Many people enjoy feeding hummingbirds in their yards with feeders full of sugary liquid. Hummingbirds are remarkable little creatures with their dazzling colors, incredible flying abilities, and sharp needle-like beaks. Watching them flutter around feeders and gardens is a treat. However, there are differing opinions on whether continuing to provide supplemental feeders is in the birds’ best interest. Here we’ll explore some quick answers to key questions surrounding this debate.
Do hummingbirds rely on feeders for food?
No, hummingbirds do not rely on feeders as their sole food source. Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from natural nectar sources. There are over 300 species of hummingbirds worldwide, and they have adapted to find nourishment from flowers and plants in their native habitats. Supplemental feeding accounts for only a small percentage of a hummingbird’s diet. They would be able to survive without human-provided feeders.
Does feeding hummingbirds allow populations to get too large?
There is no evidence that feeding hummingbirds leads to uncontrolled population growth. Hummingbird populations naturally rise and fall based on habitat and food availability. Some studies have shown a slight increase in hummingbird numbers in areas where supplemental feeding is prevalent, but not at levels that negatively impact the species or ecosystems. The availability of feeders may allow marginal habitats to support more hummingbirds without harming the balance of the environment.
Can feeding increase disease transmission in hummingbirds?
Feeders must be properly maintained to prevent disease issues. Like all birds, hummingbirds can transmit diseases through contaminated food and water sources. However, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of feeders reduces this risk. There is no data showing higher disease rates in feeder-using hummingbird populations. With proper feeder protocols, feeding hummingbirds does not appear to increase disease problems.
Do feeders provide inadequate nutrition for hummingbirds?
Feeders provide a supplemental source of energy, but hummingbirds obtain complete nutrition from natural foods. The standard homemade mixture is four parts water to one part white sugar. This nectar substitute matches the sucrose content that hummingbirds get from flowers. While not nutritionally complete, sugar water serves as a quick calorie source for hummingbirds zipping from bloom to bloom. As long as they still have access to natural nectar sources, feeders provide useful supplementary nutrition.
Do hummingbirds become dependent on artificial feeders?
There is no evidence that hummingbirds become reliant or dependent on artificial nectar sources. Even in areas with abundant feeders, hummingbirds still gather the majority of their food from flowers. Studies show hummingbirds routinely ignore feeders when natural nectar sources are available. They prefer natural food when they can get it. Feeders do not seem to create lazy or dependent birds unwilling to forage on their own.
Are feeders more likely to attract non-native invasive hummingbird species?
In some areas, introduced non-native hummingbird species may compete with native birds for feeder access. For example, Anna’s hummingbirds, native to the west coast, have spread to some eastern areas and may crowd out eastern species at feeders. It’s a good idea to research the hummingbirds in your region and focus on attracting native species. Feeding a diversity of native plants that hummingbirds use is better than relying solely on feeders.
Do feeders skew hummingbird mating and migration patterns?
Supplemental feeding from artificial nectar sources has little demonstrated effect on hummingbird reproduction and migration. Their mating rituals and migration schedules are firmly ingrained instincts unaffected by backyard feeder availability. There are exceptions. Some male hummingbirds may stick around a feeder-supplied territory longer to mate again, but this is rare. Overall, you don’t need to worry that a feeder will fundamentally alter hummingbird behavior patterns.
Should you stop feeding hummingbirds entirely?
For most people, stopping all supplemental feeding is unnecessary provided feeders are cleaned and managed properly. Feeders likely provide some benefit in terms of energy supply without major drawbacks. Limiting feeder density may be wise in some areas where populations are unusually concentrated. Creating a more natural habitat with native plants is always a good practice. But occasionally enjoying the sight of hummingbirds at your feeder is perfectly fine.
How often should you clean hummingbird feeders?
Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned at least every 3-5 days. More frequent cleaning, every 2-3 days, is ideal especially in hot weather. Sugar water from feeders can quickly spoil, grow mold, and become unhealthy. Dirty feeders spread diseases. Regular cleaning and disinfecting with a bleach or vinegar solution helps prevent issues. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Consider having multiple feeders so clean ones can be rotated into use after dirty ones are taken down.
What are the best flowers and plants to attract hummingbirds?
Some top flowers and plants that attract hummingbirds include:
- Trumpet vines – Produce abundant tubular red flowers loved by hummingbirds
- Bee balms – Provide lots of nectar from brush-like red flowers
- Cardinals – Towering red blooms that hummingbirds can’t resist
- Petunias – Abundant small flowers in bright colors like red, purple, and pink
- Fuchsias – Colorful hanging flowers rich in nectar
- Columbines – Have elegant tubular blooms that hummingbirds eagerly drink from
- Lilies – Bright trumpet-shaped flowers packed with nectar
- Mimulus – Also called monkey flower, produces lots of nectar
- Coral Honeysuckle – A vine hummingbirds love with trumpet-shaped blooms
- Canna Lilies – Produce lush flowers high in nectar
Focus on red tubular flowers, but include other bright colors too. Native plant varieties are best. Aim to provide blooms throughout the seasons – spring, summer, and fall.
What are some common hummingbird myths?
Some common myths about hummingbirds include:
- Myth: Hummingbirds can’t perch. Fact: They actually can and do perch, just not for long periods.
- Myth: Hummingbirds sleep while hovering. Fact: They may enter a dormant state but not full sleep.
- Myth: Hummingbirds live on nectar alone. Fact: They get protein from insects too.
- Myth: Hummingbirds migrate by hitching rides on the backs of geese. Fact: Absolutely no evidence this ever occurs.
- Myth: Hummingbirds have no sense of smell. Fact: They do have a sense of smell to detect food.
Hummingbird myths often arise from people attempting to explain their unique characteristics and behaviors. But research shows much of the folklore is inaccurate.
How many calories does a hummingbird need daily?
Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms. To power their hovering wings and busy activity, they require enormous energy input relative to their tiny size. The average hummingbird needs to consume 5-20% of its total body weight in sugars each day. This translates to taking in hundreds of calories daily.
A 3-4 gram hummingbird, about the weight of a penny, may consume up to 1,000 calories per day. Given their small size, that would be equivalent to a 150 pound adult human needing over 70,000 calories daily, over 30 times the normal caloric requirement.
Feeders providing around a 20% sugar water solution can help meet a hummingbird’s extreme calorie needs. Their metabolisms are astonishingly fast.
How fast does a hummingbird’s heart beat?
A hummingbird’s heart beats incredibly fast to support its intense metabolic rate:
- Resting heart rate – Around 250 beats per minute
- Active heart rate – Up to 1260 beats per minute
For comparison, a human’s resting heart rate is 60-100 bpm and maxes out around 200 bpm during extreme exercise. A hummingbird’s heart beats that fast just sitting still. When active, its heart may reach over 1200 bpm.
This allows a hummingbird’s heart to circulate oxygen and energy at the astonishing pace required to hover and fly. Their heart rate varies depending on activity level and other factors but is always far faster than other animals.
How many wing beats per second do hummingbirds make?
Different hummingbird species have different wing beat frequencies, but averages during flight are:
- Hovering – About 80 beats per second
- Forward flight – Around 200 beats per second
So every second a hummingbird is in sustained flight, its wings are beating around 200 times on average. This allows them to fly forwards, hover in place, and maneuver swiftly midair.
The Calliope hummingbird has the highest known wing beat frequency at around 80 beats per second in hovering flight. The wing muscles make up around 25% of their total body weight. A supercharged metabolism powers these absurdly fast-beating wings.
How many eggs does a female hummingbird lay?
The number of eggs a female hummingbird lays depends on the specific species. Some examples include:
| Species | Number of Eggs |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated hummingbird | 2 eggs |
| Rufous hummingbird | 2-3 eggs |
| Allen’s hummingbird | 2 eggs |
| Anna’s hummingbird | 3-4 eggs |
Most hummingbird eggs are small, white, and long-oval shaped. The female incubates the eggs alone for 2-3 weeks before they hatch.
How long do hummingbirds live?
The average lifespan of a wild hummingbird is 3-5 years. The longest recorded lifespan in the wild is 12 years for a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
In zoos and other captive settings, hummingbirds may live 10-15 years. Ideal habitat with consistent food sources allows some hummingbirds to survive over a decade.
Major predators of hummingbirds include hawks, falcons, and shrikes. Collisions with windows, buildings, cars, and power lines also result in many hummingbird deaths. Their high metabolism contributes to a relatively short life expectancy.
How far do hummingbirds migrate?
Different hummingbird species migrate varying distances each year. Some examples of hummingbird migration distances include:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird – From Canada to Mexico, 500-600 miles each way
- Rufous hummingbird – From Alaska to Mexico, 3000 miles each way
- Allen’s hummingbird – Within California, 600 miles roundtrip
- Costa’s hummingbird – From Mexico across the southwest US then back, 4000 miles roundtrip
Tiny hummingbirds complete astonishingly arduous migrations each year, some travelling thousands of miles. They navigate using landmarks and innate instincts to reach their breeding grounds.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are remarkable creatures displaying unique adaptions like record heart and wing beat rates to support their high activity levels. While they don’t solely depend on feeders for survival, supplementing their natural diet with an artificial nectar source in your yard can provide energy benefits without major drawbacks. Taking some basic precautions like cleaning feeders regularly and landscaping with native plants is wise, but discontinuing hummingbird feeding altogether is unnecessary for most. These dazzling tiny birds bring joy to people across the Americas as they zip around flowers, feeders, and gardens.
