Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most acrobatic birds found throughout the Americas. Their tiny size makes them vulnerable to predators, and they have many natural enemies that can threaten their survival. In this article, we will explore the different predators and threats that hummingbirds must watch out for in order to survive.
Birds of Prey
One of the most dangerous natural predators of hummingbirds are predatory birds. Birds of prey like hawks, falcons, and eagles will readily catch and eat hummingbirds if given the chance. These quick, agile hunters can easily pluck a hummingbird right out of the air with their powerful talons. Some of the most common bird predators of hummingbirds include:
- Sharp-shinned Hawks
- Cooper’s Hawks
- Northern Harriers
- American Kestrels
- Merlins
- Peregrine Falcons
These birds of prey are able to catch hummingbirds in mid-flight with a swift aerial attack. Their razor-sharp talons puncture and kill the hummingbird quickly. Hummingbirds need to be extremely cautious when feeding out in the open where birds of prey may be hunting.
Snakes
Snakes are also major predators of hummingbirds. Snakes typically ambush hummingbirds at flowers or feeders, striking out and ensnaring them with their lightning-fast reflexes. Some snakes known to eat hummingbirds include:
- Rat snakes
- Kingsnakes
- Racers
- Whip snakes
- Garter snakes
These agile, sneaky predators will sit motionless, blending into the environment and waiting for the perfect moment to attack an unsuspecting hummingbird. Their flexible jaws allow them to swallow the hummingbird whole.
Insects
Surprisingly, some insects are also predators of hummingbirds. Large orb weaver spiders will spin thick webs near hummingbird feeders and flowers, hoping to ensnare one of these tiny birds. Once caught in the web, the spider quickly wraps the hummingbird in more silk, immobilizing it before going in for the kill with a venomous bite. Here are some other predatory insects that can threaten hummingbirds:
- Praying mantises – Will snatch hummingbirds from flowers or feeders.
- Dragonflies – Will intercept a hummingbird in midair.
- Robber flies – Ambush prey and have a fast aerial attack.
Hummingbirds need to be vigilant to avoid these cunning invertebrate predators that are always laying traps and waiting to pounce.
Other Birds
Larger predatory birds are not the only avian threat to hummingbirds. Certain other bird species may raid hummingbird nests and eat the eggs or hatchlings. Jays, crows, grackles, and other bigger birds will take advantage of the tiny size and vulnerability of hummingbird nests. Adult hummingbirds valiantly try to defend their nests by diving at intruders, but they are limited in their ability to fend off larger birds. Nest raids can quickly lead to the destruction of an entire new generation of baby hummingbirds.
House Cats
Domestic house cats that are allowed to roam outdoors take a heavy toll on many wild bird populations, including hummingbirds. It is estimated that cats kill billions of wild birds in the United States every year. Their lightning-quick reflexes and agility enable cats to readily catch hummingbirds at feeders, in nests, or in mid-flight. Keeping pet cats indoors is the best way to protect hummingbirds and other backyard birds from cat predation.
Habitat Loss
In addition to natural predators, hummingbirds are also threatened by human activity that destroys their foraging and nesting habitat. Deforestation, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and other land development removes the flowers, trees, and shrubs that hummingbirds depend on for their food. They may also lose safe nesting sites and materials when natural vegetation is cleared. Providing a bird-friendly yard with native flowers and plants can help offset some habitat loss.
Climate Change
Climate change and increasing periods of drought also endanger hummingbird populations. As flowers bloom earlier and nectar sources dwindle during droughts, hummingbirds are put under great stress to find adequate nutrition to fuel their hyperactive metabolisms. Providing multiple supplemental nectar feeders and planting drought-resistant flowers may help hummingbirds survive extreme weather caused by climate change.
Pesticides
The use of certain pesticides and herbicides can also threaten hummingbirds. If they ingest nectar or insects contaminated with these chemicals, it can poison the birds and impede their reproduction. Encouraging natural and organic gardening practices helps provide hummingbirds with safe food sources.
Window Collisions
Another hazard posed by humans is window collisions. Hummingbirds are often fatally injured when they fly directly into windows. Placing decals, streamers, or nets over windows helps prevent collisions that account for hundreds of millions of hummingbird deaths each year.
Diseases
Hummingbirds can fall victim to certain debilitating avian diseases as well, particularly at crowded nectar feeders where sick birds can transmit diseases to healthy ones. Diseases like avian pox and Trichomonosis can quickly spread and take a toll on hummingbird populations. Bird lovers should properly clean feeders and provide adequate feeding ports to help minimize disease transmission.
How to Protect Hummingbirds from Predators and Threats
Here are some key steps you can take to make your yard a safe haven for hummingbirds, away from their numerous predators and threats:
- Keep pet cats indoors – This protects hummingbirds from cat attacks.
- Install decals on windows – Prevents fatal collisions.
- Avoid pesticide use – Grow native plants to support the birds naturally.
- Provide a water mister – Helps hummingbirds get needed hydration.
- Plant native vegetation – Supplies key food sources and nesting materials.
- Set up feeders properly – Use ant moats and clean regularly to inhibit disease spread.
- Put up nets or wind chimes – Can help deter bird of prey attacks.
- Include nesting materials – Fur, moss, feathers for birds to build secure nests.
- Eliminate traps – Make sure there is no fishing line, nets, or other entanglement dangers.
- Limit deck lights at night – Artificial light can disorient hummingbirds and make them vulnerable.
Key Takeaways
Hummingbirds may be tiny, but they face massive threats from all angles in their fight to survive. Birds of prey, snakes, insects, spiders, cats, window collisions, and climate change all endanger these energetic little birds. As human development encroaches more on their native environments, the dangers only increase. Creating a safe backyard refuge and advocating for hummingbird-friendly practices can help protect these special pollinators and bring their beauty into our lives for generations to come.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have numerous natural predators given their diminutive size, but they have also proven remarkably resilient over millennia of evolution. By providing supplemental food, water, shelter, and nesting sites, we can give hummingbirds a fighting chance against the modern threats they did not evolve to handle. With knowledgeable and compassionate stewardship, hummingbird enthusiasts can create an oasis of safety for these aerial jewels to continue gracing our gardens with their dazzling colors and energetic antics for years to come.
