Hummingbirds are delightful creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers. Their agile flying, tiny size, and beautiful iridescent feathers make them a pleasure to watch. Many people enjoy feeding hummingbirds and watching them come to feeders or interaction at feeders. Some people even take it a step further and hand feed hummingbirds. But is this safe and ethical?
Can hummingbirds become dependent on hand feeding?
One concern around hand feeding hummingbirds is that they could become dependent on this artificial food source. In the wild, hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and small insects. If they begin to rely on humans for the bulk of their food via hand feeding, they may lose some of their natural foraging behaviors.
Some experts advise avoiding hand feeding for this reason. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends only using feeders and avoiding hand feeding so hummingbirds maintain their natural behaviors. Others argue that occasional hand feeding is unlikely to make hummingbirds dependent. As long as there are also flowers and feeders available, they will still forage for a majority of their diet naturally.
There is not a scientific consensus on this topic. Some limited research suggests hummingbirds that are hand fed will still forage from flowers, indicating they don’t become solely reliant on hand feeding. But more research is needed. Given the lack of certainty, it may be best to err on the side of caution and avoid making hand feeding a consistent practice.
Potential risks of hand feeding hummingbirds
Here are some of the potential risks of hand feeding hummingbirds:
- May prevent natural foraging behaviors and ability if done excessively
- Could spread disease between birds since they will have close contact around your hand
- You may inadvertently get their feathers sticky with nectar, reducing ability to fly
- Risk of getting bitten or poked by their long beaks
- Stress to the birds from too much close human interaction
Potential benefits of occasional hand feeding
Here are some potential benefits of very occasional, responsible hand feeding of hummingbirds:
- Provides a unique opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close
- May supplement their nutrition in times when fewer flowers are available
- Can be an enriching activity for the birds in small doses
- Educational for children to learn about hummingbird behavior and biology
Best practices for hand feeding hummingbirds
If you do choose to hand feed hummingbirds on occasion, here are some best practices to follow:
- Use a specialized nectar product designed for hummingbirds, do not use plain sugar water
- Only provide hand feeding infrequently or as a rare treat, not a daily routine
- Slowly move your hand towards a hummingbird until it perches on your hand, do not grab at the bird
- Allow the bird to fly off on its own, do not restrict its movement
- Wash your hands before and after to prevent spread of diseases
- Stop hand feeding if the bird appears stressed by the interaction
Hand feeding baby hummingbirds is not recommended. Baby hummingbirds have very specialized nutritional needs that require expert care in rehabilitation centers. Always contact a local wildlife rehabilitator if you find an infant hummingbird.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hand feeding hummingbirds safe?
Hand feeding hummingbirds can be done safely in moderation, but there are some risks to be aware of. Only hand feed infrequently and follow best practices to ensure the safety of both the birds and yourself.
Do hummingbirds recognize individual people who feed them?
Research shows that hummingbirds do have the cognitive ability to recognize individual people, especially those who routinely feed them. Their excellent memory allows them to remember which people have fed them in the past, and they will often approach those people in expectation of food.
What is the best hand feeding technique?
The best technique is to hold your hand very still while holding nectar in your palm. Allow the hummingbird to approach and perch on your hand while feeding. Do not make sudden movements or grab at the hummingbird. Let it leave of its own accord when done feeding.
Can you hand feed hummingbirds without nectar?
It is not recommended to hand feed hummingbirds anything other than specialized hummingbird nectar. Sugar water can be dangerous as it lacks nutrients they need. Other foods may be unsafe or introduce non-native food items into their diet.
Do hummingbirds bite? Will they bite me if I hand feed them?
Hummingbirds have small needle-like bills adapted for drinking nectar from flowers. They are capable of biting if provoked, though this is very rare during hand feeding. Most will simply poke their bill into the nectar without incident. Though it’s smart to be very still to avoid startling them while they are close to exposed skin.
Conclusion
Hand feeding hummingbirds can be an enriching experience but should only be done occasionally and with care. While there are some valid concerns, limited hand feeding is unlikely to be harmful to hummingbirds. Follow best practices to ensure the safety of both the birds and yourself, and discontinue hand feeding if issues arise. Maintaining hummingbird feeders is still the best way to reliably provide supplemental nutrition for these special birds.
