Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover in midair and for the humming sound produced by their rapidly beating wings. This tiny bird produces a variety of vocalizations, including mating calls used in courtship displays. Here we’ll explore what a hummingbird’s mating call sounds like, when and why they vocalize, and how their calls factor into mating rituals.
What Does a Hummingbird’s Mating Call Sound Like?
A male hummingbird’s mating call is a series of chirps and squeaks used to attract females. The calls are high-pitched, with a fast tempo. The chirping noises sound similar to high-pitched insect calls.
Male hummingbirds have specialized feathers on their throats called gorgets that vibrate when air passes through during vocalizations. This allows them to produce diverse tonal sounds. Depending on the species, mating calls can sound like sharp squeaks, whines, buzzes, or mechanical twitters.
For example, male Anna’s hummingbirds produce a distinctive rising “seep” sound. Male Allen’s hummingbirds make a rapid tweeting call. Costa’s hummingbirds vocalize with a sharp “pit” noise. Broad-tailed hummingbirds use a trilled call similar to a frog’s croak.
Calls not only sound different between species, but males may also have a unique dialect or “accent” compared to others of the same species. This helps females identify suitable mates of their own kind.
When Do Hummingbirds Make Their Mating Call?
The mating season for hummingbirds depends on the species and its geographic location. In temperate climates, hummingbirds breed during the spring and summer months. Some tropical species can reproduce year-round.
Courtship displays begin with the arrival of males to breeding areas in early spring. Males stake out nesting territories and perform courtship displays to visiting females. Vocalizations play a key role in these displays.
Males vocalize frequently throughout the day during peak mating season to attract mates. Chirping increases around dawn and dusk when hummingbirds are most active. Cool temperatures in the morning require extra energy to warm up, so males call more to defend their territory and attract females.
Calling may decrease after mating occurs and the female begins nesting. But males remain territorial and use vocalizations to ward off intruders.
Why Do Hummingbirds Make Mating Calls?
Hummingbirds use vocalizations for the following mating and territorial functions:
- Attract females – Mating calls let females know males are ready to breed.
- Signal fitness – Calls communicate a male’s strength and health to potential mates.
- Defend territory – Calling warns rival males to stay away.
- Courtship display – Calls draw female attention and excite them.
- Recognize species – Distinct calls help identify their own species.
The frequent chirping by a male essentially advertises, “Here I am, I’m healthy, this is my territory, and I’m ready to mate!” This allows receptive females to locate viable males of their kind.
How Do Mating Calls Fit Into Courtship Displays?
In addition to vocalizations, male hummingbirds perform elaborate courtship rituals to impress visiting females:
- Dance flights – Males fly in looping, diving patterns up to 100 feet in the air.
- Aerial sparring – Males physically chase and displace competitor males.
- Display perches – Males return to favored perch sites to call and watch for females.
- Bright plumage – Iridescent throat feathers and vibrant colors signal fitness.
- Rapid wing beats – The humming sound conveys energy and strength.
Mating calls are woven throughout these displays. As males perform aerial stunts, they vocalize to focus female attention. Perched males call loudly when females fly nearby. The combined visual and vocal courtship enhances male attractiveness.
If a female shows interest, the male may feed her or continue his in-flight displays. Offering nectar gifts proves he can provide for future young. The pair eventually copulates, finishing the courtship. The female then builds a nest and raises the chicks alone while the male continues to mate.
Fun Facts About Hummingbird Mating Calls
- Males vocalize much more than females. Females may sometimes squeak softly during courtship.
- Males develop their unique dialect by mimicking territorial neighbors they hear as juveniles.
- Unmated males call more frequently than mated males to improve success.
- High-speed filming reveals males can click their beaks and spread tail feathers during dives.
- The vigorous courtship takes a physical toll, with males losing up to 10% of their body weight.
- Some tropical hummingbird species form leks where multiple males display in close proximity.
Key Takeaways on Hummingbird Mating Calls
Here are the key points to understand about hummingbird mating vocalizations:
- Males make chirps, squeaks, buzzes and twitters to attract females.
- Peak calling occurs during breeding season from early spring through summer.
- Loud frequent calling signals fitness and defends nesting territory.
- Mating calls are part of elaborate in-flight courtship displays.
- Calls help identify suitable mates of the correct species.
The unique mating behaviors of hummingbirds center around the male’s vocalizations and aerial performances. His persistent calling announces his readiness to reproduce. These competitive mating strategies allow hummingbirds to communicate effectively and continue their small but mighty lineage!
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud is a hummingbird’s mating call?
The volume of mating calls depends on the hummingbird species and proximity. Small hummingbirds can chirp around 92 decibels measured up close. For comparison, normal human conversation is about 60 decibels. The calls are meant to be heard by nearby females but quickly dissipate over distance.
How often do male hummingbirds make their mating call?
Males call very frequently during the peak breeding season, vocalizing every few minutes or near-continuously during courtship displays. Calling rate slows after mating but males remain territorial using occasional calls to ward off rivals.
Do female hummingbirds also make mating calls?
Female hummingbirds are relatively quiet and do not produce typical courtship calls. However, they may vocalize very softly or emit quiet squeaking noises when responding to male displays. Female calls are not well studied compared to elaborate male vocalizations.
How many different hummingbird mating calls are there?
There are over 300 different hummingbird species that all produce unique mating calls. Exact numbers are difficult to quantify as new vocalizations continue to be discovered, and species like the Allen’s hummingbird have distinct regional “dialects.” But the diversity of sounds reflects the specialized adaptations for communication.
Why do some areas have lekking hummingbirds?
Lek mating systems evolve when females are widely dispersed and males cannot economically defend large territories. Males form concentrated display grounds that females visit. This allows efficient comparison of many males’ mating calls and rituals in one location, improving chances of breeding success.
Conclusion
The wide variety of hummingbird mating calls reflect the specialized adaptations these tiny birds have developed for communication and courtship. While the songs and vocal techniques differ across species, they serve the universal goal of reproducing. The mating rituals of hummingbirds provide a fascinating look into the purpose and function of bird calls. Whether a simple squeak or an elaborate musical number, the calls of amorous male hummingbirds ultimately ensure the survival of the species by attracting the perfect mate.