Hummingbirds are territorial creatures that vigorously defend their feeding areas. The size of a hummingbird’s territory can vary greatly depending on the species, food availability, habitat, and time of year. Here we will explore how big hummingbird territories typically are and what factors influence their size.
Typical Territory Size by Species
Territory sizes differ significantly among hummingbird species. Some patterns emerge when looking at averages by species:
- Anna’s Hummingbird: ~1-2 acres
- Black-chinned Hummingbird: ~2-3 acres
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird: ~0.5-1 acre
- Calliope Hummingbird: ~1 acre
- Rufous Hummingbird: ~0.5-1 acre
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird: ~0.25-0.5 acre
In general, the larger hummingbird species tend to have larger territories. For example, Anna’s hummingbirds are one of the largest species and can defend areas over 2 acres. In contrast, the small Ruby-throated hummingbird may only claim 0.25-0.5 acres.
Factors That Influence Territory Size
While those numbers give a general idea of territory sizes, in reality hummingbird territories are very flexible. Here are some factors that cause territories to expand or shrink:
Food Availability
When food is scarce, hummingbirds need larger territories to meet their nutritional needs. Flowering plants are their primary food source, so territory size can fluctuate based on nectar availability. Peak flowering results in smaller territories. During non-peak times, hummingbirds defend much larger areas to find adequate nutrition.
Habitat Quality
High quality habitat with abundant flowers allows hummingbirds to occupy smaller territories. For example, territories in highly cultivated gardens are typically smaller than wild hummingbird territories. In poor quality habitat with scarce flowers, the birds claim larger territories.
Time of Year
Hummingbirds are most territorial during breeding season when they are defending nesting areas. Territory sizes expand in the winter when fewer flowers are in bloom. The smallest territories occur in late spring and summer when food is most plentiful.
Population Density
When there are high densities of hummingbirds in an area, territories become smaller as the birds pack into the available habitat. Sparse populations result in larger territories per individual.
Presence of Feeding Stations
Supplemental feeding stations allow hummingbirds to occupy smaller territories. The reliable artificial food source acts as a territory center, reducing the area a hummingbird needs to patrol to meet its nutritional requirements.
Typical Territory Size by Habitat
In addition to species differences, territory sizes also vary significantly across habitat types:
| Habitat | Typical Territory Size |
|---|---|
| Forests | 0.5-3 acres |
| Woodland edges | 0.25-1 acre |
| Parks and gardens | 0.1-0.5 acre |
| Meadows and grasslands | 1-3 acres |
| Desert scrub | 1-5 acres |
| High alpine | 0.25-1 acre |
As shown, territory sizes tend to be smaller in highly cultivated areas with abundant flower plantings, such as parks and gardens. Sparser vegetated areas like deserts and forests result in larger average territory sizes.
Defending Territories
Hummingbirds use a variety of strategies to claim and defend their territories:
- Chasing intruders – They aggressively chase other hummingbirds that enter their territory.
- Dive displays – Males make dramatic vertical dives along the territory boundaries to deter intruders.
- Vocalizations – Hummingbirds utter chip and chatters sounds to signal territory ownership.
- Perching prominently – They perch in conspicuous locations along the territory boundaries.
- Frequent feeding – By regularly feeding within the territory, they communicate that it is occupied.
Defending territories is energetically costly. Hummingbirds may abandon their territories if food becomes scarce or if they lose too much body mass from chasing intruders. They also become more aggressive defenders during key breeding and nesting periods.
Consequences of Territories
Territoriality has both costs and benefits for hummingbirds:
Benefits
- Ensures reliable food supply within the territory
- Provides mating opportunities within territories
- Offers nesting sites free from competitors
- Reduces energy expenditure if food is clustered within territories
Costs
- Energetically expensive to defend boundaries
- Limits overall area that can be accessed and reduces foraging flexibility
- Can lead to injuries or even death from fights with intruders
- Prevents exploiting resources outside territory boundaries
Territories are an important adaptation for these small birds. The positives of guaranteed access to food, mates, and nesting sites in a territory generally outweigh the costs of defense for hummingbirds.
Impact on Hummingbird Feeders
Understanding territories also provides insight into hummingbird behavior at backyard feeders. A single hummingbird will claim a feeder as part of its territory. It will aggressively defend this food source against all intruders. Some tips related to territories include:
- Hanging multiple feeders well-spaced apart allows more hummingbirds to access a food source within the safety of their territories.
- Locate feeders near natural perches and sightlines to support territorial defense.
- Be patient if a feeder is dominated by a single bird, as hummers are just defending their territories.
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbird territorial behavior aims to provide reliable access to nutrition, mating opportunities, and nest locations. The size of any individual hummingbird’s territory can range from a quarter acre to 5 acres or more. While some general patterns exist by species and habitat, territory sizes fluctuate widely depending on time of year, food availability, habitat quality, population density, and other factors. Understanding territory sizes and behaviors provides key insights into hummingbird ecology and how to support these fascinating birds in our backyards.
