Hummingbirds have many natural enemies that can threaten their survival. These include predators, parasites, diseases, and environmental factors that negatively impact hummingbirds.
Predators
One of the main enemies of hummingbirds are predators that hunt them for food. Some key hummingbird predators include:
- Birds – Larger predatory birds like hawks, falcons, and shrikes will prey on hummingbirds. These birds use their powerful talons to grab and kill hummingbirds in midair.
- Reptiles – Snakes like the coachwhip snake and rattlesnake will eat hummingbirds. Lizards like the northern alligator lizard also prey on hummingbirds when given the chance.
- Insects – Praying mantises are known to capture and eat hummingbirds. Dragonflies may also grab small hummingbirds.
- Spiders – Orb weaver spiders can snare hummingbirds in their webs. Jumping spiders and crab spiders also ambush prey and have been documented eating hummingbirds.
- Mammals – Domestic cats take a heavy toll on hummingbird populations. Tree squirrels, chipmunks, and mice may eat hummingbird eggs and chicks.
These predators rely on stealth and speed to ambush hummingbirds. Many wait patiently by flowers for the hummingbirds to arrive to feed. They also stalk hummingbird feeders where the birds congregate. The predators employ various strategies to kill the hummingbirds depending on their own anatomy, from suffocation to breaking the neck or back.
Parasites
Parasites are another threat to hummingbirds. Some common hummingbird parasites include:
- Mites – Mites live on the feathers and skin of hummingbirds. An infestation can irritate the bird, impair flight, and in some cases lead to death.
- Lice – Feather lice feed on the feathers, skin, and blood of hummingbirds. A buildup of lice can weaken the bird over time.
- Ticks – Ticks attach themselves to hummingbirds to suck blood. They can transmit diseases and toxins.
- Roundworms – Roundworms infest the digestive tracts of hummingbirds, competing for nutrients and contributing to malnutrition.
- Flatworms – Stomach flatworms take up residence in the digestive system and absorb nutrients.
A heavy parasitic load will drain the energy and nutrition a hummingbird needs to stay healthy. This makes them vulnerable to sickness, starvation, and predation. Parasites can also spread harmful diseases to hummingbirds.
Diseases
There are a number of viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases that can infect hummingbirds:
- Aspergillosis – A fungal respiratory disease that can cause breathing problems and be fatal.
- Avian pox – Causes wart-like lesions on the feet and face that can impair vision and feeding.
- West Nile Virus – Spread by mosquitoes, it attacks the nervous system and is often deadly.
- Salmonellosis – Bacterial disease that spreads at dirty feeders and causes gastrointestinal illness.
- Trichomoniasis – Caused by a protozoan parasite and leads to mouth infections and starvation.
Sick hummingbirds have a weakened immune system that makes them more susceptible to other threats. Diseases also spread quickly when hummingbirds congregate at feeders or flowers. Maintaining clean feeders and not crowding feeding locations can help reduce transmission of diseases.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental conditions also pose a danger to hummingbirds:
- Cold temperatures – Hummingbirds are vulnerable to freezing or hypothermia during extreme cold snaps.
- Heat waves – Excessive heat causes heat stress and dehydration in hummingbirds.
- Habitat loss – Destruction of forests and meadows depletes nectar sources and nesting sites.
- Pesticides – Chemical exposure can poison hummingbirds and contaminate food sources.
- Windows – Hummingbirds frequently collide with windows, resulting in injury or death.
Hummingbirds are highly sensitive to their surrounding environment. Drastic changes in weather, loss of feeding habitat, and man-made toxins can quickly threaten hummingbird populations. Providing clean food sources and maintaining native plant habitats can counteract these negative impacts.
How to Protect Hummingbirds from Enemies
There are a number of ways that people can help safeguard hummingbirds against their many enemies:
- Keep cats indoors – Cats should be kept inside to prevent them from preying on hummingbirds.
- Deter predators – Use deterrents like fake owls or flashing lights to scare away predatory birds, snakes, and squirrels.
- Eliminate pesticide use – Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that can poison hummingbirds.
- Clean feeders – Change sugar water and clean feeders frequently to prevent disease transmission.
- Plant native flowers – Provide native plants and flowers that hummingbirds depend on for food.
- Install collision deterrents – Put decals on windows or screens in front of glass to prevent deadly collisions.
- Provide shelter – Supply safe roosting and nesting sites like trees, shrubs, and nest boxes.
While we can’t fully protect hummingbirds from the many threats they face in the wild, we can take steps to reduce risks and create a more hummingbird-friendly environment around our homes and gardens.
With persistence, knowledge, and care, we can support hummingbird conservation and give these special birds a fighting chance against their many enemies.
