Do hawks scare off hummingbirds?

Hawks and hummingbirds frequently interact in nature, which leads some people to wonder if hawks actively scare or prey upon hummingbirds. The quick answer is that hawks do not typically target hummingbirds as a food source. However, their presence may frighten hummingbirds away from feeders or prime habitat. Understanding the relationship between hawks and hummingbirds requires looking at the behavior, habitat, and sizes of these two bird species.

Do hawks eat hummingbirds?

In general, hawks do not prey upon hummingbirds. There are a couple reasons for this:

• Size difference – Hummingbirds are very small, with an average weight of 3-6 grams. Hawks tend to go after larger prey like rodents, snakes, and other birds. It would take too much effort for a hawk to hunt and catch a tiny hummingbird.
• Speed – Hummingbirds can beat their wings up to 80 times per second, allowing them to achieve speeds faster than hawks can dive. Hummingbirds are agile and quick, making them difficult prey for hawks to catch.

So while it is physically possible for some hawks to kill hummingbirds, it does not happen often enough to be a major predatory threat. Larger hawks like red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks are more likely to go after larger prey. A 2011 study analyzed the stomach contents of over 20,000 hawks and owls and found that hummingbirds made up less than 1% of identified prey items.

Do hummingbirds recognize hawks as threats?

Research shows that hummingbirds can identify predators and react to their presence. In one study, Anna’s hummingbirds were exposed to hawk vocalizations. The hummingbirds stopped feeding as the hawk calls played and exhibited alert behaviors looking for danger. This indicates the hummingbirds recognized the potential threat of a nearby raptor.

Hummingbirds also use alarm calls to communicate threats to each other. These high-pitched chirps are used to signal a predator in the area, warning other hummingbirds to take cover. So while hawks pose little physical danger to hummingbirds, their presence triggers anti-predator responses like alarm calls and hiding. Over time, hummingbirds may learn that certain areas or feeders are associated with more risk of encountering hawks and predators.

How do hawks react to hummingbirds?

Hawks generally pay little attention to the small hummingbirds buzzing around. A hummingbird is simply not worth a hawk’s effort to pursue when there are slower, bigger prey available.

However, hawks are instinctively opportunistic hunters. If a young or injured hummingbird made itself an easy target, a hawk would likely take advantage of that meal.

There is a natural hierarchy amongst birds of prey. Larger hawks may harass smaller hawks they see as competition, including aggressive pursuit flights and vocalizations. But hummingbirds are so far below hawks on this hierarchy that hawks do not bother treating them as competition warranting harassment. The only real reaction hummingbirds elicit from hawks is mild interest or indifference as the hummingbirds dive and zoom around.

Do hawks deter hummingbirds from feeders?

The activity and sight of hawks may make hummingbirds avoid certain areas, including popular feeders. This is likely because hummingbirds associate those sites with the risk of predation, even though hawks are not actively hunting them there.

One research study examined how predators affected ruby-throated hummingbird numbers and behaviors at feeders. When sharp-shinned hawks were présent or their calls were played, fewer hummingbirds came to the feeders. The hummingbirds also approached the feeders more cautiously and spent less time feeding.

So the mere presence of a hawk can influence where and how freely hummingbirds feed. Hummingbirds may avoid spaces where they have frequent hawk sightings, as they perceive it as a risky environment. However, completely scaring hummingbirds away from an area requires more than just a hawk sighting once in a while. The hummingbirds tend to come back after the predator leaves the immediate area.

Strategies to attract hummingbirds despite hawks

Here are some tips to minimize the deterrent effects of hawks on backyard hummingbirds:

• Place multiple feeders in different locations so hummingbirds have options.
• Use feeders with perches that allow hummingbirds to pause and check for threats before feeding.
• Plant dense, flowering shrubs or trees to give hummingbirds cover while feeding.
• Avoid placing feeders in wide open spaces where hummingbirds are easily spotted.
• If a hawk frequents an area, reposition the feeder to provide more cover.

Creating a safe-feeling environment with escape routes can overcome some of the caution hummingbirds have around hawk presence. Over time, they may become accustomed to that particular hawk as well. Paying attention to hummingbird behavior and numbers can help assess if feeder placement adjustments are needed.

Special concerns for fledgling hummingbirds

Newly fledged baby hummingbirds are vulnerable as they learn to fly, feed, and evade predators. This time period, which lasts about a month, is when young hummingbirds face the most danger from hawks and other predators.

Fledglings tend to stay low to the ground and may be unable to react quickly enough to evade a determined hawk. Nest sites also remain attractive hunting spots for predators looking for easy young prey.

To improve safety, hummingbird nests are well-camouflaged and built on high branches away from trunks. This forces predators to attack from below against the speed and maneuverability of even a juvenile hummingbird. Keeping feeders a good distance away from nests can help draw hawks away as well.

Backyard hawk deterrents

For homeowners concerned about hawk attacks on hummingbirds, there are some deterrent strategies to try:

• Install hawk scare devices like decoys, reflective strips, or wind chimes.
• Trim trees and bushes to reduce hawk perches near feeders.
• Choose wide-mouthed feeders that keep hummingbirds more out of reach.
• Use feeders with wire cages that obstruct larger predators.
• Place owl statues or models around the yard, which hawks will avoid.

The most effective solutions involve altering the environment to make it less convenient for hawks. Eliminating hunting perches and keeping feeders in the open away from hiding spots forces hawks to look elsewhere for less challenging prey.

Balancing hawk and hummingbird interests

Hummingbirds elicit strong feelings of protection in the humans who love feeding and watching them. But hawks play an important role as native predators. Completely excluding them from an area can upset local ecosystems.

With thoughtful feeder placement and deterrents, homeowners can find a compromise that allows both hummingbirds and hawks to utilize the space safely. Creating a harassment-free zone with open visibility gives hummingbirds needed comfort to feed and rest. And hawks can still hunt other prey while recognizing a property is not suited for their standard attack strategies.

By understanding the threat levels and tolerances involved, we can better provide for the needs of both species. A few hawk encounters will not drive hummingbirds away for good. With extra care taken during vulnerable fledgling season, backyard bird enthusiasts can enjoy these special birds without added worry.

Conclusion

In summary, hawks do not actively prey upon hummingbirds, but their presence can deter hummingbirds from feeders and prime habitat. Strategic feeder placement, deterrents, and management of the surrounding environment can help reduce hawk interactions while still supporting local hummingbird populations. Fledglings face the most actual danger from hawk attacks, so extra precautions should be taken during breeding season. Overall, hawks and hummingbirds can coexist in an area with proper safeguards in place to keep feeding hummingbirds a positive experience.