Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe in nature. Their rapid wing beats, their ability to hover and fly backwards, and their beautiful iridescent colors make them a joy to watch. But how do these tiny birds feel about being around humans? Do they enjoy human company or do they prefer to be left alone?
Do hummingbirds approach humans?
Many people have had the magical experience of having a hummingbird fly right up to them and hover mere inches away. This can make it seem like hummingbirds actively seek out human interaction. However, the main reason hummingbirds get close to humans is because they are attracted to bright colors and the nectar in hummingbird feeders.
Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and they can see the red, orange, and pink artificial nectar in backyard feeders from far away. When they see a human filling or near a feeder, they associate that person with the promise of food. The birds are not necessarily interested in the human themselves, but rather the free meal they represent.
Do hummingbirds let people get close in the wild?
Hummingbirds displaying no fear of humans can also be observed in wild settings away from artificial feeders. There are many videos online of hummingbirds perching on people’s hands to drink sweat or allowing people to approach very close while they feed on flowers.
Again, this behavior is likely driven by the hummingbird’s search for food. If they have had positive experiences in the past drinking from humans, they can become accustomed to seeing people as sources of sustenance rather than threats. They may also be more inclined to take risks when very hungry or thirsty.
Are hummingbirds comfortable nesting near people?
One clue that hummingbirds may enjoy human company is that they often don’t hesitate to build nests extremely close to human homes and activity. Anna’s and black-chinned hummingbirds in particular are known to nest on branches overhanging porches, patios, and walkways.
Nesting so close to human spaces likely gives the birds two advantages. First, it puts them closer to reliable food sources like feeders and flowering gardens. Second, it decreases their odds of predation from larger birds like jays and crows that tend to avoid areas of high human activity.
Do hummingbirds behave differently around various people?
Many backyard birders insist that the hummingbirds visiting their feeders have distinct preferences when it comes to human company. They report having one “favorite” person who the hummingbirds allow to get closer or interact with more.
Scientifically, there is little evidence so far that hummingbirds recognize individual people. It is more likely they associate certain colors, smells, sounds, or behaviors they’ve experienced with positive outcomes like getting fed.
For example, if a hummer has learned to associate the color red with nectar, they may be more likely to approach a person in a red shirt. But they likely cannot distinguish that person’s distinct identity.
Do hummingbirds interact with each other socially?
Hummingbirds are not very social animals. They don’t live or migrate in flocks, and they don’t groom each other. In fact, hummingbirds are aggressive towards others entering their territory.
The only real bonding occurs between a female and her offspring. Mother hummingbirds are highly dedicated parents. They build the nest themselves, incubate the eggs alone, and raise the chicks without help from the father.
Once the young hummingbirds reach adulthood after about a month, they no longer maintain family ties and go their separate ways.
Do hummingbirds play with each other or humans?
There is no scientific evidence that hummingbirds engage in play either with each other or with humans. Play behavior that has no apparent purpose is rare in the animal world and seems to be limited mainly to intelligent social animals like mammals and some birds.
Hummingbirds have singularly focused lives revolving around eating, mating, egg-laying, and raising their young. They do not live in family groups and do not need social bonding. This means they have no incentive to play together as many other highly intelligent birds do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hummingbirds do not appear to seek out human interaction for companionship. They are solitary animals driven by hunger and reproduction rather than social bonding. However, they have learned to associate the presence of humans with access to food and safety from predators.
This means that hummingbirds are often perfectly comfortable in close proximity to people, and may even display a preference for certain humans who reliably provide food or prime nesting spots. But their comfort around us arises from practicality, not a desire for true social relationships.
References
Baltosser, W.H. (1987). Nectar availability and habitat selection by hummingbirds in Guadalupe Canyon. The Wilson Bulletin, 99(4), 559-567.
Clark, C.J. & Mitchell, C.L. (2013). The evolution of anurban exploiter: Black-chinned hummingbirds have behavioral flexibility, enlarged brains. Animal Behavior, 85(4), 793-801.
Henderson, C.B. (2018). Do hummingbirds remember the individuals that feed them? BirdWatching Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/featured-stories/hummingbirds/do-hummingbirds-remember-the-individuals-that-feed-them/
Skutch, A.F. (1973). The life of the hummingbird. New York, NY: Crown Publishers.
Stiles, F.G. (1982). Aggressive and courtship displays of the male Anna’s hummingbird. The Condor, 84(2), 208-225.
Williamson, S.L. (2001). Peterson Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.