Hummingbirds are remarkable little creatures that can hover, fly backwards, and beat their wings up to 80 times per second. Their ability to maneuver precisely allows them to feed on flower nectar even while hovering in midair. However, this precision flying can sometimes get hummingbirds into tricky situations if they fly into enclosed spaces. A hummingbird that finds itself trapped inside a building may get disoriented and accidentally fly up to the ceiling, not realizing how to get back down. Getting a confused hummingbird down from the ceiling can be challenging, but is possible with patience and care. Here are some helpful tips on how to safely rescue a wayward hummingbird and return it to the outdoors unharmed.
Quick Answers
- Turn off ceiling fans and lights to prevent the bird from hitting them or getting trapped in a draft.
- Dim general lighting and avoid making loud noises to reduce stress on the bird.
- Set out a shallow dish of sugar water to lure the hummingbird down.
- Gently toss a light cloth up to cause the bird to move lower without harming it.
- Open doors and windows to allow the bird an escape route back outdoors.
- Be patient and give the bird adequate time to find its way out.
- Never spray water or grab at the hummingbird.
Preventing Harm to the Trapped Hummingbird
The first priority when rescuing a hummingbird is making sure it does not injure itself while trapped inside. Hummingbirds are very delicate, weighing only 2 to 20 grams, so they can easily be harmed by flying into objects in a panic. Here are some steps you can take to protect the hummingbird’s safety while you work to get it down:
Turn Off Ceiling Fans and Lights
The air turbulence and suction from a ceiling fan blade could potentially injure or kill a small hummingbird if it flies up near the fan. Turn off any ceiling fans immediately so the hummingbird does not accidentally fly into one. Ceiling lights should also be turned off, as the heat they generate can trap the bird up near the hot ceiling. With the fans and lights off, the bird is less likely to end up in a dangerous zone near the ceiling.
Dim General Lighting
Hummingbirds by nature live in bright natural settings filled with sunlight and flowers. If a hummingbird becomes trapped in an enclosed space, the artificial lights can disorient and stress it. Dim any general lighting in the room to help soothe the trapped bird.
Avoid Loud Noises
Loud talking, television sounds, or other noises may panic the hummingbird and cause it to fly erratically trying to escape the disturbance. Have any children or pets leave the room and ask any adults present to sit quietly. The calmer and quieter the setting, the easier it will be for the bird to find its way out.
Close Blinds or Curtains on Windows
The hummingbird may endlessly try escaping through closed windows, further tiring itself out. Draw any blinds or curtains over large windows to help encourage the bird to move away from the windows and down from the ceiling.
Creating an Escape Route
Hummingbirds have a one-way respiratory system, so they can suffocate if trapped in an enclosed space too long without an escape route back into fresh air. Creating a clear path outdoors is crucial for allowing the hummingbird to exit on its own.
Open Doors and Windows
Open any exterior doors as well as lower-level windows to give the hummingbird multiple options for exiting. The wider the openings the better, as the hummingbird will need enough room to maneuver its rapidly beating wings. Avoid opening upper-level windows, which could tempt the hummingbird to fly up even higher. Prop doors open with a doorstop to prevent them from blowing shut.
Set Out Sugar Water
A tired hummingbird may lack the energy to find its way out without some nourishment. Set out a shallow dish filled with a 4:1 ratio of water and white granulated sugar. The feeder should include a few small perches for the hummingbird to land on while drinking. Place it well away from the ceiling near open doors or windows. The sugar boost can provide the fuel for the hummingbird to keep trying to escape.
Clear Obstructions Near Exits
The hummingbird may struggle flying out if its path is blocked by furniture, curtains, or other objects. Clear any obstacles next to doors and low windows so the hummingbird has a straight escape route once it diverts from the ceiling. This also reduces the risk of it hurting itself trying to fly past too many tight corners.
| Escape Route Tips | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Open doors and windows | Provides multiple escape paths to fresh outdoor air |
| Set out sugar water | Gives the hummingbird energy to keep trying to escape |
| Clear obstructions near exits | Allows straight-line flight path without collisions |
Gently Guiding the Hummingbird Down
While keeping the hummingbird safe and openings accessible are the top priorities, some additional gentle tactics can be used to help guide the bird down from the ceiling once it calms down.
Use an Object to Direct Its Movement
Try lightly tossing or raising up a soft cloth, duster, or other light object to encourage horizontal movement from the hummingbird. Move the object slowly and avoid touching the bird. The goal is to coax the hummingbird to fly laterally along the ceiling so it ends up aligned with an open doorway for escape. Continue presenting the moving object until the hummingbird gradually works its way over to the opening.
Mist the Air Nearby
Hummingbirds sometimes fly down toward moisture. Gently misting the air near the ceiling using a spray bottle can attract the hummingbird to fly lower. Focus on spritzing above doors or windows rather than directly on the hummingbird. The droplets simulate its natural environment and may lure the bird on a downward path to investigate.
Avoid Excess Noise or Motion
It’s understandable to want to try calling or clapping to shoo the hummingbird down, but those types of loud disturbances will likely do more harm than good. Any excess noise risks panicking the hummingbird and making it fly erratically. Stay calm and quiet to avoid stressing the bird any further during its ordeal.
Be Extremely Patient
Rescuing a confused hummingbird takes time, so attempting to rush the process will likely backfire. Remain patient for however long it takes for the hummingbird to finally find its way out through an open exit. Avoid potentially scaring it back up to the ceiling again once it starts descending. Let the hummingbird leave fully at its own pace.
| Guiding Techniques | How They Help |
|---|---|
| Gently move object to direct flight path | Coaxes bird to align with open doors/windows |
| Mist the air nearby with water | Attracts hummingbird to investigate moisture |
| Remain extremely patient and calm | Avoids scaring bird and rushing the process |
Conclusion
Discovering a hummingbird trapped on the ceiling can be alarming, but there are steps you can take to rescue it safely. Prevent potential dangers to the bird, open escape routes outdoors, and use gentle guidance techniques to encourage its descent. Avoid excess noise or motion, and simply allow adequate time for the hummingbird to find its own way out through a door or window once it calms down. With some care and patience, you can successfully get a confused hummingbird back into the open air unharmed so it can return to its vital role as pollinator and tiny dynamo of nature.
