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It’s considered a sign of good luck and joy when a hummingbird frequently visits your window. Hummingbirds are drawn to feeders, flowers, and bright colors, so they may be attracted to something red or a nectar feeder outside the window. It’s also mating season for hummingbirds in spring and summer, so a male may be staking out a territory. Enjoy the special connection with nature and the positive energy hummingbirds represent.
Why Do Hummingbirds Keep Coming to My Window?
There are a few main reasons why hummingbirds may be attracted to your window:
Looking for Food
Hummingbirds have a very high metabolism and need to eat frequently. They are strongly attracted to flowers and artificial nectar feeders. If you have either of these near your window, the hummingbird is likely stopping by multiple times a day to refuel on the nectar. Make sure to keep the feeder clean and filled with fresh nectar.
Attracted to the Color Red
Hummingbirds are drawn to the color red more than any other color. If you have red flowers, decorations, curtains, or other red items near your window, that is probably what initially caught the hummingbird’s attention. The bright red color reminds them of the tubular red flowers they pollinate.
Defending a Feeding Territory
Male hummingbirds can be very territorial, especially during mating season. If your feeder or flowers are in a prime spot, the hummingbird may have claimed that area as his own feeding territory and be defending it from other males. He will perch near the window and dive bomb any intruders.
Looking at His Reflection
Hummingbirds are very drawn to shiny objects. If your window is reflective, the hummingbird may think his reflection is another bird and keep coming back to interact with it. This is related to their territorial behavior. Covering parts of the window can help reduce reflection.
Nesting Nearby
During spring and summer, female hummingbirds build tiny, well-camouflaged nests to lay eggs. If you have trees, shrubs, or sheltered overhangs near the window she keeps coming to, she may have built a nest nearby. Hummingbirds utilize spider silk and lichen to bind the nest materials together for flexibility and stretch.
Is It a Sign of Good Luck?
Many cultures consider repeated hummingbird visits to be a sign of joy or good fortune. Here are some of the positive meanings associated with hummingbirds that explain why people enjoy their company:
Symbol of Happiness and Joy
Hummingbirds have bright, iridescent plumage and a constant energetic buzzing while darting between flowers that represents playfulness, delight, and living in the moment. Their presence is said to be a reminder to embrace joy.
Messenger of Love
The hummingbird’s rapidly beating heart and affection for flowers and nectar are symbols of love, passion, and the sweetness of life. Seeing one nearby may mean love and relationships are blossoming in your life.
Sign of Positive Energy
Hummingbirds radiate positive energy and are thought to spread luck and uplift your mood when they are near. If a hummingbird consistently comes around, it may be a sign your life is filled with positive energy right now.
Symbol of Hope and Overcoming Adversity
Despite being very small, hummingbirds are resilient – migrating long distances and surviving harsh winters. Their presence can represent overcoming challenges with persistence and instill a sense of hope.
How to Encourage Hummingbirds to Keep Visiting
If you are enjoying the hummingbird’s frequent visits to your window, here are some tips to keep encouraging their presence:
Put Up a Feeder
Hang a nectar feeder with red accents in a location the hummingbird can easily access near the window. Make sure to change the nectar every few days and clean the feeder to prevent mold.
Add More Red Flowers and Plants
Add more red flowers, hanging plants, or decorations around the window to catch the hummingbird’s attention. Flowers like bee balm, trumpet vines, and cardinal flowers are favorites.
Install a Hummingbird Bath or Dripper
Hummingbirds bathe daily, so putting up a mister, dripper, or small bird bath entices them to visit. The sound of dripping or moving water will attract them.
Avoid Using Pesticides
Hummingbirds are highly sensitive to chemicals, so switch to natural pest control methods and avoid using pesticides or herbicides near the window they frequent.
Put Up Shelves or Ledges for Perching
Give the hummingbird a place to perch near the window by installing a small shelf or ledge. This helps them rest between visits.
Let Plants Grow Wild Near the Window
Hummingbirds feel more safe in natural settings. Allow native plants to grow more freely around the window rather than heavily trimming vegetation.
When to Worry About a Hummingbird Repeatedly at the Window
While having a hummingbird visit your window frequently is usually a pleasant occurrence, there are some circumstances where it can be a cause for concern:
Hitting the Window
Hummingbirds can accidentally injure or kill themselves by colliding with windows they don’t see. If this happens, apply decals, soap, or screens to make the window more visible to prevent injuries.
Getting Trapped
Occasionally a confused hummingbird may accidentally fly into a garage or enclosed porch and become trapped. If the bird seems frantic trying to get out, carefully open doors and gently guide it outdoors.
Signs of Illness or Injury
Look for signs the hummingbird may be sick or injured, like weak flying ability, lethargy, loss of appetite, feathers in bad condition, or breathing heavily. Contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice if concerned.
Arguing with Reflection for Hours
While briefly interacting with his reflection is normal, extensive fighting with his reflection can tire out the hummingbird and interfere with his ability to feed properly. Consider partially covering the window.
Abandoning Other Habitats
If the hummingbird is at your window constantly and abandoning other foraging areas, there may be an environmental factor deterring it elsewhere. Identify and solve the problem.
Conclusion
Having a hummingbird frequently visit and flutter outside your window is a delightful experience for many people. Hummingbirds are symbols of joy, love, and positivity across cultures. To encourage their presence, add nectar feeders, red flowers, dripping water, perches, and avoid pesticides near the window. Be cautious if the hummingbird seems trapped or injured. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the special opportunity to have regular close encounters with these energetic, shimmering birds outside your window. Their presence is likely a reminder to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.
| Hummingbird Species | Average Body Length | Average Wingspan |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 3.1 – 3.5 in | 3.1 – 4.3 in |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 2.8 – 3.5 in | 4.3 in |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | 3.9 – 4.3 in | 4.7 in |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 2.8 – 3.5 in | 4.1 in |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 3.5 – 3.9 in | 4.3 in |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 3.1 – 3.5 in | 4.3 in |
This table shows the average body length and wingspan measurements for some common hummingbird species in North America. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most widespread species on the east coast, while the Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds are commonly found along the west coast. The broad-tailed, calliope, and black-chinned hummingbirds inhabit central regions. In general, hummingbird species measure between 2.8 – 4.3 inches in length and have wingspans between 4 – 4.7 inches across. Their tiny size allows them to hover in place and maneuver precisely when feeding on flower nectar.
