Hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds found in nature, with most species measuring only 3-5 inches in length. Their tiny size makes them vulnerable to predation from a variety of animals. When it comes to identifying the hummingbird’s biggest predator, there are a few likely culprits that experts point to.
In this article, we will examine the different animals that prey on hummingbirds. We will look at their hunting strategies, the types of hummingbirds they target, and in what regions they overlap with hummingbird habitats. This information will allow us to determine which predatory animal relies on hummingbirds the most as a food source and poses the biggest overall threat.
Snakes
Snakes are one of the main predators of hummingbirds in many parts of the world. Their ability to strike quickly gives them an advantage when hunting the fast-moving hummers. Several snake species are known for their fondness of hummingbird prey.
The black-chinned hummingbird is a very common species found across western North America. Their range overlaps with garter snakes in much of this region. Garter snakes often raid nests and prey on hatchlings and fledglings at hummingbird feeders. Their excellent climbing skills allow them to access hanging nests and reach feeding areas other predators cannot. Researchers in one California study identified garter snakes as the second most frequent predator at black-chinned hummingbird nests after jays.
In tropical regions, arboreal snakes like the emerald tree boa specialize in waiting in ambush for passing hummers. Their green coloration provides camouflage in treetop vegetation. Several tree boa species strike by dangling their coils below branches frequented by perching hummingbirds. The snakes rely on surprise attacks to snatch the hummers before they can react.
Overall, snakes are stealthy, opportunistic hunters of hummingbirds. When hummingbird and snake habitats overlap, the hummers must be on high alert to avoid snake ambushes.
Lizards
Much like snakes, lizards use speed and ambush tactics to grab unwary hummingbirds. Species known to eat hummingbirds include collared lizards, spiny lizards, and chameleons. Their populations do not rely as heavily on hummingbirds as a food source compared to snakes, but they can take advantage of any easy meal.
Chameleons have a deadly combination of quick strikes and camouflage that makes them adept at snatching hummingbirds. The veiled chameleon of the Middle East is an invasive species that has established itself in parts of Florida and Hawaii where it preys on hummingbirds. Chameleons grab hummingbirds that come within tongue reach with no warning thanks to their camouflage.
Overall, lizards are opportunistic predators that pounce on young, old, or sick hummingbirds when the chance arises. Their threat is highly localized compared to widespread hummingbird predators. But in regions where hummers and large lizards overlap, the lizards can have a measurable impact on survival.
Insects
Giant centipedes and praying mantises will prey on hummingbirds. These insects take advantage of a hummingbird stopping at a flower or feeder. They then strike and overpower the tiny birds with toxins and physical strength.
While insect attacks are generally rare, in regions with giant centipedes and mantises, they can become a nuisance predator at feeders and flowers. The hot and humid climates of the Southern United States and Central America favor some of the largest praying mantis and centipede species. This overlaps with the ranges of many hummingbird species and leads to frequent encounters.
The insects provide minimal nutrition compared to avian and reptilian predators. But they are adept ambush hunters in the right habitat and will opportunistically prey on hummingbirds. Their threat is comparable to similar nuisance predators like frogs and spiders that rely on stealth and surprise.
Amphibians
Frogs and toads will consume young hummingbirds and eggs if given the chance. The most frequent amphibian predators include:
- Cane toads
- Bullfrogs
- Tree frogs
- Green frogs
They rely on camouflage and patience to snatch hummingbirds. Many species are adept climbers and can access hanging nests. As with insects, amphibians provide minimal nutrition compared to other predators. But in the southwestern United States where cane toads have been introduced, they will ravage hummingbird nests if left unchecked.
Overall, amphibians are opportunistic, and their populations do not rely on hummingbirds compared to other predators. But they can still have an outsized impact on hatchling and fledgling survival in specific habitats.
Spiders
Spiders prey on hummingbirds by building intricate webs across flight paths. The hummingbird’s fast wings and inability to hover leaves them prone to flying into webs and becoming trapped. Spiders will then quickly bite and wrap the struggling birds.
Some of the most frequent spider predators of hummingbirds include:
- Orb weavers
- Crab spiders
- Jumping spiders
In the Southern United States and tropical regions, large tarantulas have also been documented preying on hummingbirds. The spiders lurk on tree branches and vegetation to ambush the tiny birds.
While they do not rely on hummingbirds as a primary food source, spiders can devastate local hummingbird populations. Web building spiders will stake out prime spots on vegetation and near feeders to entrap the hummers.
Predatory Birds
Larger predatory bird species pose the biggest threat to adult hummingbirds. These aerial hunters include:
- Falcons
- Hawks
- Owls
- Crows
- Orioles
- Roadrunners
Birds of prey like the peregrine falcon can reach diving speeds over 200 mph to snatch hummingbirds in midair. Hawks and owls patrol open habitats and woodland edges for any signs of movement. Crows, orioles, and roadrunners are adept at ravaging hanging nests for eggs and hatchlings.
In studies across North and Central America, birds made up between 60-90% of all attacks on hummingbird nests and were the predators most negatively impacting reproduction rates. Birds also prey on adult hummingbirds at flowers, feeders, and migratory stopover points. The widespread populations and adaptability of predatory birds make them the most frequent and damaging hummingbird predators across habitats.
Which Bird Predators Are the Biggest Threat?
When examining the predatory threat birds pose to hummingbirds, several species stand out for the damage they cause:
Jays
Jays like the scrub jay, blue jay, and Steller’s jay are expert nest raiders. They watch female hummingbirds build nests and then return to plunder eggs and young while the mother is away.
Studies show jays can devastate hummingbird nests in areas where their habitats overlap. One California study found western scrub jays preying on up to 66% of black-chinned hummingbird nests in certain habitat areas.
Jays are also intelligent birds that remember successful nest locations from previous years. Once they zero in on good raiding spots, they will return repeatedly. This trait makes their predatory pressure on hummingbird nests more devastating than other opportunistic predators.
Falcons
The peregrine falcon is one of the most lethal aerial predators of hummingbirds. They can reach speeds of over 200 mph in hunting dives known as stoops. This is faster than even a hummingbird can fly.
Falcons patrol open habitats during migrations when they encounter flocks of hummingbirds. One study of peregrines in California found hummingbird remains in nearly 2% of prey items recovered from nests.
Experts estimate peregrine falcons likely prey on millions of ruby-throated hummingbirds during migrations along the Gulf Coast. Though other predators take more nestlings, falcons are unmatched at preying on adult hummingbirds.
Orioles
The various oriole species are a frequent predator partially due to their overlapped range with hummingbirds. Orioles often usurp hummingbird nests and territories.
In one study, orioles were responsible for 48% of nest failures in black-chinned hummingbirds and Anna’s hummingbirds. They will puncture hummingbird eggs and pick off young hatchlings with their sharp beaks while aggressively maintaining their territory.
Conclusion
Based on the available research, predatory birds pose the overall greatest threat to hummingbird populations through both juvenile and adult predatory pressure. Species like jays, falcons, and orioles have specifically adapted to prey on hummingbirds in different contexts.
While reptiles, amphibians, insects, and spiders contribute opportunistically, hummingbirds co-evolved with birds of prey. This has led predatory birds to become the most damaging and consistent threat. Minimizing habitat overlap and protecting nesting sites are key conservation measures to help reduce hummingbird losses to their avian predators.
