Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds to observe in nature. With their iridescent plumage, lightning-fast movements, and ability to hover and fly backwards, they are a joy to watch. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas and there are over 300 different species. While adult hummingbirds have distinct plumage and behaviors that make them relatively easy to identify, fledgling hummingbirds can be more challenging to distinguish.
Fledglings are young birds that have developed enough to leave the nest, but are still dependent on parental care as they learn to fly and fend for themselves. During this stage, fledgling hummingbirds look and act much different than mature adults. Their plumage is less vibrant, their movements more awkward, and they beg persistently for food as their parents tend to them. This article will go over the key factors in identifying fledgling hummingbirds, so you know what to look for.
When do hummingbirds fledge?
The first step in spotting a fledgling hummingbird is knowing when to look for them. Hummingbirds nest in the early spring and summer months. The incubation period for hummingbird eggs is 14-23 days. Once the eggs hatch, it takes another 18-25 days before the chicks develop enough feathers and strength to leave the nest.
So the time when most fledgling hummingbirds will be out is between mid spring through mid summer, usually between April and July depending on your location. The exact weeks and months when fledglings emerge will vary by species and region. However mid May through June is often peak fledgling season in many areas for common backyard hummingbird species like ruby-throated hummingbirds and rufous hummingbirds.
If you see a very young-looking hummingbird awkwardly flitting around your yard or garden during these months, chances are good it is a recently fledged bird.
Key field marks of fledgling hummingbirds
Here are the main physical features to look for in identifying fledgling hummingbirds:
1. Shorter bill
A fledgling hummingbird’s bill will be noticeably shorter and smaller than an adult’s bill, which is designed to feed on nectar from long tubular flowers. Their less developed bill at this stage is best suited for eating small insects and soft foods provided by the parents.
2. Lack of vibrant plumage
Many adult male hummingbirds have brightly iridescent throat patches or crowns that they use to attract females. Fledgling hummingbirds will lack these flashy adult plumage features. Their colors will appear duller overall. The feathers may still have a fuzziness to them as well.
3. Shorter tail
Mature hummingbirds have tails with pretty long streamers that flap dramatically during flight. Juvenile tails will be much shorter and stubbier as the elongated tail feathers have not fully grown in yet.
4. Less coordinated flight
While adult hummingbirds are precision flyers, newly fledged juveniles are still getting the hang of their flight skills. Their movements will appear more wobbly and sporadic compared to the perfect hovering capability of adults. They may flutter awkwardly and have trouble changing directions smoothly.
Behaviors of fledgling hummingbirds
In additional to physical features, fledgling hummingbird behavior can help confirm a sighting:
1. Begging calls
Fledglings beg frequently with loud, repetitive chips and peeps when a parent is near. This is their way of continually asking to be fed as they perfect flying and foraging on their own.
2. Feeding from parents
You may witness a fledgling repeatedly chasing after a parent, even pursuing them onto branches and fences. The fledgling will flutter wings and gape mouth open to signal it wants food. A diligent parent hummingbird will respond by dropping into a hovering position and extending its beak into the mouth of the fledgling to feed it.
3. Resting frequently
Flying takes up huge amounts of energy for these young birds. Fledglings will conserve their resources by perching and resting for long periods between short bouts of flight practice. Look for them parked on low branches, wires, fences, or even on the ground.
4. Limited range
New fledglings will stubbornly stick very close to the natal territory and nest at first, rarely venturing more than a couple yards away in the first few days after leaving the nest. You’ll often see them using the same individual perches over and over.
5. Poor flight control
As mentioned before, fledglings are still honing their flying techniques so they lack control and stability. They may fly in loop-de-loops or sudden dives. They also get blown about easily by wind gusts due to inexperience controlling their wings.
6. Persistent begging calls
Fledgling hummingbirds beg constantly when a parent is in sight and hearing range. This noisy vocalization is their way of continually asking to be fed while they learn to become independent. The loud repetitive peeping and chip notes are hard to miss.
Providing care for fledgling hummingbirds
The first weeks after leaving the nest are the most hazardous for fledgling hummingbirds. Even with extensive parental care, up to 50% of fledglings may not make it to adulthood. If you find a fledgling in distress, here are some ways you can help:
– Leave it alone if uninjured: Healthy fledglings are best left to their parents, even if you find one sitting on the ground or a tree stump. The parents are still tending to it and you do not want to disrupt this process. Monitor from a distance.
– Place it lower if in a dangerous spot: If a fledgling keeps ending up in a high risk area like the middle of a road, you can gently move it to a lower bush or limb. The parents will still feed it. Avoid raising it higher since young ones tend to flutter down.
– Provide sugar water: Use a dropper to give the fledgling droplets of hummingbird nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). This will provide vital energy until the parents resume care. Do not try to feed it insect matter.
– Allow adult hummingbirds to feed it: If you have feeders up, the young one may instinctively beg for food from visiting adult hummingbirds, even if not its true parents. The other birds may assist with feeding it.
– Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if ill/injured: If you find a fledgling that appears sick (fluffed, eyes closed, weak) or has an obvious injury, call wildlife rehabilitators right away to get it professional care.
With attentive parental care and a little luck, most fledglings that avoid predators, illness, and accidents will survive to leave the nesting territory after a few weeks. You’ll know the transformation to adulthood is complete when their plumage finishes growing in and they readily feed on their own at flowers. Enjoy observing and supporting these fascinating young hummingbirds!
Conclusion
Identifying fledgling hummingbirds requires paying attention to key field marks and behaviors that distinguish them from mature adults. Look for a shorter bill and tail, duller overall plumage, awkward clumsy flight, constant begging calls when parents are near, limited mobility close to the nest, and a lack of direct nectar feeding. With practice, you’ll be able to readily spot fledglings in your yard and provide any support they may need during this critical stage of development as they transition to independence. Getting to witness the incredible transformation of fledgling hummingbirds into agile, beautiful adults is one of the great joys of birdwatching!
