Hummingbirds are known for the unique humming or buzzing sound their wings make as they flap at high frequencies. But do they actually hum or buzz? The answer is that they create both sounds, depending on how you define “humming” and “buzzing”.
The sounds hummingbirds make
The sounds hummingbirds produce come from their rapid wing flapping. Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second, and sometimes even 200 times per second during courtship displays. This rapid motion causes air to move over their wings and create sound waves. The pitch or frequency of these sounds depends on the size of the hummingbird – the larger the bird, the lower the pitch.
Small hummingbirds like bee hummingbirds produce high-pitched sounds in the range of human hearing. Larger hummingbirds like giant hummingbirds make lower-pitched sounds below the range of human hearing. To our ears, the high-pitched sounds of small hummingbirds are more of a consistent humming, while the deeper sounds of larger hummingbirds are more of a buzz.
Characteristics of humming vs buzzing sounds
There are a few key differences between “humming” and “buzzing” sounds:
- Consistency – A hum is a more constant, sustained sound like the drone of a motor. A buzz tends to be more uneven or choppy.
- Pitch – A hum tends to be higher-pitched and melodic. A buzz is generally lower-pitched.
- Resonance – A hum often resonates more strongly. A buzz can be more hollow-sounding.
- Musicality – A hum has a smoother, more musical quality. A buzz can sound noisier and less tonal.
Based on these differences, the high-pitched, sustained sounds of small hummingbirds align more closely with the definition of humming. The deeper, choppier sounds of larger hummingbirds contain more characteristics of buzzing.
How hummingbirds produce sound
Hummingbirds have specially adapted wings that allow them to flap at remarkably fast speeds. Here are some key features that enable them to hum and buzz:
- Small size – Hummingbird bodies are very small and light relative to their wing size, reducing the energy needed for rapid flapping.
- Flexible wings – Hummingbird wing joints can bend and twist easily on both the upstroke and downstroke.
- Stiff primary feathers – The main flight feathers are rigid, allowing air to effectively pass over the wing surface.
- Rotating shoulders – Hummingbird shoulders can rotate a full 360 degrees for maximum wing mobility.
As the wings flap back and forth, they push air particles out of the way, creating pulses of high and low air pressure. Our ears perceive these rapid pressure changes as humming or buzzing tones.
Purpose of hummingbird wing sounds
It may seem surprising that hummingbirds have evolved to make humming and buzzing sounds as they fly. But research suggests these wing sounds actually serve several important purposes:
- Communication – Males make buzzing sounds with their tails during courtship displays. Females and males may also vocalize to communicate using bill clicks, chirps, or squeaks.
- Echolocation – The sounds help hummingbirds navigate and find food as they fly and hover.
- Defense – Buzzing may startle predators or warn other hummingbirds away from a food source.
- Thermoregulation – The aerodynamics of rapid flapping cools their bodies on hot days.
So while the hums and buzzes are just a byproduct of anatomy, they play an important role in hummingbird behavior and survival.
Measuring hummingbird wing sounds
Scientists use specialized high-speed cameras and microphone equipment to study the wing movements and sounds of hummingbirds in slow motion. Here are some methods they use:
- High-speed video – Shows precise wing positioning at over 2,000 frames per second.
- Sonogram analysis – Records wing beat frequency over time as hummingbirds hover and fly.
- Resonance tubes – Sensors measure airflow and pressure changes around the flapping wings.
- Sound spectrometry – Determines the pitch composition of hummingbird wing sounds.
By analyzing the resulting data, researchers can better understand exactly how hummingbirds produce such rapid wing beats and the characteristics of the resulting hums and buzzes.
Differences among hummingbird species
There are over 300 different hummingbird species in the Americas. Here are some ways their sounds differ:
| Hummingbird | Size | Average Wingspan | Wingbeat Frequency | Dominant Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bee Hummingbird | 2 inches | 2.4 inches | 200 beats/second | High-pitched hum |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 3 inches | 4.1 inches | 80 beats/second | Mid-range hum |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 3.5 inches | 4.3 inches | 62 beats/second | Low hum |
| Giant Hummingbird | 8.5 inches | 11.8 inches | 12 beats/second | Deep buzz |
As this data shows, larger hummingbird species with slower wing flapping tend to produce deeper, buzzing sounds compared to smaller hummingbirds with very fast wing beats that result in higher-pitched hums. The pitch can help differentiate species during field observations.
Do hummingbird wings ever make other sounds?
While humming or buzzing are the most common sounds, hummingbird wings can also produce other noises in special circumstances:
- Whistles or squeaks – Air may whistle through rigid primary feathers during a steep dive.
- Rattles – Wings may flutter irregularly to shake off water after bathing.
- Claps – The wings can clap together audibly on the upstroke.
- Beats – Male Anna’s hummingbirds make chirping sounds with tail feathers during their courtship climb and dive.
So while humming and buzzing characterize the typical sounds during flight, hummingbirds can create other unique sounds with their specialized wings and feathers.
The function of feather structures that enable humming
Hummingbirds have several unique feather structures that contribute to their ability to hum and buzz:
- Rhamphotheca – The stiff, rib-like shaft of primary feathers that maintains wing shape.
- Hamuli – Hook-like structures on the underside of primary feathers that lock the feathers together in flight.
- Barbicels – Tiny hooks that link adjacent barbs and allow the feather to work as a tight, smooth surface.
- Barbules – The small branches along the feather barbs that give the feather a fine comb-like structure.
These features mean each feather can bend while remaining stiff overall. This prevents airflow from leaking through or around the wings, improving aerodynamics. The tight feather surface pushes air efficiently with each flap, maximizing the humming or buzzing sound created.
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds produce a mix of humming and buzzing sounds with their wings. The terms can be defined based on tone, pitch, resonance and other sound qualities. Smaller hummingbirds tend to hum, while larger ones buzz more. But specialized feathers allow all species to flap at blazing speeds and create characteristic hummingbird sounds serving communication, navigation and thermoregulation purposes. Next time you hear a humming or buzzing bird sound, listen closely to see if you can distinguish a hum from a buzz!
