Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most colorful birds in North America. There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds, all of which belong to the family Trochilidae. These tiny birds have high metabolisms and must consume nectar frequently in order to survive. This makes them vulnerable to predation. Many different animals prey on hummingbirds as a food source. Understanding what hunts hummingbirds can help us better protect their populations.
Mammals That Prey on Hummingbirds
Several types of mammals are known to hunt hummingbirds. Some of the most common mammalian predators of hummingbirds include:
Cats
Domestic cats as well as wild cats like bobcats and cougars will readily prey upon hummingbirds if given the opportunity. Cats are stealthy predators and can often snatch a hummingbird directly out of the air or off a feeder before the bird even realizes the danger. Keeping pet cats indoors helps protect local hummingbird populations.
Opossums
Opossums are omnivores that will eat a wide variety of small animals, insects, fruits, and nectar. Their opportunistic feeding habits often lead them to pick off hummingbirds visiting nectar feeders or flowering plants. Opossums hunt at night and rely on their sharp eyesight and grip to grab unsuspecting hummingbirds.
Bats
While most bats primarily consume insects, some species supplement their diet with pollen, fruit, and even vertebrates. The pallid bat is one species known to prey on small birds such as hummingbirds. They use echolocation to detect the high-frequency wing beats of hummingbirds and pluck them directly out of the air.
Rodents
Certain rodents like rats, mice, chipmunks, and squirrels may eat eggs or nestlings if they come across a hummingbird nest. These opportunistic feeders will take advantage of an easy protein source when they can get it. Nest predation by rodents is a risk hummingbirds face, especially in areas with dense rodent populations.
Shrews
Shrews are tiny mole-like mammals with voracious appetites. These small predators consume up to 1.5 times their body weight in food every day. Some species including the northern short-tailed shrew supplement their diets by preying on small birds, including hummingbirds. Their long snouts allow them to reach into flowers and pluck out feeding hummingbirds.
Reptiles That Prey on Hummingbirds
In addition to mammals, reptiles are another major group that prey on hummingbirds. Snakes in particular pose a significant predatory threat with their ability to strike quickly.
Snakes
All species of snakes are strictly carnivorous. Smaller species prey on eggs and nestlings, while larger snakes may consume adult hummingbirds. Some snakes like the coachwhip and eastern racer are known to raid nests for eggs. Larger constrictors will actually strike and consume adult hummingbirds while they are feeding.
Lizards
Very few lizards directly prey on hummingbirds. Chameleons and iguanas occasionally supplement their diets with small birds, but most lizards do not actively hunt hummingbirds. Small lizards may unintentionally consume eggs or hatchlings if they come across a nest. Overall, lizards do not pose a major predatory threat.
Birds That Prey on Hummingbirds
A number of predatory bird species target hummingbirds. Birds of prey rely on keen eyesight to spot and dive upon unsuspecting hummingbirds in midair or while feeding. Some of the primary avian predators of hummingbirds include:
Falcons
Peregrine falcons are able to attain speeds of over 200 mph in a hunting dive. This makes them capable of snatching hummingbirds directly out of the air. Other falcons like the American kestrel may also prey upon hummingbirds from time to time. Falcons strike hummingbirds in flight using their exceptional speed and agility.
Hawks
Sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawks are small woodland hawks that specialize in hunting small songbirds, including hummingbirds. Their short wings and long tails give them maneuverability in dense habitat. Hawks use cover to ambush hummingbirds and grab them in mid-flight or while feeding.
Owls
Most owls prey on rodents and other small mammals. However, larger owl species like great horned owls occasionally supplement their diet with birds. Their silent flight gives them the element of surprise when striking at roosting hummingbirds. Owls that nest near feeders may pick off hummingbirds on sporadic occasions.
Jays
While corvids like jays predominantly eat insects, eggs, fruits and grains, they are opportunistic foragers. Jays are intelligent birds and may occasionally raid hummingbird nests for eggs and chicks if the opportunity arises. However, predation by jays is much less common than predation by birds of prey.
Insects That Prey on Hummingbirds
Very few insects directly prey on hummingbirds due to the birds’ small size and speed. However, some exceptions exist:
Praying Mantis
These ambush predators sometimes catch and consume small hummingbirds, especially while the birds are feeding on flowers. Their camouflage allows them to lie in wait undetected. They use their raptorial forelegs to seize hummingbirds.
Giant Centipedes
Tropical centipedes can reach over 1 foot long. The largest species may infrequently consume hummingbird eggs or chicks if they come across a ground nest. Their powerful venom quickly subdues much larger prey.
Overall, insect predation is rare due to the challenges of capturing an agile hummingbird. But praying mantises and large centipedes present a limited threat. Other insects are more likely to be prey for hummingbirds rather than the reverse.
Amphibians That Prey On Hummingbirds
Like insects, amphibians do not usually hunt hummingbirds as prey. However, a few exceptions exist:
Bullfrogs
These large frogs will eat almost any small animal they can overpower with their strong jaws and sticky tongues. They occasionally catch and consume hummingbirds that venture too close to the water’s edge. Their camouflage helps them remain undetected at the surface.
Tree Frogs
Tree frogs use camouflage and stealth when hunting insects at night. They may also consume an occasional hummingbird chick or egg if they encounter a nest. But active predation is uncommon.
For the most part amphibians are opportunistic feeders, not true predators of hummingbirds. Any predation is usually incidental rather than intentional hunting.
Other Predators
In addition to mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and amphibians, a few other predators may prey on hummingbirds:
Spiders
Very large spiders like the tarantula may consume a hummingbird entangled in their webs. They do not actively hunt hummingbirds, but can overpower one trapped in a web.
Octopuses
Octopuses are mostly ocean dwellers, but some tropical species inhabit waterside mangrove forests. The larger octopus species could grab an unlucky hummingbird stopped at the water to drink or bathe.
Fish
Large predatory fish like trout, pike and bass may occasionally snap up a hummingbird resting on the water’s surface or grabbing a drink. This is rare, but possible for fish lurking beneath the surface.
Overall these types of incidents are unusual and do not constitute a major predatory threat to hummingbird populations.
Defense Mechanisms
Hummingbirds have evolved some key adaptations to help them avoid predators:
- Camouflage – Most hummingbirds have iridescent plumage in greens, blues, and reddish-oranges. This helps them blend into foliage and avoid detection.
- Speed – Hummingbirds can fly up to 30 mph. Their rapid darting flight makes them difficult to capture.
- Climbing Ability – Hummingbirds can rapidly change direction and elevation, allowing quick escapes.
- Nest Concealment – They build small, well-hidden nests high in trees or overhangs away from many predators.
- Mobbing – Hummingbirds may mob or harass potential nest predators to drive them away.
These adaptations allow hummingbirds to evade many predator attacks. But they remain vulnerable due to their small size.
Protecting Hummingbirds from Predators
There are a few steps we can take to help minimize predator threats:
- Keep cats indoors – House cats in particular take a heavy toll on hummingbirds. Keeping them inside protects local hummingbirds.
- Clean up feeders – Clean nectar feeders regularly so predators are not attracted.
- Avoid pesticides – Rodenticides and insecticides reduce hummingbird food sources. Use them sparingly.
- Install predator guards – Place protective cages or baffles on bird feeder poles to stop climbing predators.
- Control invasive species – Remove any invasive predatory species when possible.
- Provide cover – Plant native trees and shrubs to give hummingbirds escape cover.
With some careful planning, we can reduce risks and create safer spaces for hummingbirds in our communities. But predation is a natural process, so some level will always occur. By understanding common hummingbird predators, we can better appreciate the pressures these birds face in the wild.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds may seem delicate, but they have evolved adaptations for avoiding predators in their environment. A diverse array of predatory mammals, reptiles, birds and insects opportunistically prey on hummingbirds when they can. Known predators include falcons, owls, snakes, cats, and praying mantises among others. By being aware of these threats, we can take steps to reduce predation risks in spaces used by hummingbirds. With continued habitat conservation and responsible stewardship, we can ensure hummingbird populations continue to flourish despite the inherent dangers they face. Though tiny, hummingbirds persist as survivors in a world of much larger predators.
