Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds in the world. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other avian species. Hummingbirds get their name from the characteristic humming sound created by their rapidly beating wings which flap on average around 70 times per second! These tiny birds have captured people’s imagination for centuries. But what is the proper term used to describe a group of hummingbirds? Let’s take a closer look.
A Brief Overview of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are in the family Trochilidae and indigenous to the Americas. There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds, the smallest being the Bee Hummingbird which measures around 2 inches. Hummingbirds have excellent vision and sense of smell. Their long, needle-like bills allow them to extract nectar from flowers. In fact, hummingbirds act as important pollinators for many plant species as they move from bloom to bloom. Some interesting facts about hummingbirds:
- They have incredibly high metabolisms to support their rapid wing beats and active lifestyle.
- Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards.
- They have no sense of smell but excellent color vision that helps them find nectar-producing flowers.
- Hummingbirds can flap their wings up to 200 times per second!
- They consume up to twice their body weight in nectar each day.
The stunning colors and acrobatic flying of hummingbirds quickly grab one’s attention. But what do we call a flock, swarm or other grouping of hummingbirds? Let’s find out!
Terms for a Group of Hummingbirds
There are several terms used to describe a group of hummingbirds:
Charm
The most commonly used term is a “charm of hummingbirds.” This whimsical phrase captures the magic and delight of seeing multiple hummingbirds buzzing around flowers. The first known use of the word “charm” in reference to hummingbirds dates back to the 19th century.
Shimmer
A “shimmer of hummingbirds” is poetically used to describe the light glinting off their iridescent feathers as they zip around. The rainbow sheen on a hummingbird’s throat and head does seem to shimmer in the sunlight.
Glittering
Similarly, a group of hummingbirds may be called a “glittering of hummingbirds.” This term also refers to the glinting, sparkling appearance of a flock of hummingbirds in flight.
Tune
“Tune of hummingbirds” refers to the musical chirps and vocalizations of a gathering of hummingbirds.
Hover
Given their ability to suspend motionlessly in air, a fitting word for a group of hummingbirds is a “hover of hummingbirds.”
Other Common Bird Group Names
While a charm, shimmer, glittering, tune or hover are most appropriate for hummingbirds, here are some common terms used to describe flocks of other bird species:
| Bird Type | Group Name |
|---|---|
| Crows | Murder |
| Owls | Parliament |
| Eagles | Convocation |
| Jays | Party |
| Ravens | Unkindness |
| Starlings | Murmuration |
| Pelicans | Squadron |
| Penguins | Colony |
| Flamingos | Flamboyance |
As seen, the terminology used to describe different bird groupings is quite diverse and colorful!
Conclusion
To summarize, while there is no single definitive term, a group of hummingbirds is commonly referred to as:
- A charm of hummingbirds
- A shimmer of hummingbirds
- A glittering of hummingbirds
- A tune of hummingbirds
- A hover of hummingbirds
These poetic phrases capture the magical energy, resplendent colors, and sound created by hummingbirds gathering. So next time you are lucky enough to observe a squadron of hummingbirds visiting a garden, you’ll know exactly what to call them!
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Hummingbirds are found naturally only in the Americas, from Alaska to Chile, with the greatest variety being in South America. Like all birds, they have skeletal and flight muscles which make up between 25-35% of their total body weight. By flapping their wings so quickly, hummingbirds can stabilize their bodies midair even in strong gusts of wind. When not in flight, hummingbirds have an extremely fast heartbeat and breathing rate. The hummingbird’s tongue has tubes which run down its length that can move nectar via capillary action.
Attracting hummingbirds to gardens takes some effort. The easiest method is to plant lots of bright, tubular flowers that provide ample nectar. Hummingbird feeders also do the trick. These contain a liquid mixture of sugar and water that mimics natural nectar. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned and refilled frequently to prevent harmful mold growth. Providing a water source such as a mister, fountain or bird bath also appeals to hummingbirds who enjoy taking baths and drinking water.
Hummingbirds are bold, pugnacious birds that aggressively defend their territory and food sources. They’ve been known to chase off birds much larger than themselves, including crows, ravens and hawks. Male hummingbirds in particular don’t tolerate other males in their territory and chasing and dive-bombing intruders is common during mating season. In nature, hummingbirds have a relatively short lifespan of just 3-5 years.
The Anna’s Hummingbird is one of the most common hummingbird species on the West Coast. The Allen’s Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird are also prevalent in summer and early fall. In the eastern United States and Midwest, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the only breeding species. Providing supplemental nectar through feeders and flowers allows hummingbirds to rest more and access food easily to refuel for their metabolically taxing lifestyle. This helps hummingbirds recover faster during migration.
While watching a group of hummingbirds feed and interact is highly entertaining, it’s important not to disturb these delicate birds. Moving slowly and speaking softly allows one to observe a glittering of hummingbirds without them flying off due to perceived danger. With a little care and effort, anyone can attract hummingbirds and delight in their aerial dances.
