Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most amazing birds in the world. Their ability to hover midair and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. Given their tiny size, you may wonder if these little birds have any natural predators. The answer is yes – hummingbirds face threats from a variety of animals.
Birds of Prey
One of the main natural enemies of hummingbirds is birds of prey. Hawks, falcons, and other raptors prey on hummingbirds. These larger birds see the tiny hummingbird as an easy snack. Here are some of the most common birds of prey that hunt hummingbirds:
- Sharp-shinned Hawks – These accipiter hawks are nimble flyers that specialize in catching smaller bird species like hummingbirds.
- Cooper’s Hawks – Larger than the Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s Hawks also prey on hummingbirds with their swift aerial maneuvers.
- Peregrine Falcons – The fastest animal on earth, peregrines can hit hummingbird speeds and snatch them out of the air.
- Merlins – This small falcon is perfectly adapted for grabbing tiny birds like hummingbirds in midair.
Birds of prey use their keen vision, stealthy flying skills, and sharp talons to hunt hummingbirds. They often perch quietly and attack the small birds by surprise. Hummingbirds’ best defense is to spot the predator first and quickly fly away using evasive flight patterns.
Snakes
Snakes are another major predator of hummingbirds. Species like rat snakes, racers, king snakes, and coachwhips all eat hummingbirds. Snakes typically catch hummingbirds by waiting perfectly still near a feeder or flower until the bird is within striking distance.
Some of the main snake predators of hummingbirds include:
- Rat Snakes – An expert climber, rat snakes raid hummingbird nests for eggs and chicks.
- Racer Snakes – Racers grab hummingbirds from branches and vegetation around feeders.
- King Snakes – Will climb trees and shrubs to get young hummingbirds in nests.
- Coachwhips – A lightning fast striker, coachwhips snatch adult hummingbirds in midair.
Snakes are stealthy and patient when hunting hummingbirds. They rely on camouflage and ambush tactics. Hummingbirds sometimes mob snakes in large groups to drive them away from feeders or nests.
Insects
Surprisingly, even insects prey on hummingbirds. Here are some of the main invertebrates that attack hummingbirds:
- Praying Mantises – Their spined forelegs grab and impale hummingbirds.
- Hornets and Wasps – Will raid hummingbird nests and sting adults to death.
- Robber Flies – Grab hummingbirds in midair and inject paralyzing venom.
Insects use stealth and speed to catch hummingbirds. Some also have powerful venoms to subdue the birds. Hummingbirds are largely defenseless against these swift invertebrate attacks.
Spiders
Spiders don’t actively hunt hummingbirds, but they do pose a danger with their webs. Hummingbirds can become entangled in spider webs, leaving them vulnerable. Some spiders then wrap up the trapped hummingbird in silk for feeding. Spider species known to catch hummingbirds include:
- Orb Weavers – Trap hummingbirds in their large circular webs.
- Crab Spiders – Hide in flowers and grab hummingbirds when they feed.
- Black Widows – Venomous web traps hummingbirds and other small birds.
Spiderwebs near feeders or flowers pose the greatest threat to hummingbirds. The birds can usually escape webs if they are detected early on. But becoming wrapped tightly in silk leaves them unable to flee.
Other Bird Species
Larger bird species, especially jays and crows, sometimes prey on hummingbirds. While they don’t actively hunt them, they will raid hummingbird nests for eggs and chicks when given the chance. Some species known to attack hummingbird nests include:
- Blue Jays – A notorious nest robber, jays steal eggs and baby hummingbirds.
- Crows – Opportunistic crows plunder hummingbird nests for a quick snack.
- Steller’s Jays – Bold and aggressive, they pillage nests and may even kill adult hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds aggressively defend their nests by mobbing these larger birds. But jays and crows are persistent and will return to the nest when the parent birds are away.
Domestic Cats
Outdoor and feral cats frequently prey on hummingbirds visiting feeders in yards. With their stealthy stalking skills, cats grab unsuspecting hummingbirds perched on feeders. Cats inflict major damage, killing millions of hummingbirds each year in the United States according to scientists.
Keeping pet cats indoors is the best way to protect hummingbirds in your yard from cat predation. Bells on collars are not very effective at warning hummingbirds and will not necessarily prevent cats from hunting them.
Other Animals
A few other animals occasionally prey on hummingbirds as well:
- Chipmunks – Raid nests and eat eggs and nestlings.
- Shrews – Plunder nests and may eat adult hummingbirds too.
- Frogs and Toads – Use their tongue to grab hummingbirds.
- Dragonflies – Will snatched hummingbirds from the air.
While not major predators, these animals contribute to hummingbird mortality. They prey on eggs, chicks, and adults when given the opportunity.
Defense Against Predators
Hummingbirds have evolved some key defenses to avoid becoming prey:
- Camouflage – Female hummingbirds are often cryptically colored to hide on nests.
- Swift flying skills – With abrupt turns and dives, they evade strikes from hawks and other aerial predators.
- Mobbing – Groups band together to drive away potential nest raiders.
- Aggressive displays – Dive bombing and vocal warnings scare away many predators.
While adapted for avoiding predators, hummingbirds still suffer high losses especially during the nesting season. Providing a safe yard habitat can help protect hummingbirds from their many natural enemies.
Preventing Predation at Feeders
You can make your yard safer for hummingbirds with some measures to deter predators:
- Avoid hanging feeders near dense vegetation where predators can hide.
- Select feeder locations with good visibility to allow hummingbirds to spot danger.
- Install predator guards or baffles on feeder poles to prevent climbing by snakes and jays.
- Use spider web removers regularly to clear webs near feeders.
- Keep feeders clean to prevent bee or wasp attraction that puts hummingbirds at risk.
- Consider using a feeder with perches instead of bee guards, which offer a grip for climbing predators.
With smart feeder placement and vigilance, you can minimize predatory losses and support hummingbird populations on your property.
Key Takeaways
To summarize key points on predators of hummingbirds:
- Birds of prey are a major threat, especially accipiters like Sharp-shinned Hawks.
- Snakes frequently ambush hummingbirds at flowers and feeders.
- Insects such as mantises and wasps raid hummingbird nests.
- Species like jays and crows steal eggs and nestlings.
- Outdoor cats are responsible for huge mortality of hummingbirds.
- Hummingbirds rely on camouflage, speed, and mobbing to evade predators.
- You can make your yard safer by deterring predators from feeders.
Understanding the dangers from natural enemies can help you take steps to protect hummingbirds on your property. With some vigilance, you can create a safer space for these special birds to thrive.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds may be tiny, but they face substantial threats from a diverse array of natural predators. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predation by birds, snakes, insects, spiders, and other wildlife. Even small songbirds like jays will raid hummingbird nests. Backyard feeders also expose hummingbirds to cats and other urban predators.
While adapted for escaping threats, hummingbirds still suffer heavy losses, especially during nesting season when eggs and chicks are targeted. As a wildlife lover, you can make a difference by providing a safe space around your home. Deterring predators, positioning feeders thoughtfully, and clearing webs helps reduce risks to hummingbirds. With extra awareness and planning, we can help protect these special birds to enrich our lives with their beauty.
