Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures. Their tiny bodies and fast wing beats allow them to hover in midair as they drink nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds have some interesting behaviors when it comes to feeding, especially in the time leading up to a storm. In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether hummingbirds increase their feeding rates prior to stormy weather. We’ll look at some of the proposed reasons why they might feed more before a storm and examine scientific evidence regarding this behavior. Understanding hummingbird feeding patterns can provide insight into how these birds survive in diverse environments.
Do hummingbirds sense approaching storms?
Some experts propose that hummingbirds can detect drops in barometric pressure and other cues that allow them to sense an impending storm. It’s possible their lightweight bodies are sensitive to the slightest atmospheric changes. However, the evidence for this ability in hummingbirds is currently limited. More research is needed to determine if hummingbirds can accurately and consistently detect approaching storms through sensory cues alone.
Why might hummingbirds feed more before storms?
Assuming hummingbirds can anticipate storms, there are several reasons why they might increase their feeding rate:
To fuel up before food sources become unavailable
Nectar-producing flowers often close up when rain is approaching. Hummingbirds may feed more aggressively to get as much energy as possible before their food sources become unavailable. The extra stores may help them survive if they have to hunker down and ride out the storm.
To gain weight to endure wind and rain
Hummingbirds burn through calories very quickly thanks to their high metabolisms. Some experts theorize that hummingbirds may intentionally gain weight before a storm to help them survive prolonged wind and rain. The extra fat stores provide more energy and insulation to endure harsh conditions.
To avoid competing with insects
Flowers often get inundated with nectar-seeking insects right before a storm arrives. Hummingbirds may feed more actively early on to get their fill before having to compete with hordes of bees, flies, butterflies, and other hungry insects. Feeding more before insect activity peaks improves their chances of getting enough food.
Studies on hummingbird feeding and storms
Several studies have attempted to measure hummingbird feeding behavior in relation to storms:
Skutch’s observations in Panama
In the 1960s, renowned ornithologist Alexander Skutch observed hummingbirds increasing their feeding dramatically prior to storms in Panama. He watched multiple species visiting more flowers per minute when rain was approaching. Skutch proposed this was due to nectar sources becoming unavailable during downpours.
Camfield’s research in Costa Rica
In the late 1990s, biologist Alison Camfield set up a field experiment with feeders in Costa Rica. She observed hummingbirds feeding more often at artificial nectar feeders in the four hours preceding rain compared to feeding activity in dry weather. However, she was unable to conclude whether the birds predicted the storms or reacted to environmental cues when rain was imminent.
Fernández et al.’s video analysis
A team led by Madeleine Fernández filmed hummingbirds at feeders in Arizona in 2020. They analyzed video to compare feeding rates before, during, and after storms. The data showed no difference in visit frequency or feeding behavior during rainy periods. However, limitations in camera coverage may have missed key data.
Wethington’s citizen science study
Hummingbird enthusiast Susan Wethington gathered data from citizen scientists across North America from 2008-2014. Participants recorded their hummingbird feeder activity and local weather. In analyzing over 20,000 observation hours, Wethington found little evidence that birds increased feeding prior to storms. However, most participants were in urban areas where feeders provide artificial food sources.
| Study | Location | Year | Findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skutch | Panama | 1960s | Observed increased feeding prior to storms |
| Camfield | Costa Rica | 1990s | Observed increased feeding at feeders before rain |
| Fernández et al. | Arizona | 2020 | Found no difference in feeding rates before storms |
| Wethington | North America | 2008-2014 | Found minimal evidence of increased feeding before storms in urban areas |
Why are the study results inconsistent?
The conflicting findings may arise from several factors:
– Location – Behavior may vary across different environments and hummingbird species.
– Artificial feeders – Feeders provide constant food unaffected by storms, unlike natural food sources.
– Small sample sizes – Capturing adequate data on stoic hummingbirds is challenging.
– Inability to predict storms – Hummingbirds may only respond to imminent weather, not forecast it.
– Individual variation – Some birds may increase feeding more than others before storms.
Do other animals increase feeding before storms?
Insects and some bird species do show increased feeding activity prior to storms. Here are a few examples:
Bees
Honeybees and bumblebees work harder to collect more nectar from flowers leading up to rainy conditions. Their effort tapers off during wet weather.
Swallows
Barn swallows and other aerial insectivores gorging on bugs in the hours before rainfall. They take advantage of the insect swarms before stormy weather slows flying insect activity.
Hummingbirds
A 2021 study revealed that broad-tailed hummingbirds in Colorado increased visits to feeders before storms. They also fed more at flowers early in the day when rain was forecasted later.
Woodpeckers
Red-bellied woodpeckers were found to spend more time foraging prior to rainy days in South Carolina research. They may stock up on foods that become harder to find when soaked.
| Animal | Increased Feeding Behavior |
|---|---|
| Bees | Collect more nectar before rain |
| Swallows | Gorge on aerial insects before storms |
| Hummingbirds | Visit feeders more before rainfall |
| Woodpeckers | Spend more time foraging when rain is approaching |
Conclusion
The evidence that hummingbirds can sense approaching storms and increase their feeding rates remains inconclusive. Some observations and studies indicate they feed more aggressively in the hours leading up to rainfall. However, other data shows minimal change in behavior prior to storms, at least near artificial feeders.
Determining any predictive ability in hummingbirds requires more controlled experiments across diverse habitats. We need to better understand how specific food sources and weather systems influence feeding behaviors. With advanced tools for tracking tiny hummingbirds, researchers are gaining insights into their feeding patterns that may help resolve this lingering question.
While we don’t have a definitive answer yet, observing hummingbird antics is always a delight. Watching them buzz around flowers in your garden is bound to brighten any day, rain or shine. As we learn more about their intricate lives, we can better support these captivating creatures.
