Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that capture our imagination. Their diminutive size, flashy iridescent colors, and remarkable flying skills make them a delight to watch. But what does it mean when a hummingbird flies right up to you and hovers nearby? Let’s explore some of the possible meanings behind this magical experience.
It’s Showing Interest and Curiosity
A hummingbird flying up close is likely showing curiosity about you. Hummingbirds have good vision and color perception. They can see ultraviolet light and discriminate between similar colors. When you wear bright colors, especially red, it catches their attention. They want to inspect the colorful flower or feeder that you appear to be. Getting close allows them to get a good look with their keen eyesight. This is all driven by natural inquisitiveness about their environment.
It’s Looking for Food
Hummingbirds need a lot of food to power their supercharged metabolisms and flight muscles. A hummingbird that zooms up to you may be checking if you have anything to eat. They associate people with food sources like feeders and flowering gardens. If you are wearing bright colors or holding a drink, they may mistake you for a food source. They will quickly discover their error, but their motivation is finding their next meal.
It Sees You as Safe
Hummingbirds have good memories and can recognize individual people. If you regularly hang up feeders, plant flowers, or put out garden decorations, the local hummingbirds will come to associate you with good things. They see your presence as safe and non-threatening. This allows them to overcome their natural wariness to approach closely when you are around. They have learned you will not harm them.
It’s Being Territorial
During breeding season, male hummingbirds can become highly territorial. They will aggressively defend areas with plentiful food sources as part of establishing breeding and nesting territories. A male Anna’s hummingbird diving at you may be trying to drive you away from a feeder or plant that it has claimed. This is instinctual territorial behavior triggered by hormonal changes. It’s not personal, just a survival strategy.
It’s Attracted to Shiny Objects
Hummingbirds seem fascinated by small shiny objects. They may abruptly appear to inspect jewelry, buttons, watches, or decorative pieces on clothing. The flash of reflected sunlight likely grabs their attention. This attraction could stem from their natural orientation toward flower nectar, which accumulates into glossy, sugar-laden droplets. Anything sparkly triggers their instinct to investigate.
It Wants to Play
Occasionally a hummingbird will display playful behavior with people. They may “play tag” by dive-bombing back and forth or play “peek-a-boo” by disappearing and reappearing. This indicates a very high level of comfort with humans. They see interaction as fun versus threatening. This is more common in young hummingbirds being hand-raised but can happen with wild hummingbirds that bond closely with people.
It’s Attracted to Colors
Hummingbirds see a broader range of colors than humans can perceive. Brightly colored clothing, especially shades of red, will really catch their eye. They associate red with the vivid colors of tubular flowers that provide nectar. A crimson shirt may closely resemble a monarda or fuchsia blossom to a hummingbird, intriguing it to come take a closer look. Wearing colors hummingbirds are drawn to increases chances of an up-close encounter.
It’s Mistaking You For a Flower
In their quest for nectar, hummingbirds sometimes mistake people for flowers. Hats with floral decoration may trigger this response, enticing them to try to feed. Bright makeup, particularly red lipstick and blush, can do the same thing. Keep still if this happens so you don’t startle the confused hummingbird. Once it realizes its mistake, it will swiftly move on. This shows just how focused they are on finding flower blossoms.
It’s Seeking Nest Materials
Female hummingbirds build intricate nests out of plant down, spider silk, buds, and moss. They apply sticky saliva to bind the materials together. When gathering nest supplies, they may give your hair or clothing a quick check to access suitability. Hummingbird nests must be flexible and expandable to accommodate growing chicks. If your hair or shirt fibers move in the breeze, she may try to gather some.
It Wants to Dominate a Perch
Hummingbirds are highly territorial and competitive when it comes to prime perches. A favored high branch or pole that provides a good view is especially valued real estate. They will try to claim and control these ideal observation points. If you are standing beneath a desirable perch, the hummingbird may see you as a challenger to be driven away so it can reclaim the spot. It’s instinctual behavior to protect an advantageous perch.
It’s Seeking Shelter
During storms and high winds, hummingbirds will seek cover in protected places. You may suddenly find one hiding under the brim of your hat or beneath an overhang of your clothing. This is a survival strategy to escape harsh weather that makes flying difficult. Once the storm passes, they will quickly zip away. But for the moment, they are focused on finding a temporary refuge from the elements.
It’s Escaping a Predator
Hummingbirds have many natural predators, including hawk, falcons, and shrikes. If being pursued by a predatory bird, they may fly in close to you seeking safety. They instinctually understand that your presence deters predators. Standing close to you allows them to avoid becoming prey. This shows they recognize humans as protective companions from potential threats when vulnerable.
It’s Seeking Companionship
Hummingbirds are solitary creatures, but they may start to see you as a friend and companion after repeated positive interactions. They seek the comfort of your familiar presence and may stay close while you are outside gardening or sitting. Additionally, a lonely hummingbird may see your company as substituting for social interaction with its own kind. Your friendship fills this social void.
It’s Marking a Boundary
Hummingbirds establish feeding and breeding territories that they defend vigorously against intruders. Their territory centers around prime food sources and nesting spots. If you remain still in one area, the resident hummingbird may start to see you as an object marking the boundaries of its territory. Flying around you reinforces those limits and issues a warning against trespassing. You have accidentally become a territorial marker!
It Sees Its Reflection
Hummingbirds are drawn to shiny surfaces that reflect light. If you are wearing reflective aviator sunglasses, for example, the hummingbird may be intrigued by the reflection of itself that it sees. It wants to examine and interact with what it perceives as another bird. This is evidence of self-recognition and shows their intelligence and complex thought processes. They are puzzled by and want to investigate their mirror image.
It’s Defending Its Young
Female hummingbirds can be fearlessly aggressive when defending a nest full of vulnerable chicks. If you get too close, she will buzz in your face and attempt to drive you away. She will not hesitate to dive bomb repeated at your head if she sees you as a threat. Her instinctual reaction is to protect her offspring at any cost. This tenacious reaction ends once the chicks leave the nest.
It Wants to Perch
Hummingbirds like to periodically rest and survey their surroundings from an elevated perch. If you remain still, they may land on your hat brim, finger, or shoulder to take advantage of the convenient perch you offer. This gives them a chance to conserve energy as they watch for predators and competitors entering their territory. Resist the temptation to move, and don’t be surprised if the tiny bird uses you as a temporary perch!
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are many potential explanations for why a hummingbird might approach and interact with you closely. Their motivations range from curiosity and food-seeking to territoriality and perceiving you as a friend or protector. Pay attention to the context, behavior, and body language of the hummingbird for clues to interpret its intent. While every encounter is unique, understanding the perspective of these energetic creatures helps us cherish these magical moments when a hummingbird zooms right up to you. Appreciate the privilege of having a special up close moment with nature!
