Hummingbirds are known for the distinct humming sound their wings make as they beat up to 80 times per second. However, they also make chirping and tweeting sounds with their voices. Here’s a quick overview of the different sounds hummingbirds make and what they mean:
Humming Sound
The most recognizable sound of hummingbirds is the humming or buzzing noise made by their rapid wing beats. Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second on average during flight. The humming is caused by the vibration of their wing muscles as well as air rushing over their wings. The faster a hummingbird’s wings beat, the higher pitched the humming sound is. The humming noise alerts other hummingbirds that a feeding area is occupied and signals them to stay away.
Chirps
Hummingbirds also vocalize with chirping sounds. These short, high-pitched vocalizations are often used in courtship. Male hummingbirds perform courtship displays to attract females. During these displays, males make squeaky chirps and whistles. Females also use squeaks and chirps to signal their interest and communicate with males. Both males and females may vocalize to chase other birds away from a food source.
Songs
Some hummingbird species perform more complex vocalizations referred to as songs. These songs are longer sequences of chirps, squeaks, and whistles. In ornithology, bird song is defined as vocalizations used for courtship and mating. Songs differ from calls, which are shorter vocalizations used to communicate non-breeding messages. Male hummingbirds sing elaborate songs during courtship displays when trying to attract females.
Distress Calls
Hummingbirds issue sharp, scolding chips or tseeps when distressed. These sounds communicate alarm about potential predators or disturbance. Adult hummingbirds use alarm calls to signal danger to their young. They also vocalize when chased by other birds away from a food source. These single chips and chirps get higher pitched and more intense when hummingbirds feel threatened or need to warn others.
Tail Sounds
Hummingbirds can produce non-vocal sounds with specialized tail feathers. Males of certain hummingbird species have tail feathers that make a whirring or clicking noise when air rushes through them during courtship dives. The males perform dramatic dive displays, flying up and then diving suddenly to pass close by a watching female. The air moving through their tail feathers creates buzzing or metallic ringing sounds. This helps attract the female’s attention.
Nestling Sounds
Baby hummingbirds, called nestlings, make tweeting, whistling, and buzzing sounds from the nest. These noises allow them to communicate with their mothers. The female hummingbird feeds her young by regurgitating nectar directly into their mouths. Nestling hummingbirds use squeaking and peeping calls to beg for food when their mother arrives. As they get older, the nestlings make increasingly louder buzzing or ringing sounds to compete with siblings for food.
Why Do Hummingbirds Make Sounds?
Hummingbirds produce vocalizations and non-vocal sounds for the following purposes:
- Attract mates
- Defend territories
- Communicate alarm
- Beg for food
- Interact with their young
- Deter rivals from food sources
The songs, chirps, and wing buzzing help hummingbirds survive by enabling breeding, warning others of danger, and defending resources. Understanding their unique sounds provides insight into hummingbird behavior and communication.
What Does Hummingbird Chirping Sound Like?
The chirps, squeaks, and whistles hummingbirds make sound high-pitched and squeaky to human ears. Here are some descriptions of the sounds:
- Peeps – Very short, soft, high-pitched peeping sounds
- Squeaks – Harsher, louder squeaking sounds
- Chirps – Short, quick, sharp chip notes
- Whistles – Wavering, bird-like whistling sounds
- Trills – Rapid sequences of chirping sounds
The vocalizations are very short in duration, often lasting less than a second. But male hummingbird songs may consist of longer sequences of trills, chirps, and whistles. The wide variety of sounds help the birds express different messages and meanings.
Do Male and Female Hummingbirds Sound Different?
Male and female hummingbirds can often be differentiated by sound. Here are some key differences:
- Songs – Only male hummingbirds sing complex songs, while females do not.
- Song Complexity – Males tend to have more varied vocalizations, while females stick to simpler chirps.
- Pitch – Male vocalizations are slightly lower pitched than female calls.
- Context – Males vocalize more during courtship, while females vocalize when caring for young.
- Tail Sounds – Only males of certain species can produce tail feather sounds.
Understanding these differences allows observers to identify the sex of a vocalizing hummingbird based on the sounds it makes.
Do Hummingbirds Have Good Hearing?
Hummingbirds have excellent hearing that plays an important role in their communication. Here are some key facts about hummingbird hearing:
- Sensitive Frequencies – Hummingbirds can detect sounds between 1-20 kilohertz, the frequency range of bird vocalizations.
- Specialized Ears – They have good hearing even over background noise due to morphological adaptations.
- Acute Localization – They can precisely locate the source of sounds in all directions for fast response.
- Frequency Discrimination – They can differentiate subtle pitch differences important for behaviors.
- Critical for Breeding – Vocalizations are used extensively in courtship and essential for reproductive success.
Hummingbirds rely heavily on hearing to detect dangers, find mates, care for young, and communicate with others. Their specialized auditory system allows them to send and receive nuanced vocal signals critical to survival.
When Are Hummingbirds Most Vocal?
Hummingbird vocal activity increases during the breeding season. Here are some key times when hummingbirds are most vocal:
- Courtship Displays – Males sing complex songs to court females.
- Chasing Intruders – Birds call when chasing others away from territories and food sources.
- Nest Excavation – Females whistle while digging nest cavities in soft material.
- Nest Building – Males and females call to coordinate collecting nest materials.
- Feeding Young – Females chirp when feeding nestlings.
- Fledging – Parents and young peep constantly when the nestlings are first learning to fly.
In nonbreeding seasons, hummingbirds are mostly quiet and vocalizations subside. But sound remains a key communication method during the critical breeding stage.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have a diverse repertoire of sounds they use to facilitate courtship, defend resources, interact with offspring, and communicate information. While the humming of their wings may be most recognizable, understanding their chirps, songs, and calls provides insight into hummingbird behavior and communication strategies. Paying attention to their vocalizations reveals the world of complex signaling hummingbirds use to survive and thrive.
