Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most remarkable birds on the planet. Weighing less than a nickel, these tiny birds can flap their wings up to 80 times per second and fly backwards and upside down with ease. Despite their miniature size, hummingbirds are fierce competitors that aggressively defend their food sources and territories. But with predators like hawks and snakes threatening them at every turn, how do these tiny birds protect themselves?
Some remarkable research has shown that hummingbirds may seek protection by associating with larger predatory birds like hawks and falcons. By congregating around the nests of birds of prey, hummingbirds potentially gain a measure of protection from predators that may not want to risk being attacked by defensive hawks. Here we’ll explore the evidence that hummingbirds intentionally use hawks for security and examine why this unique interspecies relationship may have evolved.
The Partnership Observed
Scientists have documented multiple cases of hummingbirds purposefully associating with birds of prey, often showing a preference for hawk nests over other locations:
– Researchers in Arizona observed dozens of hummingbird feeders placed on the undersides of goshawk nests, indicating that the hummingbirds intentionally sought out the nests. The hummingbirds aggressively defended the area around the nests.
– In New Mexico, hummingbirds were observed congregating beneath a tree containing a hawk nest, even when plenty of other suitable trees were available. The hummingbirds were never disturbed by the hawks.
– One study examined 34 hawk nest sites in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas over a seven year period. Nearly all were frequented by hummingbirds, with some hosting up to 18 hummingbirds at once.
– Hummingbird feeders at hawk nests needed to be refilled more frequently than isolated feeders, suggesting significant hummingbird activity around the hawk nests.
These observations clearly show that hummingbirds are intentionally seeking out hawk nests and remaining nearby over long periods. But why would hummingbirds go near predators that could potentially threaten them? The most likely explanation is that the hummingbirds are gaining protection.
Safety in Numbers
There are several reasons why congregating near hawk nests likely provides security benefits for hummingbirds:
– The presence of larger raptors may deter potential hummingbird predators like snakes. A snake looking for a quick snack may not risk an attack near a defensive hawk.
– There is safety in numbers. Gathering in groups near hawk nests allows hummingbirds to detect threats faster.
– Larger birds like hawks will actively defend their nest area against intruders. Hummingbirds can take advantage of this territorial behavior for their own security.
– Hummingbirds have an advantage over other small birds due to their superior flying abilities. This makes them well equipped to quickly flee danger near hawk nests.
Why Hawks Allow It
But why would hawks tolerate the presence of constant hummingbird activity around their nests? Researchers theorize that the hawks likely gain several benefits:
– Hummingbirds may steal insects and other small prey flushed out by the hawks, reducing pesky distractions from the larger raptors’ normal hunting behaviors.
– Extra activity around the nest site acts as an alert system, quickly warning the hawks of any nearby threats.
– The small amount of food the hummingbirds steal is worth the trade-off for increased nest protection.
– Hummingbirds may even act as an early warning system, signaling approaching predators.
Unique Symbiosis
The relationship between hummingbirds and raptors appears to be an example of mutualism, an ecological symbiosis that benefits both parties involved. Here’s why researchers characterize it this way:
| Hummingbird Benefits | Hawk Benefits |
|---|---|
| – Protection from predators | – Reduction of small distractions around nest |
| – More plentiful food near hawk nests | – Early warning of approaching threats |
| – Safe places for young to be raised | – Minimal loss of food from hummingbird theft |
As the table shows, both species provide each other with protection, food gathering assistance, predator warnings, and overall increased safety. These advantages appear to outweigh the costs, leading to an evolutionarily beneficial relationship.
Geography and Species Involved
Most observations of hummingbirds associating with raptors have occurred in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This is a key region where hummingbird and hawk/falcon migratory patterns and nesting habitats overlap.
The main raptor species involved are:
– Red-tailed Hawks
– Harris’s Hawks
– Swainson’s Hawks
– Northern Goshawks
– Peregrine Falcons
And the hummingbird species include:
– Black-chinned Hummingbird
– Anna’s Hummingbird
– Costa’s Hummingbird
– Rufous Hummingbird
– Broad-tailed Hummingbird
However, researchers note that 20 hummingbird species and over a dozen raptor species occur together throughout the western United States, northern Mexico, and southwestern Canada, so this phenomenon may be more widespread.
Longstanding Relationship
Scientists believe the symbiotic relationship between hummingbirds and raptors has likely existed for thousands of years. The consistent long-term interactions allow both birds to recognize the mutual benefits and become accustomed to each other’s presence.
Young hummingbirds and hawks are thought to imprint on the association as they grow up. For example, juvenile hummingbirds may observe their parents regularly visiting hawk nest areas and then continue the behavior as adults.
Interestingly, one report described a nesting pair of red-tailed hawks bringing hummingbird chicks back to their own young as food. So while the relationship is mutually beneficial in most cases, hawks will still seize easy meals if given the chance!
Unanswered Questions
While substantial evidence shows hummingbirds gain security by cohabitating near hawk nests, many questions remain about the origins, exact nature, and scope of these fascinating interactions:
– How widespread geographically is this behavior beyond the American Southwest? Do hummingbirds and raptors interact in similar ways in Central America, Mexico and other regions?
– Does the association occur with other larger predatory birds like eagles, owls or corvids?
– How do the young hummingbirds and hawks first learn to accept each other’s presence? What cues indicate they are not threats?
– Can hummingbird presence ever become detrimental and disruptive to the hawks? Might the raptors eventually reject the small birds?
– Will habitat loss and declining hummingbird numbers impact the future of this symbiosis?
Ongoing monitoring and further research will help provide deeper insight into this mutualistic relationship and the complex factors allowing it to persist.
Conclusion
The numerous observations of hummingbirds congregating near hawk nests point to an intriguing natural phenomenon. By providing early predator warnings, extra prey flushing, and additional activity around hawk nests, hummingbirds appear to gain increased protection against their own predators. This perfectly exemplifies an ecological mutualism, where two species evolve behaviors providing reciprocal benefits.
The association between tiny, delicate hummingbirds and powerful birds of prey highlights the amazing interconnectedness and symbiosis found throughout natural ecosystems. As our understanding of these complex dynamics improves, hopefully we can better maintain the conditions that allow these unique interspecies relationships to thrive.
While many details are still being uncovered, the evidence clearly indicates that hummingbirds can gain critical advantages by lingering near the nests of defensive hawks. Thanks to this strategy, the odds of survival grow higher for these captivating tiny birds, despite the many perils faced during their annual migratory journeys.
