zones – Tropical climates with prolonged high temperatures above 90°F put hummingbirds at risk. Extended heat waves can be devastating.
Urban heat islands – City landscapes with an abundance of heat-radiating asphalt and minimal greenery create microclimates up to 22°F hotter than surrounding rural areas.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are resilient, but extreme heat poses serious risks. While hummingbirds can tolerate temperatures near 110°F by seeking shade and cooling themselves, excessive heat stresses their ability to thermoregulate. Once temperatures surpass around 115°F, hyperthermia and death become imminent concerns. Providing shade, abundant clean water and food sources, and reducing urban heat threats in the landscape can help hummingbirds survive hot weather. But with climate change exacerbating heat waves and record high temperatures, supporting these captivating creatures requires diligence in extreme conditions. With proper precautions, we can help hummingbirds thrive even during the hottest weather.
