Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and lightest birds in the world. The average hummingbird weighs between 2-20 grams (0.07-0.7 ounces). However, even within the hummingbird family, there is considerable variation in size and weight.
The Smallest Hummingbirds
The smallest hummingbird species is the Bee Hummingbird, found in Cuba and the Isle of Pines. The Bee Hummingbird weighs only around 1.6-2 grams (0.056-0.07 ounces) on average. That’s lighter than a penny!
Some other very tiny hummingbird species include:
- Calliope Hummingbird – 2-3 grams
- Lucifer Hummingbird – 2-3 grams
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – 2-4 grams
These tiny hummers are barely larger than big insects. In fact, the Bee Hummingbird is the smallest living bird in the world.
Mid-Sized Hummingbirds
Many familiar backyard hummingbirds fall into the mid-sized range of 3-6 grams (0.1-0.2 ounces). Some examples include:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – 3-5 grams
- Rufous Hummingbird – 3-5 grams
- Allen’s Hummingbird – 4-5 grams
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – 4-6 grams
These mid-sized species make up a large portion of the hummingbirds seen regularly feeding at nectar feeders in the United States and Canada.
Large Hummingbirds
The largest hummingbird species weigh between 6-20 grams (0.2-0.7 ounces). Some of these heftier hummers include:
- Blue-throated Mountain-gem – 6-8 grams
- Giant Hummingbird – 7-10 grams
- Violet-tailed Sylph – 7-10 grams
- Violet-capped Woodnymph – 9-12 grams
- Green Violetear – 12-20 grams
These large species are found mainly in Central and South America. The Green Violetear is one of the heaviest species, weighing about as much as a couple of U.S. nickels!
Why Are Hummingbirds So Small?
Hummingbirds have evolved to be incredibly petite for several key reasons:
- Small size allows great maneuverability and hovering capability to feed on flower nectar.
- A rapid metabolism powers their fast heartbeat and wings.
- Tiny bodies require less energy, allowing survival on limited resources.
- Males perform elaborate courtship displays, which favor smaller agile birds.
Being so diminutive gives hummingbirds access to food sources unavailable to larger birds. And their extreme lightness allows them to hover and fly backwards using relatively little energy.
Key Factors in Hummingbird Weight
Several factors account for weight differences among hummingbird species:
- Sex – Males tend to be slightly smaller than females.
- Age – Adult hummingbirds weigh more than juveniles.
- Habitat – Species from hot climates tend to be smaller.
- Migration – Birds preparing to migrate increase body fat.
- Time of Day – Weight drops overnight as energy is used up.
Even an individual bird’s weight may fluctuate significantly over the course of a day or during the annual cycle. But most maintain an optimal balance between extreme lightness and powering flight.
Typical Hummingbird Weights by Species
Here is a table showing reported weight ranges for some common hummingbird species:
| Species | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 3-5 grams |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 2-4 grams |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 3-5 grams |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | 4-5 grams |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | 4-6 grams |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 4-6 grams |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 2-3 grams |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | 3-4 grams |
Measuring and Tagging Hummingbirds
Ornithologists and banders carefully capture and measure wild hummingbirds to learn about their size and weight characteristics. Captured birds are quickly weighed on tiny scales designed for small birds and insects. Their measurements are then recorded before releasing the hummingbirds back into the wild.
Tagging hummingbirds with numbered leg bands allows tracking of individual birds over time. Researchers can gain valuable data on hummingbird survival rates, lifespan, migration routes, and changes in weight due to seasons and habitat.
Why Hummingbird Weight Matters
Knowing the typical weight ranges for hummingbirds is important for several reasons:
- Understanding natural variation between different species and populations.
- Providing appropriate nectar concentrations at feeders to support their metabolism.
- Identifying sick/injured birds which are underweight and need rehabilitation.
- Assessing hummingbird health and the quality of their habitat.
Hummingbird weights are a key indicator of their overall fitness and survival ability. Maintaining an optimal delicate balance of extreme lightness and power gives them their amazing flight capabilities specialized for accessing flower nectar.
Conclusion
Most hummingbirds weigh between 2-20 grams, with the majority in the 3-5 gram range. Their tiny size allows great agility and hovering flight to collect nectar. Hummingbird weight varies across species and individuals due to factors like sex, age, habitat, and migration. Understanding normal hummingbird weights provides insight into their biology and supports proper care in captive settings.
