Hummingbirds are tiny, beautiful birds that dart around flowers and feeders. Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight as their wings beat up to 80 times per second. Hummingbirds have captivated people for centuries with their energetic flying and hovering. But could these tiny birds actually attack and injure humans?
Do hummingbirds attack people?
It’s extremely rare for hummingbirds to attack humans. Hummingbirds are not aggressive by nature and they don’t have sharp talons or claws that could easily scratch or injure people. In most cases, hummingbirds see humans as sources of food rather than threats. They may try to lick sweat or any sugary substance off skin, but they won’t deliberately attack or peck.
However, there are a few exceptions. During breeding season, male hummingbirds can become highly territorial. They may aggressively defend their nests and feeders against any perceived intruders. There have been rare reports of males darting at people, colliding with faces, and even pecking if someone gets too close to a nest. But again, actual contact or injury is very unusual.
Why do hummingbirds attack?
Here are the main reasons a hummingbird may attack:
- Defending territory – Males defend nests and feeders in their breeding territory against other males or perceived threats.
- Mistaken identity – A hummingbird may mistake a red or brightly colored object like a hat or shirt for a flower or rival male.
- Trapped or startled – If caught indoors or accidentally disturbed, a panicking hummingbird may collide with a person while attempting to escape.
In most cases, attacking is meant to scare away an intruder rather than deliberately inflict injury. And contacts are usually brief collisions rather than prolonged attacks.
Do hummingbirds attack eyes?
There are occasional reports of hummingbirds pecking at or colliding with people’s eyes and faces. However, verified cases are extremely rare considering how small and lightweight hummingbirds are.
Here are some factors that debunk the myth of hummingbirds attacking eyes:
- Low body mass – Hummingbirds weigh only 2 to 20 grams. Their lightweight bodies have minimal momentum for impact.
- Soft bills – A hummingbird’s bill is used for drinking nectar, not hooked or pointed for attacking.
- Inaccurate aim – Hummingbirds can’t hover or target precisely enough to reliably strike eyes.
- Self-preservation – Hummingbirds avoid collisions to prevent self-injury.
While a hummingbird buzzing by your head may startle you, the chances of it actually hitting and damaging your eyes are extremely remote.
What injuries can hummingbirds cause?
Most hummingbird attacks result in no injuries at all. At worst, here are some possible injuries:
- Scratches – Their claws may scratch the skin, but likely not break it.
- Bruises – Collisions may leave temporary bruises, especially on softer tissue.
- Cuts inside mouth – A hummingbird’s bill could cut inside the mouth if handled.
- Eye irritation – Flying debris or a corneal abrasion is possible but unlikely.
There are no documented cases of serious injuries like eye gouging or blindness. Only minor scratches or bruises have been reported after aggressive encounters.
How to prevent hummingbird attacks
Here are some tips to avoid antagonizing territorial hummingbirds:
- Avoid nests – Give nesting areas a wide berth, especially during breeding season.
- Remove feeders – Take down feeders that attract combative males.
- Don’t provoke – Never disturb or threaten hummingbirds.
- Eliminate decoys – Take down any red decor that may be mistaken for flowers.
- Stay still – If approached, freeze and allow the bird to examine then leave.
With some caution and common sense, conflicts can easily be avoided. Healthy respect and appreciation for hummingbirds will keep both you and the birds safe.
How to treat a hummingbird injury
In the unlikely event you’re scratched or pecked, here are some tips for treatment:
- Clean wound – Use soap and water to gently clean any scratches or cuts.
- Apply antibiotic ointment – Use a small amount of antibacterial ointment.
- Bandage – Cover with a light adhesive bandage if needed.
- Use ice – Apply an ice pack to bruises or swelling.
- Take oral pain medication – Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
- See doctor for eye injuries – Any eye irritation warrants an exam by an opthalmologist.
Most minor hummingbird wounds heal on their own with basic first aid. But see a doctor for any concerning symptoms or injuries around the eyes.
Key takeaways
- Hummingbird attacks are very rare, mostly just startling collisions.
- Injuries are extremely unlikely and limited to superficial scratches or bruises.
- Serious harm such as eye injuries is unheard of from such lightweight birds.
- Attacks are easily avoided by not disturbing nesting and territorial males.
- First aid like washing, antibiotic cream, and bandages can treat minor wounds.
Conclusion
While startling when they happen, hummingbird attacks pose little real danger to people. Their lightweight bodies and soft bills make injuries extremely unlikely. Caution around nests and breeding males is advisable. But in most cases, hummingbirds should be enjoyed as the magical little creatures they are, not feared as ferocious beasts. With basic precautions, we can peacefully coexist with these energetic flying jewels.