Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that can sometimes accidentally become trapped indoors. If you find a hummingbird trapped in your home or building, don’t panic. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if a hummingbird is trapped inside.
How to tell if a hummingbird is trapped
Hummingbirds are naturally very active and energetic. They don’t like to stay still for long periods of time. If you spot a hummingbird sitting quietly in one spot indoors, chances are it is trapped and needs help getting back outside.
Signs that a hummingbird is trapped:
- The hummingbird is sitting still in one spot for an extended period of time
- The hummingbird is flying around erratically, bouncing off walls and windows
- The hummingbird appears exhausted, lethargic or weak
A healthy, free hummingbird will not stick around inside. If you see a hummingbird displaying any trapped behavior, it likely needs assistance to find its way out safely.
Step 1: Contain the hummingbird
The first step is to safely contain the trapped hummingbird in one room. Close all doors and windows leading out of the room except for one where you can guide it out. This will prevent the stressed bird from flying all over the place and hurting itself.
Turn off ceiling fans, wind chimes or other moving objects. Hummingbirds can be startled by loud sounds and movement, worsening their panicked behavior.
Use curtains, sheets or blankets to cover windows, mirrors and other reflective surfaces. The reflections can confuse the bird.
Never try to catch a hummingbird with your hands! You can herd it gently using a towel or sheet held up like a curtain.
Step 2: Create an easy escape route
Once the hummingbird is contained, open a window or door that leads directly outside. Make sure there are no obstructions like screens or glass in the way.
If possible, create a clear path outdoors by securing curtains, sheets or cardboard on either side. This “escape tunnel” should stretch from the contained area to the open door or window.
Place a hummingbird feeder or flowers right outside the open exit. The food source will help draw the bird to the doorway so it recognizes the path to freedom.
Step 3: Dim the lights and wait quietly
Hummingbirds feel safer in dim lighting. Turn off all unneeded lights and avoid direct eye contact with the bird.
Sit quietly outside the escape route and wait for the hummingbird to find its way out. Don’t yell or chase it, which will just stress it further. Just be patient and let it exit at its own pace.
Step 4: Provide food and shelter outside
Once the hummingbird flies out safely, provide a nearby food and water source to help it recover from the ordeal. Leave the hummingbird feeder up and include fresh flowers with a shallow dish of water.
The sheltered area near the feeder allows the hummingbird to rest and refuel before flying off into the open outdoors again.
Only leave food and water out for a short period. Hummingbirds can become dependent on artificial feeders and may hang around instead of finding natural food sources.
Tips for preventing trapped hummingbirds
To avoid trapped hummingbird incidents, here are some prevention tips:
- Keep doors and windows closed, especially when cooking with sugary foods or beverages
- Ensure window screens are secure with no holes or rips
- Cover glass doors with blinds or curtains to deter birds from flying into them
- Plants flowers that attract hummingbirds away from your home’s entrances
- Use decals, tape or other markers on large windows and glass doors
What to do if a hummingbird hits a window
Sometimes hummingbirds accidentally fly directly into windows. This often happens when a bird sees reflections of trees or sky in a window and doesn’t realize it is glass.
If a hummingbird hits your window:
- Check to see if the bird is alive or dead. If it is deceased, you can dispose of the remains.
- If alive, the bird will likely be stunned and in shock. Gently pick it up with a towel and place in a cardboard box lined with a soft cloth.
- Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place for 15-30 minutes. This gives the hummingbird time to rest and recover.
- Once the bird seems active again, release it outside near some flowers or its feeder.
- Watch to make sure it can fly off normally before leaving it alone. If not, you may need to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
To prevent window collisions, use decals, hang strings of beads, or place netting or screens in front of dangerous reflective windows to alert hummingbirds before they fly into the glass.
When to call a wildlife rehabilitator
In most cases, following these steps will allow a trapped hummingbird to find its way out again. But sometimes a bird may be too exhausted or injured to be released immediately. Here are signs that indicate a hummingbird needs professional rehabilitation:
- The bird is unable to fly or can only flutter downwards
- You observe bleeding, broken wings or other visible injuries
- The bird remains on the ground after release and is not able to fly up to a higher perch
- The hummingbird seems very weak and lethargic, not moving for over an hour after containment
- After hitting a window, the bird does not fully recover after 30 minutes of rest
With an unreleasable hummingbird, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or humane society right away. Try to minimize handling the bird in the meantime. Trained rehabilitators have the proper supplies and experience to assess injuries, provide hydration and nutrition, and ensure the best chance of recovery.
Conclusion
Trapped hummingbirds often just need a bit of help and time to find their way safely back outside again. With some quiet patience and by providing a clear escape route, in most cases you can get a hummingbird back to freedom without harm. Just remember never to grab them with your hands, and reach out for professional assistance if they appear injured or unable to fly well. With the right approach, you can do your part to help hummingbirds continue thriving happily in the wild.
