Hummingbirds are fascinating little birds that capture the imagination with their energetic flight and hover-feeding habits. Their small size and rapid wing beats – up to 80 beats per second! – allow them to maneuver easily through the air and hover in place as they sip nectar from flowers. But what do these tiny birds like to perch on and rest when they aren’t zipping around from bloom to bloom? Let’s take a closer look at hummingbird resting spots and preferences.
Favorite Perches
Hummingbirds need to conserve energy between feeding bouts, so having good perches available is important. Here are some of their preferred places to sit:
- Branches – Hummingbirds like to perch on high, exposed branches and twigs. This gives them a good vantage point to spot food sources and watch for predators.
- Wires and poles – Telephone wires, cable lines, fence posts, and other narrow surfaces make excellent perches too. The birds can observe their surroundings and quickly take off.
- Feeders – Hummingbird feeders often have built-in perches, as the birds know they can find food there. The feeders provide a comfortable place to rest right next to the nectar.
- Nest edges – Female hummingbirds like to perch on the edge of their tiny nests while incubating eggs or sheltering newly hatched chicks.
The key features hummingbirds look for in perch spots are safety, convenience, comfort, and visibility.
Perch Preferences by Species
Different hummingbird species have slightly different preferences when it comes to perching:
| Species | Perch Preferences |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Prefers higher perches like telephone wires and poles. Often found perched solitary. |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Enjoys branches of leafless trees and shrubs. More social than other species. |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Likes protected perches with cover like dense trees or shaded eaves. |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Prefers lower perches closer to flowers and food sources. |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | Relaxed about perch height. Often seen on wires, posts, and branches. |
As you can see, there are some differences related to height, exposure, and social tendencies. But safety and energy conservation guide all hummingbirds’ perching requirements.
Perching Positions
Hummingbirds can rest in a couple different positions while perched:
Upright Perching
The most common perching position is upright. The hummingbird grips its perch tightly with its feet, keeping its body vertical. This allows for alertness and quick takeoffs.
Hanging
At times, hummingbirds will hang upside down from a perch. This conserves energy while resting and keeps their feathers out of the dirt and moisture. Anna’s hummingbirds in particular like to sleep hanging upside down, often from a sheltered eave or branch.
Differences Between Males and Females
There are some subtle differences between male and female hummingbirds when it comes to perching:
- Males tend to prefer higher perches to display from
- Females often perch lower to the ground while building nests and raising chicks
- Males perch more solitarily, while females often nest and perch together
- Females may spend more time perching to conserve energy during egg incubation and chick rearing
But in general, both males and females utilize the full range of natural and man-made perches available.
Backyard Perches
To make your yard more hummingbird-friendly, incorporate a variety of perching spots:
- Hang strings of beads or strips of ribbon that flutter in the breeze – hummingbirds like to perch on these
- Position tall poles and posts in open areas
- Plant stands of leafless trees and shrubs
- Install wire fencing or trellises
- Provide sheltered perches under eaves and awnings
Having a diversity of perch heights and types will accommodate any hummingbirds that visit your backyard.
Favorite Flowers and Trees
Hummingbirds not only perch on man-made objects, they also like resting on certain types of flowers and trees:
Flowers
| Flower | Features |
|---|---|
| Salvia | Sturdy spikes provide excellent perches |
| Petunias | Abundant and have good landing pads |
| Cannas | Broad upright leaves give secure perching |
| Fuchsias | Dangling flowers are built-in perches |
| Columbines | Spurs and platforms allow grasping and resting |
These flowering plants essentially have built-in perches that hummingbirds will frequently use.
Trees and Shrubs
Hummingbirds also like resting in certain trees and shrubs:
- Maple trees – Bare twigs provide open perching
- Willow trees – Flexible stems make landing and takeoff easy
- Birch trees – Numerous branches and twigs create ample perching real estate
- Oak trees – Strong mature branches support resting hummingbirds
- Buckeye shrubs – Leafless in winter, offering exposed perches
These types of trees and shrubs naturally suit hummingbirds’ perching needs year-round.
Unusual Perch Spots
While hummingbirds usually prefer typical perching spots, occasionally they exhibit unusual perching behaviors:
- Resting on cactus spines and thorns
- Balancing on tops of wind chimes and hanging decorations
- Sitting on tip of weathervane arrows
- Perching on ends of leaf blades or petals
- Gripping onto corner edge of signs and screens
These unorthodox perches highlight hummingbirds’ incredible aerial skills and ability to rest in precarious positions.
Migrating and Perching
During migration, hummingbirds utilize both natural perches and man-made structures:
- Branches, twigs, and leaves
- Power lines and utility poles
- Cell towers and wind turbines
- Buildings, bridges, and towers
These allow the tiny birds to periodically rest their wings during their long journeys. Homeowners can help provide migrating hummingbirds with much needed energy by offering sweet nectar feeders and planting nectar-rich flowers.
Why Perching Matters
Perching is an important part of hummingbird behavior and health:
- Allows hummingbirds to conserve energy between feeding sessions
- Provides a safe place to rest and watch for danger
- Gives shelter from weather and place to groom feathers
- Serves as a comfortable spot for sleeping and roosting
- Supplies a perch for mating displays and territorial displays
By understanding where hummingbirds prefer to perch and rest, we can help provide the habitat components these energetic birds need to thrive.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds utilize an assortment of perching spots as they buzz around feeding on flower nectar. Favorites include high branches, wires, poles, feeders, and nest edges that allow safety, comfort, and visibility. Perching supports their high-energy lifestyles by offering places to rest and conserve energy between frequent feeding bouts. By landscaping yards with their perching needs in mind, we can create an ideal environment for these captivating creatures. The next time you see a hummingbird zip by, look closely and you may spot it taking a short break on a favorite perch.
