Hummingbirds are beautiful, fascinating creatures. Their tiny bodies and fast beating wings captivate people around the world. While we often see just one hummingbird at a time flitting around our gardens or feeders, hummingbirds frequently gather together in groups. But what are these groups of hummingbirds called? Let’s take a look at the terms used for multiple hummingbirds.
A Charm of Hummingbirds
One of the most commonly used terms for a group of hummingbirds is a “charm.” This whimsical name dates back centuries and evokes the delight that people take in observing these shimmering jewels of the sky. Just like a charm bracelet glitters when you move your wrist, a charm of hummingbirds scintillates as the birds zip through the air. The term “charm” is highly appropriate for hummingbirds, reflecting their magical appeal.
A Shimmer of Hummingbirds
Another poetical phrase used for a group of hummingbirds is a “shimmer.” This wordchoice emphasizes the iridescent sheen on the feathers of hummingbirds. The metallic coloring causes hummingbirds to glint in the sunlight as they hover and dart around flowers. Watching a shimmer of hummingbirds gleam and quiver through the air truly is a sight to behold.
A Glitter of Hummingbirds
“Glitter” is a close cousin of “shimmer” that is sometimes used to describe a group of hummingbirds. Like a cloud of glossy glitter, a glitter of hummingbirds dazzles the eye as the birds zoom through the air. The fleet fluttering of their wings makes them appear to sparkle and dance in the light.
A Hover of Hummingbirds
“Hover” is another apt choice for a flock of hummingbirds because these birds are experts at hovering in midair. Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second, allowing them to float in one spot for as long they please. Watching a hover of hummingbirds suspended in animation as they lick nectar from flowers is a magnificent sight.
A Tune of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds produce a distinct humming, buzzing, or clicking sound with their rapidly beating wings. This has led to the descriptive phrase “a tune of hummingbirds” for a group of them. Listening to the persistent hum created by a gathering of these energetic birds is a unique auditory experience.
A Chime of Hummingbirds
The melodious chiming, chirping sounds that hummingbirds make has also inspired the term “a chime of hummingbirds.” This refers to the cheery ringing noise generated by a bunch of hummingbirds as they call out to each other while feeding on nectar-rich blossoms.
A Buzz of Hummingbirds
The vibrant buzzing caused by hummingbirds’ fast-flapping wings led to the expression “a buzz of hummingbirds.” When a whole flock of hummingbirds converges in one spot, the buzzing sound amplifies to a thrilling din. Listening to a buzz of hummingbirds feels electrifying, like putting your ear next to a beehive.
A Flutter of Hummingbirds
“Flutter” perfectly captures the delicate, quivering motion of hummingbirds’ wings. Watching a whole flutter of hummingbirds fluttering through a garden excites the senses with constant motion. The flickering effect of all those fluttering wings is a spectacular sight.
A Hummer of Hummingbirds
Since hummingbirds are commonly called “hummers,” it’s only logical that a group of them be dubbed “a hummer of hummingbirds.” This simple term references how the birds got their common name – the low humming noise they make as they zip around.
A Flash of Hummingbirds
A flock of hummingbirds may also be called “a flash of hummingbirds” due to their speed and sudden, darting motions. In a split second, a feeding hummer can flash across your field of vision and disappear again. Watching a whole gathering of them move is utterly thrilling.
A Rush of Hummingbirds
Another phrase that captures the lighting-fast speed of hummingbirds is “a rush of hummingbirds.” You can just picture them rushing hurriedly from bloom to bloom, electrifying the environment with their kinetic energy. When a rush of hummers descends on a tree or yard, it feels exhilarating.
A Swarm of Hummingbirds
Though less poetic than some options, “a swarm of hummingbirds” is a common way to describe a large flock of them. When dozens of tiny hummingbirds swarm around a feeding area, jostling for access to the nectar, it can be astonishing to behold.
A Squadron of Hummingbirds
“Squadron” also gets across the sense of coordinated movement that occurs when many hummingbirds get together. Like a squadron of fighter jets moving in formation, a squadron of hummingbirds darts precisely through the air in sync.
An Array of Hummingbirds
The orderly, often symmetrical patterns that hummingbirds create when clustered together gives rise to the term “an array of hummingbirds.” Observing an array of hummingbirds orderly arranged on the branches of a tree is a gorgeous spectacle.
A Party of Hummingbirds
Seeing a group of hummingbirds cheerfully feeding together conveys a sense of festiveness, leading to the expression “a party of hummingbirds.” For these hyperactive birds, every flower is an open bar at their party!
A Charm of Hummingbirds in Flight
Hummingbirds are absolute masters of flight, their wings beating up to 80 times per second. Watching a charm of hummingbirds demonstrates this aerial agility to the fullest. The rapid whirring of their wings enables midair suspension, backward flying, rolls, dives, and more. Seeing a charm of hummingbirds dance through the air truly amazes.
A Shimmer of Hummingbirds Feeding
A shimmer of hummingbirds feeding reveals a dazzling display. As the birds jockey for position at nectar sources, their iridescent throats flash brightly in the sun. It’s mesmerizing to watch a shimmer of hummingbirds zip from flower to flower, shimmering with each move.
Favorite Flowers
Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to tubular, red flowers that offer accessible nectar. Some favorites include:
- Cardinal flower
- Trumpet creeper
- Bee balm
- Red morning glory
- Coral honeysuckle
A Hover of Hummingbirds Migrating
One of the most incredible feats of hummingbirds is their annual migration. Some species, like Rufous hummingbirds, migrate thousands of miles each spring and fall. Watching a hover of hummingbirds waiting to cross a large body of water or other barrier on migration is spellbinding. The hover in midair, conserving energy before this taxing portion of their journey.
Migration Fun Facts
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, a 500 mile journey, in a single 20-25 hour flight.
- Hummingbird migration peaks in August-September in fall, and April-May in spring.
- Black-chinned hummingbirds migrate mainly at night to avoid predators.
- Hummingbirds double their weight before migrating to add fat needed to fuel these marathon flights.
A Glitter of Hummingbirds Communicating
Hummingbirds make diverse vocalizations to communicate. When gathered together, a glitter of hummingbirds fills the soundscape with squeaks, whistles, buzzes and chips. Males perform courtship displays, flying in loops and dives to impress females. The males also vocalize to defend territory or food sources from intruders.
Hummingbird Vocalizations
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Squeaks | Short, high-pitched sounds made in aggressive encounters |
| Chipping | Rapid chipping used in courtship displays |
| Whistling | Made by males during courtship shows |
| Buzzing | Low buzzing produced with wings during displays |
A Tune of Hummingbirds Nesting
One of the most amazing things about hummingbirds is their tiny nests. Female hummers collect plant down and spider silk to create a stretchy, expandable nest about the size of a ping pong ball. Watching a tune of hummingbirds gathering materials and constructing their nests is fantastically intriguing.
Hummingbird Nest Facts
- Nests are made of spider silk, moss, lichen, and buds bound with plant down.
- The nest stretches as the chicks grow.
- A new nest is built for each brood.
- The incubated eggs are barely larger than a coffee bean.
- Some nests are decorated externally with lichens as camouflage.
A Party of Hummingbirds Splashing
Bathing is important for hummingbird hygiene and feather maintenance. A party of hummingbirds splashing together in a water feature or rain shower is an amusing sight. They flap wings and splash about, keeping their plumage in tip-top shape.
Hummingbird Bathing Facts
- Bathing helps control feather mites and oils.
- Splashing loosens debris so it can be preened away.
- They prefer shallow water sources like rain puddles, water features, and leaves.
- Bathing takes place a few times each week for 5-10 minutes.
- Males and females may bathe together in the same spot.
Conclusion
Watching a group of hummingbirds together reveals impressive sights – from a hover of hummingbirds feeding atop a tree, to a glitter gracefully migrating, to a tune constructing intricate nests. The variety of terms for a flock of hummingbirds – including charm, shimmer, hover, and flash – beautifully capture the traits of these captivating creatures. Any way you name them, hummingbirds astound in numbers with their minuscule size, tremendous speed, and dazzling iridescence. The experience of observing a gathering of hummingbirds stays with you forever.
