Quick Answers
It depends on the situation, but generally it is best not to pick up hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are very delicate and picking them up can cause them harm. However, there may be emergency situations where picking up a hummingbird is necessary for its survival. Use extreme care and release it as soon as possible if you must pick one up.
When You Should Not Pick Up a Hummingbird
Hummingbirds have very fast metabolisms and high heart rates. Their hearts beat up to 1,200 times per minute while at rest. This means they need to constantly eat to maintain their energy. Their feathers are designed to be lightweight so they can fly quickly between flowers. As a result, their bodies are fragile.
Picking up a hummingbird can:
- Cause stress that could lead to heart attacks or other health issues
- Damage their feathers, preventing them from flying properly
- Spread diseases if you have not properly sanitized your hands
- Cause them to become imprinted on humans if it is a baby bird without a mother
Additionally, picking up hummingbirds will deprive them of their ability to feed. They can starve very quickly without access to nectar.
For these reasons, you should avoid picking up hummingbirds whenever possible. Let them fly freely and feed on their own.
Signs a Hummingbird Does Not Need Help
If a hummingbird is exhibiting the following behaviors, it does not require human assistance and should be left alone:
- Flying and feeding normally
- Appears alert and active
- Has a full, round body shape (not thin or emaciated)
- Has smooth, clean feathers
- Moves away from humans voluntarily
Healthy, uninjured hummingbirds are highly capable of surviving in the wild without human intervention. Attempting to pick up a hummingbird that does not need help risks causing it unnecessary stress and harm.
When You Should Pick Up a Hummingbird
There are some circumstances where it is in the hummingbird’s best interest to be picked up briefly:
1. The Bird is Trapped Indoors
Hummingbirds live outdoors and cannot survive inside human homes. Their specialized diet of flower nectar means they will starve if they cannot get access to flowers.
If a hummingbird accidentally flies into a house or garage, it needs help getting back outside. Trying to shoo it out open doors or windows may not work, as the hummingbird can become disoriented. Wearing gardening gloves and moving slowly, you can attempt to gently pick up the hummingbird and release it outdoors where it has access to flowers.
2. The Bird is Entangled in String, Hair, or Other Debris
Hummingbirds can become caught in string lights, fishing line, hair, or other manmade materials. These items can wrap around their legs or wings, preventing them from flying or feeding properly.
In these cases, you may need to handle the bird briefly to remove the debris and free the hummingbird. Have scissors handy to cut away whatever material is trapping the bird. Otherwise, the hummingbird could lose a limb or starve due to restricted movement.
3. The Bird is a Nestling (Baby) Found on the Ground
Hummingbird nestlings are usually smaller than an inch when they hatch. They will fall or be knocked out of the nest before they are ready to survive on their own. A flightless baby hummingbird on the ground needs to be returned to the nest or taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
While the ideal option is to have a trained rehabilitator handle the fragile baby bird, you can pick it up and place it back in the nest if you cannot find or get to a facility quickly enough. The nest will be a tiny cup made of moss, lichen, bark or other plant material, often sheltered on branches of a tree.
4. The Bird Appears Injured or Orphaned
If you see a hummingbird that is:
- Bleeding
- Attacked by a cat/dog
- Lying on the ground with ruffled feathers
- Shivering and not moving
It likely requires rehabilitation. Use a towel or t-shirt to gently pick up and contain the hummingbird without putting pressure on its body. Keep it in a box with air holes and get it to an avian rescue or veterinarian that can properly assess and treat its injuries.
An orphaned nestling that has fallen from the nest should also be taken to a rehabilitator to be hand-fed until it can survive on its own.
How to Pick Up a Hummingbird Safely
If you determine picking up a hummingbird is vital for its well-being, here are some tips for safe handling:
- Wash your hands thoroughly first to minimize spread of human bacteria.
- Do not attempt to restrain the legs or wings unless absolutely necessary. This can dislocate joints.
- Cup both hands loosely around the bird’s body to block it from escaping before flight is possible.
- Never pick up a hummingbird by the tail, which can cause serious damage.
- Grip firmly but gently and keep the head visible between thumbs and forefingers.
- Hold and handle the bird for only as long as required.
- Use thick gloves or cloth when possible to restrict movement without excessive force.
- Hold the hummingbird firmly to your chest to minimize struggle.
- Keep the beak away from your fingers – the needle-sharp bill can pierce skin.
Proper technique ensures the hummingbird will not be harmed as you move it to safety. However, only handle hummingbirds when truly necessary and do not keep them in captivity.
How to Release a Hummingbird
Once a hummingbird no longer needs assistance, carefully release it as soon as conditions are suitable:
- Choose a open environment with ample flowers, feeders or natural food sources.
- Gently loosen your hands and allow the bird to fly off on its own.
- Be patient – it may take a few minutes for it to become oriented.
- Do not throw or toss the hummingbird into the air.
- If the bird seems weak, offer homemade nectar in a feeder or by dropping solution on flowers.
- Keep pets away to allow the hummingbird space to fly upward.
- Back away and watch to confirm the hummingbird appears able to feed itself.
Releasing a hummingbird after handling it can be worrying, but have faith in its resilience. Hummingbirds are tough despite their petite size. With time to rest and feed, it should recover fully from the stress.
Monitor any hummingbird you have handled for several hours. Call a wildlife rehabilitator if it still appears injured or unable to fly after release.
Signs of Stress During Handling
It is normal for hummingbirds to be alarmed when restrained. Look for these signs of distress and minimize handling time if observed:
- Heavy or irregular breathing
- Eyes opening very wide
- Rapid heartbeat that you can feel in the chest
- Struggling against restraint
- Squeaking or screeching
- Attempting to bite with the beak
- Trembling
The more severe the reaction, the greater the anxiety experienced by the bird. Panicked hummingbirds may go into shock. Get them settled in a quiet, dark, ventilated box as soon as you safely can.
FAQs
Can I keep a hummingbird as a pet?
No, it is illegal to keep native wild hummingbirds as pets under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They also have very specialized care requirements that would be challenging for the average pet owner to accommodate in captivity. Hummingbirds should remain free-living in nature.
What if the mother abandons a baby I put back in the nest?
Parent hummingbirds will not abandon their offspring if they detect human scent or touch. The best option is always to reunite babies with parents at the original nest. If the mother does not return within an hour, take the chick to a wildlife rehabilitator.
Can I feed a hummingbird by hand if I rescue it?
You can offer nectar to a weak hummingbird using a dropper or feeder. But it is best not to hand feed them – their needle-sharp beaks can stab human skin easily. You also want to avoid having rescued hummingbirds imprint on their caregivers.
How do I make homemade nectar for hummingbirds?
Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts hot water. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or any other ingredients. Store unused portion in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Change out feeders daily to prevent fermentation.
What if a hummingbird nest has fallen out of the tree?
Use a glue gun or nails to securely reattach the nest in its original position. Mother hummingbirds have a strong memory of the exact nest location and cannot find it if moved. Handle nests as little as possible.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are exquisite, delicate creatures that should remain wild and free. If you observe healthy hummingbirds engaged in natural behaviors, watching them without interference is best. However, in certain emergencies, it may become necessary to briefly pick up a hummingbird. Take great care and always prioritize the bird’s safety if handling is absolutely required. When in doubt, contact a professional wildlife rehabilitator to assess whether human assistance is advisable. With proper knowledge and techniques, you can assist distressed hummingbirds successfully. But avoid contact whenever possible to allow hummingbirds to thrive in their natural habitats.
