Hummingbirds have evolved specialized beaks and tongues that allow them to access the nectar inside hummingbird feeders. Their long, slender beaks are perfectly adapted for reaching into the small openings in feeders. At the end of their beaks are straw-like tongues that can dart in and out up to 13 times per second. When a hummingbird inserts its beak into a feeder, it uses its tongue to lap up the nectar.
The Anatomy of a Hummingbird’s Beak and Tongue
A hummingbird’s beak is long and tapered to perfectly fit into flower blossoms and feeders. Their upper and lower mandibles overlay each other, forming a slender tube ideal for drinking nectar. At the end of the beak are the bird’s nostrils, which allows them to breathe while feeding.
Hidden inside the beak is the hummingbird’s specialized tongue which wraps around the back of the skull when retracted. During feeding, the tongue shoots out to extractor gather nectar. The tips of a hummingbird’s tongue contain fringed, straw-like tips that capture and hold liquid through capillary action. As the nectar travels up the grooves in the tongue, it is squeezed down the bird’s throat by the beak.
A hummingbird can extend its tongue up to 6.5 centimeters. When not in use, it retracts back into a sheath-like groove in the beak. Their tongue has tubes on the top which fill with blood to make the tongue rigid enough to penetrate deep into flowers. Contractions of fast-twitch muscle fibers allow the tongue to dart in and out at rapid speeds necessary for feeding.
How Hummingbirds Use Their Beaks and Tongues to Feed
Hummingbirds have a hovering feeding strategy that allows them to maintain their body position while extracting nectar. Here are the steps a hummingbird goes through to get nectar from a feeder:
- The hummingbird approaches the feeder and hovers in front of it, beating its wings up to 70 times per second to stay in position.
- It inserts its long, slender beak into one of the feeder openings.
- The tongue shoots out from the beak to make contact with the nectar.
- Fringed tips on the end of the tongue capture the nectar through capillary action.
- Contractions of the tongue and beak squeeze the nectar through tubes in the tongue and into the hummingbird’s throat.
- The hummingbird retracts its tongue back into the sheath in its beak.
- It will repeat this process every few seconds to continue feeding on the nectar.
A hummingbird is able to lap up nectar with extreme speed and efficiency. By keeping its body positioned in front of the feeder, it can quickly insert its beak, extract nectar with its specialized tongue, and repeat the process many times without having to reposition itself.
Special Adaptations for Feeding While Hovering
Hummingbirds have several key adaptations that allow them to maintain hovering flight for extended periods while feeding:
- Lightweight bodies – Hummingbird bones are hollow to minimize weight.
- Winged aerodynamics – Short, rounded wings providing lift and maneuverability.
- Rotating shoulders – Their shoulder joints can rotate to allow wings to beat in a full oval movement.
- High metabolism – Hummingbirds have extremely fast heart and breathing rates to meet the high oxygen demands of hovering.
- Reversible feet – They can rotate their feet 180 degrees to get into feeding position.
These adaptations give hummingbirds great mobility and efficiency when feeding while hovering. As they insert their beaks and use their tongues, their specialized wings keep them suspended without expending extra energy.
Feeder Designs That Best Suit Hummingbirds
There are many hummingbird feeder designs out there, but the most effective ones for hummingbirds have the following features:
- Multiple small feeding ports – Allows access for hummingbird beaks and tongues.
- Red coloring – Attracts hummingbirds visually.
- Easy to refill and clean – Important maintenance considerations.
- No perches – Hummingbirds feed better hovering.
- Nectar guard tips – Prevent nectar from leaking out.
- Wide top – Makes filling and cleaning easier.
Feeders with more feeding ports allow multiple hummingbirds to access the nectar at the same time. Red colored feeders are ideal since hummers associate the color with natural food sources. Perches just take up space, so feeders designed for hovering access are best.
Strategies for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Feeder
Here are some tips to make your hummingbird feeder more attractive so hummingbirds will use it:
- Use a bright red feeder placed in a visible location.
- Situate it near natural sources of nectar or food they already go to.
- Choose a nectar mix with a 4:1 ratio of water to white sugar.
- Avoid additives like red food coloring, honey, or sweeteners.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days, or when cloudy.
- Clean the feeder with a diluted bleach solution 2-3 times per week.
- Consider multiple feeders spread around your yard.
- Be patient – it may take a week or two for hummingbirds to find it.
Keeping fresh nectar in your feeder, cleaning it regularly, and strategically placing it for easy discovery will increase your chances of attracting hummingbirds.
Challenges Hummingbirds Face When Feeding
While hummingbirds are highly adapted for feeding on nectar, they still face some challenges accessing feeders:
- Stiff competition – Aggressive territorial battles with other hummingbirds can limit access to feeders.
- Ants and bees – These insects can swarm a feeder and consume the nectar before hummers can feed.
- Bad weather – Rain, wind, or cold temperatures can prevent hummingbirds from feeding as frequently.
- Feeder positioning – Feeders placed in inconvenient locations make it hard for hummingbirds to access.
- Dangers – Feeders near windows or predators put hummingbirds at risk of injury or death.
Despite their challenges, hummingbirds are resourceful and determined when it comes to seeking out and feeding on nectar. Strategically placing clean, well-maintained feeders helps provide the energy they need to survive.
Common Questions and Myths About Hummingbirds Feeding
Do hummingbirds drink anything other than nectar?
While nectar is their main food source, hummingbirds also get water from rain, streams, water fountains, and bird baths. They also eat small insects for protein.
Is it okay to use honey in hummingbird feeders?
No, honey can promote dangerous fungal and yeast infections that could sicken or kill hummingbirds. Use plain white sugar instead.
Can hummingbirds use their feet to hold onto feeders?
No, hummingbird feet are not designed for perching. They can only feed while hovering. Added perches just get in the way.
Do hummingbirds sleep while hanging from their feet?
This is a myth. Hummingbirds do not have feet adapted for sleeping while hanging. They sleep perched on branches or in nests.
Do hummingbirds migrate using the same feeders each year?
While it’s possible, it’s unlikely the same individual hummingbirds stop at your feeder every year during migration. Different individuals follow nectar availability.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have specialized anatomical adaptations allowing them to hover in front of flowers and feeders to extract nectar with their long beaks and fringed tongues. Strategically placed feeders with multiple small ports, red coloring, and proper maintenance best accommodate a hummingbird’s feeding needs. Understanding how hummingbirds access nectar can help us provide the food they need to fuel their incredible hovering flight.
