Hummingbirds are remarkable little creatures. They are the smallest birds in the world, yet they are fierce, fast, and fascinating. Hummingbirds have captured people’s imagination for centuries with their diminutive size, iridescent plumage, and remarkable flying skills.
These tiny birds fly like helicopters, hovering and darting with precision as they collect nectar from flowers. Their wings beat up to 80 times per second, allowing them to fly forwards, backwards, upside down, and in intricate patterns. Hummingbirds are constantly in motion and burn calories at an astounding rate. To survive, they must consume more than their weight in nectar each day.
With their high-energy lifestyle and small bodies, hummingbirds are vulnerable when sick, injured, or in distress. While they appear delicate, hummingbirds are resilient. With some human intervention and care, distressed hummingbirds can often recover and be released back into the wild.
How to identify a hummingbird in distress
There are several signs that a hummingbird may be unwell or in distress:
- Unable to fly or flying weakly, erratically, or lopsidedly
- Sitting still on the ground or unusual places like fences or tree branches
- Ruffled, fluffed out feathers
- Visible injury like blood or limp wing
- Closing eyes or panting
- Letting humans approach very closely
A hummingbird that displays any of these behaviors likely needs human assistance. A healthy hummingbird will appear alert, fly swiftly and steadily, and avoid close interaction with people.
Step 1: Assess the bird’s condition
If you find a hummingbird that you suspect is in distress, take a moment to assess its condition before intervening. Observe the bird from a distance if possible.
Look for any signs of injury – blood, broken wing or leg, swollen areas. Watch its breathing and eye movement to gauge its alertness and energy levels. Take note if the hummingbird is able to perch upright on a branch or if it is lying on the ground.
You want to determine if the bird is weak, injured, or orphaned before moving forward. This will guide your next steps on how to best help.
Step 2: Move the hummingbird to a safe enclosure
Once you’ve determined that the hummingbird needs assistance, gently move it into an enclosure like a paper bag, box, or small cage covered with a light cloth. Avoid handling the bird with your bare hands.
Use gloves or a thick towel to pick up a fallen hummingbird. Scoop it into your hand or fold the material around it. Move slowly and steadily to minimize stress.
Place the enclosure in a warm, quiet, sheltered spot away from loud noises, children, and pets. The bird will be less stressed in dim, calm surroundings.
Step 3: Call a wildlife rehabilitation center
Your next step should be to contact a professional wildlife rehabilitation or veterinary center. Search for “wildlife rescue [your city]” to find a local center that can give guidance.
Licensed rehabilitators have the expertise, specialized supplies, and permits needed to properly handle distressed hummingbirds. They can assess the bird’s condition, provide any needed medical treatment, and arrange release back to the wild.
When you call, describe the hummingbird’s condition, injuries, and behavior. Mention how you contained it. The rehabilitator will advise you on any additional care until you can bring the hummingbird to the facility.
Step 4: Follow instructions for transport
Once connected with a wildlife rehabilitator, follow their instructions precisely regarding safe transportation of the hummingbird to their facility.
Sick and weak hummingbirds are highly susceptible to stress and overheating during transport. The rehabilitator may ask you to:
- Line the box with paper towels or soft cloth
- Provide a heating pad or microwaved hand warmer
- Avoid leaving the box in direct sunlight
- Play quiet music to minimize sudden noises
- Drive carefully over bumps and turns
Follow any feeding advice if you will be transporting the hummingbird a long distance. Do not attempt to feed without guidance, as improper food can harm the bird.
Step 5: Support rehabilitation and release
The rehabilitator will examine the hummingbird and provide appropriate treatment to help it recover from distress and regain its strength. With professional care, many hummingbirds make a full recovery.
Depending on the severity of illness or injury, rehabilitation may take several days or weeks before the hummingbird is strong enough for release back into the wild.
You can support their important work by:
- Making a donation to the wildlife center
- Volunteering at the facility
- Spreading awareness about wildlife rehabilitation
The best outcome is when a rehabilitated hummingbird is ready to zoom off into the sky once more, thanks to your act of care and compassion.
Emergency care if transport is not immediately possible
In rare cases, you may be unable to reach a wildlife rehabilitator or transport the hummingbird right away. If emergency care is needed before transport:
- Provide shelter – Keep the hummingbird in a covered box in a warm, quiet spot.
- Prevent overheating – Avoid direct sunlight. Change paper towels if soiled.
- Hydrate – Offer commercial hummingbird nectar, sugar/water mix, or electrolyte solution in a dropper or shallow lid. Never honey or sugar water.
- Don’t force feed – Nectar should only be given if hummingbird seems alert enough to feed itself.
Continue calling rehabilitators until you find available assistance. Minimize handling and keep the hummingbird in a dark, calm environment. Avoid any feeding, injury treatment, or other intervention unless specifically instructed by a wildlife professional.
Preventing hummingbird distress
While rehabilitation can help hummingbirds in active distress, the better solution is preventing harm and illness in the first place. Some ways you can support hummingbird health include:
- Providing clean nectar feeders – Change nectar every 2-3 days to avoid mold.
- Choosing safe plants – Select native plants with hummingbird-friendly flowers.
- Avoiding pesticides – Grow plants organically or use natural pest control.
- Keeping cats indoors – Cats are a top predator of hummingbirds.
- Placing decals on windows – Decals prevent hummingbirds from flying into reflective glass.
- Turning off lights at night – Lights lure hummingbirds and disrupt migration.
Gardening to support hummingbirds and making windows bird-safe are two impactful steps. Get involved in habitat conservation efforts in your community and help protect hummingbird populations.
When to resume normal activity after caring for an injured hummingbird:
Caring for an ill or injured hummingbird takes a gentle touch and calm presence. Here are some tips for resuming normal activity levels after this experience:
- Wait at least 30 minutes after releasing the hummingbird before engaging in stressful work or discussions. The transition from focused, compassionate care of the hummingbird back to your normal responsibilities requires a buffer period for your nervous system.
- Spend a few minutes outdoors breathing fresh air and looking at the sky. This will help you detach from the intensity of the situation and regain perspective.
- Drink water and eat something nourishing. Caring for wildlife can be physically and emotionally draining, so replenish yourself after.
- Write down any observations or feelings about the experience in a journal. Processing your thoughts will help you find closure.
- Limit social media, work email, and other digital stimuli for 1-2 hours. Give your senses time to readjust from the slowed-down tempo of hummingbird rehabilitation.
- Express gratitude that you could provide safe passage for the hummingbird back to health before fully re-engaging in your own human responsibilities.
With presence and patience for your own transition process, you’ll be able to return to your usual activity feeling grounded, grateful, and restored.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are captivating creatures that rapidly flap their way into our hearts. When one of these special birds is in distress, even simple acts of care and compassion can make a big difference.
By assessing the bird’s condition, containing it safely, and partnering with wildlife experts for rehabilitation, you give the hummingbird its best chance for recovery. With some restorative measures afterwards for yourself, you’ll be able to cherish the experience of supporting one of nature’s feathered wonders.
