Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world. Known for their incredibly fast wing beats, hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards and hover in midair. They get their name from the characteristic humming or buzzing sound created by their rapidly beating wings. With over 300 different species, hummingbirds come in a spectacular array of colors and sizes. But how exactly can you tell if a bird is a hummingbird? There are some key identification features to look for.
Small Size
One of the defining features of hummingbirds is their diminutive size. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, with most species measuring only 3 to 5 inches in length. The bee hummingbird is the smallest at just 2 inches when fully grown. To put that in perspective, they are typically shorter in length than an adult human’s finger! So if you spot a tiny bird flashing by, it’s likely a hummingbird. They are tiny but mighty.
Long Needle-Like Bill
Hummingbirds have an exceptionally long and slender bill that is slightly downcurved in most species. This allows them to probe into flowers to reach the nectar at the base. The bill length corresponds to the depth of the flowers they feed from. For example, the swords-billed hummingbird has the longest bill relative to its body size of any bird on Earth, allowing it to feed from orchids with long, slender nectar tubes. So if you see a small bird with a very long, thin, pointed bill drinking nectar from flowers, that’s a telltale sign it’s a hummingbird.
Rapid Wingbeats
Hummingbirds are best known for their unique ability to hover in place by rapidly beating their wings 12-80 times per second, depending on the species. This allows them to stay suspended in front of flowers while extracting nectar. No other birds can sustain hovering flight. So if you observe a small bird hovering in place or maintaining speed while flying backwards, you know it can only be a hummingbird. The speed and agility of their flight is unmistakable.
Bright, Iridescent Plumage
Male hummingbirds often have brightly colored, iridescent plumage that appears to shimmer and change colors in the light. This is caused by specialized feather structures that refract light. Females are more subtly colored, but many still have some iridescent markings. So vibrant, shimmery feathers are a characteristic feature of hummingbirds that distinguishes them from other small birds like sparrows or wrens. The combination of tiny size and flashy plumage is unique.
Long, Forked Tail
Most hummingbirds have a long, forked tail. This allows them to maneuver with great precision while hovering. The wide tail moves side to side and up and down, providing stability and acting as a rudder to control flight. A few species like the rufous hummingbird have a more rounded tail. But in general, a long, forked tail that moves dynamically while in flight points to a hummingbird.
Habitat
Hummingbirds are only found naturally in the Americas. They occur from Alaska to Chile, occupying a variety of habitats including forests, deserts, mountains, plains and gardens. However, they require areas with sufficient flowers to supply their nectar needs. Home gardens with nectar feeders and flowering plants like zinnias attract hummingbirds. If you spot a bird matching the descriptions above in the Americas, it will invariably be a hummingbird.
Behavior
Hummingbirds have some interesting behavioral characteristics that can help confirm identification:
- Aggressive territoriality – males will fiercely guard nectar sources and chase away intruders.
- Aerial courtship displays – males perform athletic courtship flights to impress females.
- Sunbathing – often perch in open sunlight with wings spread to absorb heat.
- Torpor – enter extremely low metabolism state at night to conserve energy.
- Vocalizations – make unique high-pitched chirping sounds.
Observing any of these energetic behaviors points to a hummingbird. No other birds combine small size, hovering flight, nectar-feeding, and competitive behaviors quite like hummingbirds.
Key Identification Points
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Tiny, 2-5 inches long |
| Bill | Long, slender, pointed |
| Wings | Very fast wingbeats, can hover and fly backwards |
| Plumage | Often brightly colored, iridescent feathers |
| Tail | Long, wide, forked tail |
| Range | Americas only |
| Behavior | Territorial, aerial courtship, sunbathing, torpor |
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are in a league of their own when it comes to their diminutive size, specialized physiology, and energetic behavior. By keeping an eye out for small size, long bills, hovering flight, iridescent plumage, forked tails, and feisty behavior, you can confidently determine that a bird is one of the 300+ species of spectacular hummingbirds. They are truly unique birds that stand out from all other avian species once you learn their field marks. So grab some binoculars and keep an eye on your garden flowers and feeders to spot these feathery jewels in action.
