Having a hummingbird suddenly appear in your house can be startling, but these tiny, delicate birds are harmless and it is usually fairly easy to guide them back outdoors safely. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find a hummingbird in your house.
Step 1: Remain calm
The first step when you spot a hummingbird indoors is to remain calm. Hummingbirds have a very fast heartbeat and breathing rate and they can become highly stressed when trapped in an unfamiliar environment. Excess activity, noise and commotion in the room may panic the bird and make it difficult to guide them outside. Speak softly and move slowly when approaching the hummingbird.
Step 2: Contain the hummingbird in one room
Gently try to contain the hummingbird in one room by closing doors to other areas of the house. This will prevent the bird from getting trapped and stressed out flying in multiple rooms. Turn off fans, open blinds and try to keep children and pets away as you get set to catch and release the bird.
Step 3: Set out a feeder to distract the hummingbird
Put out a hummingbird feeder with fresh nectar (one part sugar dissolved in four parts water) and place it near a window or door that can be opened. This will redirect the hummingbird’s attention to the feeder and drinking nectar, making it easier to approach and guide it outside.
Step 4: Dim the lights in the room
Hummingbirds are drawn to light, so dimming the lights in the room may help prevent the bird from repeatedly flying to light fixtures where it can injure itself. Close drapes and shades over windows and turn off unneeded lights.
Step 5: Open doors and windows
Once the room is prepped, open all doors and windows leading outside. This gives a clear path for the hummingbird to exit on its own or with some gentle guidance.
Step 6: Wait for the hummingbird to perch
Never attempt to grab a hummingbird out of the air, as this can harm its delicate wings and body. Wait for the hummingbird to perch on the feeder, curtains, furniture, etc. The average hummingbird heart rate is over 500 beats per minute, so the bird will need to stop and rest regularly.
Step 7: Gently block exits to keep the hummingbird contained
While waiting for the hummingbird to perch, use your body or soft towels to gently block other open doorways or hallways, herding the bird closer to an open exterior door or window. Do not trap or touch the hummingbird.
Step 8: Encourage the hummingbird to fly outside
You can encourage a perched hummingbird to exit by gently waving sheets of paper or lightly misting water in its direction to urge it toward an open door or window. Avoid making sudden movements and do not touch the bird.
Step 9: Give the hummingbird time to leave on its own
Be patient and do not attempt to rush the hummingbird outdoors. It may take some time for it to become alert and fly out, especially if it is tired or cold from being inside. Keep other pets away and allow the hummingbird to exit at its own pace.
Step 10: Call a wildlife rehabilitator if needed
If the hummingbird appears injured or will not leave after an extended period of time, call a local wildlife rehabilitator or humane society for assistance. Do not attempt to handle an injured hummingbird yourself.
Tips for preventing hummingbirds from entering your home
Here are some tips to help prevent hummingbirds from accidentally flying into your house:
- Keep doors and windows shut, especially when cooking or using strongly scented products
- Install screens on windows and doors
- Keep exterior lights turned off at night or use special bulbs to avoid attracting insects
- Avoid placing feeders or flowering plants right next to your house
- Use exterior pest control techniques to reduce insects around your home
- Put up decoys of larger predatory birds to deter hummingbirds from approaching
Signs a hummingbird is trapped in your home
Watch for these signs that a hummingbird may have accidentally flown into your house and become disoriented:
- Seeing a small, fast-moving bird flying inside
- Hearing loud buzzing or chirping sounds
- Noticing a small bird repetitively flying to light fixtures or windows
- Finding bird droppings or feathers in unusual spots
Dangers to hummingbirds trapped indoors
Being trapped in a house poses the following dangers to hummingbirds:
- Exhaustion and stress from attempting to escape
- Dehydration and hunger without access to food sources
- Overheating or chilling due to temperature extremes
- Injuries from flying into walls, windows or fans
- Predation by house pets
It is important to act quickly when you suspect a hummingbird is trapped so that it can be safely released before suffering any harm.
Interesting facts about hummingbirds
- Hummingbirds have the fastest metabolism of all animals – their hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
- They have between 200-300 feathers on their body despite being very tiny birds.
- Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in place.
- Hummingbirds eat up to 2 times their body weight in nectar each day.
- They build nests about the size of a walnut using spiderwebs and plant materials.
- Hummingbird nests often reuse materials from previous nests each season.
- Their eggs are about the size of a coffee bean.
- There are over 300 species of hummingbirds found in the Americas.
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate over 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico.
- The average lifespan of a wild hummingbird is 3-5 years.
Key behaviors when a hummingbird is indoors
Understanding hummingbird behaviors can help you successfully get them back outside. Here are some key behaviors to expect:
- Frenzied, fast flight around the room
- Repeatedly flying to windows, lights or mirrors
- Perching frequently to rest
- Approaching feeders or flower vases for nectar
- Chirping noises, especially rapid high-pitched sounds
- Letargic or lethargic movements if exhausted or starving
- Standing still or remaining perched for long periods
Summary of what to do if a hummingbird is trapped inside
Here is a quick summary of the steps to safely capture and release a hummingbird that has flown into your home:
- Stay calm and quiet
- Confine the hummingbird to one room
- Turn off fans and dim lights
- Open all doors and windows
- Set out a nectar feeder to divert the hummingbird’s attention
- Wait for the bird to perch, then gently herd it toward an exit
- Do not attempt to touch the hummingbird
- Give the bird adequate time to fly out on its own
- Call a wildlife rehabilitator if the bird appears injured or trapped
Conclusion
Finding a hummingbird trapped in your house can be a startling experience, but these tiny birds typically can be ushered back outdoors without much difficulty. Remember to turn off fans, contain the hummingbird in one room, open exits, and allow the bird adequate time to leave on its own. Avoid excess noise or activity and do not attempt to handle the hummingbird. With some patience and preparation, you can help a lost hummingbird regain its freedom.
