Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna) are small, colorful birds that live along the west coast of North America. Their lifespan in the wild varies depending on a number of factors, but on average they live between 3 to 5 years. In captivity, Anna’s hummingbirds may live longer, with the maximum recorded lifespan being 12 years.
Typical Lifespan in the Wild
Most sources estimate the average lifespan of Anna’s hummingbirds in the wild to be 3 to 5 years. However, their lifespan can range from 1 to 7 years depending on various environmental conditions and hazards.
Some key factors that influence Anna’s hummingbird lifespan include:
- Predators – Anna’s hummingbirds are vulnerable to predators like hawks, cats, and snakes. Predation risk shortens average lifespan.
- Food availability – Lack of flowering plants and nectar sources means less food to support metabolism and breeding. This can lower survival rates.
- Extreme weather – Cold temperatures, storms, and drought can all negatively impact lifespan by causing starvation, exposure, or loss of habitat.
- Diseases and parasites – Bacterial/viral infections and internal/external parasites sap energy and can impair flight or foraging.
In ideal conditions with low predation, ample food, moderate weather, and good health, Anna’s hummingbirds may reach the higher end of their natural lifespan and survive 7 or more years in the wild. But such ideal scenarios are rare, making 3-5 years a more typical lifespan.
Factors That Increase Lifespan
Certain factors allow some Anna’s hummingbirds to live longer than the 3-5 year average. These include:
- Climate – Mild climates along the Pacific coast like California help minimize cold weather threats.
- Abundant habitat – Natural habitats rich in flowering plants provide plenty of food resources.
- Low predation – Some safer urban and suburban environments have fewer natural predators.
- Supplemental feeding – Feeders providing nectar and sugar water can support higher survival.
- Lack of migration – Hummingbirds that don’t migrate avoid exhausting long flights.
In environments with one or more of these factors, Anna’s hummingbirds are more likely to thrive and reach lifespans on the higher end of their natural range.
Record Lifespans
The longest recorded lifespan for an Anna’s hummingbird in the wild is 7 years. This comes from banding data in which hummingbirds are captured and fitted with tiny leg bands for identification. The oldest known banded Anna’s hummingbird survived to 7 years of age.
In captivity, Anna’s hummingbirds may exceed their natural lifespan by avoiding predators and having a constant food supply. The longest confirmed captive lifespan is 12 years for an Anna’s hummingbird cared for by a rehab facility in California.
Lifespan by Age Group
We can break down Anna’s hummingbird lifespan into different age groups:
- Hatchlings – Newly hatched chicks are vulnerable with underdeveloped immune systems. Up to 50% may die in their first 2 weeks. Lifespans at this stage are just days or weeks.
- Fledglings – Young birds that leave the nest at 3-4 weeks. High predation rates lead to an average lifespan of only 1-2 months post-fledging.
- Juveniles – Birds under one year old. Average approximately 1 year of age, with mortality risks including starvation and predators.
- Adult – After surviving to adulthood, average lifespan improves to 3-5 years. Hazards are reduced but still include predators, weather, disease.
- Seniors – A small number survive to old age at 6-7+ years. These birds show signs of advanced age like tattered feathers.
The risks are very high for the youngest Anna’s hummingbirds. But increase steadily with each life stage. Those reaching adulthood have the highest chances of living several years.
Comparison to Other Hummingbirds
Anna’s hummingbirds have broadly similar average lifespans to other small hummingbird species in the wild, such as:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird – 3 to 5 years
- Black-chinned hummingbird – 3 to 5 years
- Rufous hummingbird – 3 to 5 years
- Allen’s hummingbird – 3 to 5 years
Larger hummingbird species may experience higher survival rates and lifespans thanks to fewer predators. For example, the giant hummingbird of South America can live 10-15 years.
But the many small hummingbirds of North America all share similar threats from predators, weather, and food shortages. So they exhibit comparable average lifespans when living in the wild under natural conditions.
Lifespan in Captivity
When kept in captivity as pets or zoo specimens, Anna’s hummingbirds are protected from wild hazards like predators, storms, and food scarcity. With human care they have much higher survival rates.
In captivity, Anna’s hummingbirds may live:
- 2x longer – Captive birds commonly reach 6-10 years with ideal care.
- 3x longer – Exceptional lifespans of 12+ years have been recorded.
- But averages are reduced by health issues, accidents, and inadequate care.
To maximize lifespan in captivity, Anna’s hummingbirds require:
- Large flight cages with ample room to move.
- Specialty nectar formulated for hummingbirds.
- Insect protein sources such as fruit flies or mealworms.
- Full spectrum lighting and adequate ventilation.
- Enrichment through toys, plants, and interaction.
- Regular veterinary care and health monitoring.
With diligent care, captive Anna’s hummingbirds can achieve their full natural lifespan potential and live over a decade. But casual treatment often results in much shorter lives.
How to Maximize Anna’s Hummingbird Lifespan
Here are some key tips to help maximize the lifespan of Anna’s hummingbirds under your care:
- Provide clean nectar – Use fresh nectar and clean feeders to avoid bacterial/fungal diseases.
- Give nutritional supplements – Offer vitamins and calcium to support bone/feather health.
- Treat parasites – Use miticides if mites are observed; deworm regularly.
- Offer variety – Rotate nectar flavors and give different insects to stimulate appetite.
- Control predators – Keep cats indoors and use squirrel guards to limit threats.
- Plant native flowers – Increase food sources by planting tubular native flowers they evolved with.
- Provide shelter – Give wind and rain breaks to minimize cold stress and feather wear.
With attentive care addressing nutrition, health, safety, and comfort – our backyard Anna’s hummingbirds can more fully enjoy their wonderfully energetic lives.
Conclusion
In summary, Anna’s hummingbirds are short-lived compared to many other birds, with an average lifespan of just 3 to 5 years under natural conditions. However, they occasionally reach ages of up to 7 years in the wild and 12 years in captivity. Providing a safe environment with plenty of food sources gives them the best chance at maximizing their lifespan. With careful support, these energetic, colorful birds can brighten our gardens for many years to come.