Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that have captivated people for centuries. They are the smallest birds in the world, yet they are also some of the toughest and most energetic. Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and must consume a lot of energy in the form of nectar and insects each day in order to survive. This raises an interesting question – where exactly do hummingbirds find all the bugs they eat? Let’s explore the places and methods hummingbirds use to catch insect prey.
In Flowers
Flowers are one of the main places hummingbirds look for insects. As they fly from bloom to bloom sipping nectar, they also grab small bugs like gnats, aphids, spiders, and others that can be found hiding within the petals and leaves. Brightly colored tubular flowers seem to attract the most insects, especially flowers with sweet nectar. Some examples of flowers that hummingbirds probe for bugs include:
- Trumpet Creeper
- Bee Balm
- Fuchsia
- Lantana
- Columbine
- Impatiens
Hummingbirds use their slender, pointed beaks to poke into the centers of flowers and explore for hiding insects. Their long, forked tongues dart in and out to catch the bugs. This allows hummingbirds to get a meal of both sugary nectar and protein-packed insects all in one place.
At Sugar Feeders
Backyard hummingbird feeders are another location these clever birds find insects. These feeders are primarily intended to provide sugary liquid, but they also attract flying pests. Ants and fruit flies crawl on the feeders, and bees, wasps, and flying insects buzz around the sugary mixture. Alert hummingbirds watch for when one lands on the feeder and then quickly swoop in to snatch the protein-providing bug.
Some ways to help hummingbirds catch more insects at feeders include:
- Use an open-style feeder rather than one with yellow jackets guards, since these prevent access
- Place feeders near insect-attracting flowers and bushes
- Set up a sprayer or dripper to attract more flying insects
With a little encouragement, hummingbird feeders can provide a double meal.
Near Sprinklers and Drippers
Hummingbirds are drawn to the small insects that gather around water sources. Backyard irrigation systems like sprinklers and drippers attract flying bugs looking for a drink. Smart hummingbirds will remember these insect-gathering spots and make regular visits to hunt for easy meals.
Some ways to increase insect numbers near water sources include:
- Adjust sprinklers to spray low to the ground
- Install drippers and misters in garden beds
- Aim sprinklers onto gravel or paving to create mud puddles
- Add a small water feature with moving water
With more insects buzzing around these damp areas, hummingbirds are sure to stop by often to take advantage of the hunting grounds.
In Trees and Bushes
Leafy trees, shrubs, and bushes also provide good hiding spots for little insects like treehoppers, caterpillars, spider mites, and leaf miners. Hummingbirds will diligently search through the branches and leaves looking for any movement that gives away a crawling or flying insect. They use their sharp vision and quick reflexes to instantly snatch bugs off leaves before they even know what happened.
Some ways to increase the insect population naturally on trees and bushes include:
- Plant a variety of native plants that attract more bugs
- Avoid pesticides so insect numbers can thrive
- Provide water drippers around root zones
- Leave dead leaves and wood as insect habitats
With more insects naturally cycling through the vegetation, hummingbirds will flock to these fruitful feeding grounds.
Along Rivers and Streams
The abundance of insects that breed near water makes rivers and streams excellent bug-hunting grounds for hummingbirds. Bugs like mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and true flies all have aquatic larvae stages and thrive along waterways. Adults lay their eggs on the water surface, providing easy pickings for hungry hummers.
Smart hummingbirds will remember locations with open water and make regular visits in search of fresh insect hatches. Places to look for hummingbird hunting grounds include:
- Along the banks and sandbars of gently flowing streams and rivers
- Near riffles where moving water provides oxygen
- Around small waterfalls and splash zones
- Wherever flying insects congregate over the water
Seeing a hummingbird swiftly picking off emerging mayflies and other bugs along a waterway is a magical sight.
In Swarms of Flying Insects
Hummingbirds display amazing flying skills when hunting swarms of bugs. When termites, ants, or flying insects like midges, aphids, or leafhoppers take to the air in big groups, hungry hummingbirds will perform acrobatic maneuvers and precisely pick off their prey one by one.
They use their unique flying abilities to quickly change directions, hover in place, and fly backwards to snatch up bugs with perfect precision. Some ways these talented hunters catch swarming insects include:
- Pendulum feeding – swinging back and forth through the flying cloud picking off bugs
- Hover gleaning – hovering in place and grabbing passing insects
- Accurate attacks – diving, flipping upside down, and targeting unlucky bugs
Seeing a hummingbird deftly harvesting a patch of flying insects is always an impressive scene.
Along Forest Edges
Forest edges and meadows that border tree lines represent another great habitat for hummingbirds to hunt bugs. These transitional zones seem to attract a wide variety of flying insects that seek the dappled sunlight and moisture that these environments provide. Bugs found here include gnats, flies, moth, butterflies, and beetles.
Smart hummingbirds will patrol these productive border areas searching for insect prey. Some tips for attracting more bugs to forest edges for hummers include:
- Allow leaf litter and vegetation to accumulate naturally
- Supply nectar feeders in partially shaded areas
- Plant a variety of native wildflowers and plants
- Provide water drippers or a small pool nearby
With ample vegetation and moisture, these beautiful forest-meadow borders will be buzzing with insect life for hummers to feast on.
Around Artificial Lights
Many flying insects are drawn to artificial lights, especially at night. Attracted to the glow, moths, beetles, midges, mosquitos and other bugs swarm around streetlights, lamps, and other illuminated areas. Savvy hummingbirds have learned that these lights provide an easy meal.
In the early morning hours, hummers will patrol these light sources looking to pick off any sluggish insects still lingering there. They are able to use their keen eyesight, specialized tongue, andsharp beak to expertly pluck off tiny insects hiding in the small crevices on light posts and fixtures.
Some ways to create more “bug buffets” with artificial lights include:
- Install hummingbird feeders with LED lights nearby
- Use non-UV lights that attract more insects
- Place incadescent porch and garage lights in your yard
- Put up LED string lights around trees and posts
With the right lighting setup, hummingbirds will keep coming back to these 24-hour insect lunch counters.
Near Spider Webs
Spiders build intricate webs to trap insects for themselves to eat. But did you know that hummingbirds also look for spiders and their webs as a source of food? Hummers have learned that spider webs often contain trapped insects and represent easy picking for them.
Clever hummingbirds will locate spider webs and carefully pluck out any entangled bugs without damaging the web. They also look for spiders rebuilding their web silks and snatch away the tasty bugs right from the spider itself. Some tips for providing more spider web dining opportunities include:
- Avoid removing cobwebs in your yard
- Provide structures like fences and trellises for web building
- Plant shrubs and trees that attract more insects and spiders
- Consider installing a spider web tower specifically for hummers
With a little encouragement, your yard can become an all-you-can-eat bug buffet for hummingbirds courtesy of the local spiders.
On Trees Sap Flows
In addition to providing insects, trees also give hummers a sugar feast in the form of sap. Certain trees and conifers naturally ooze sap, especially in the springtime as resources flow back up the trunk. smart hummingbirds take advantage of this free nectar source, stopping to sip from sap flows on trees like maples, birches, and walnuts.
Sapsucker woodpeckers also create holes in trees that then drip sap, providing another hummer feeding opportunity. Some ways to encourage more sap opportunities include:
- Identify and protect sappy trees like pine, elm, and locust
- Create sap wells by drilling holes in ash, poplar, and walnut trees
- Tap birch and maple trees to create sap dripping spots
- Let woodpecker damage remain so sap will flow
With a little encouragement, your trees can offer hummingbirds both a sweet treat and protein in one stop.
Among Woodpiles and Timber
As timbers and dead wood slowly decay, they become magnets for insects that feed on the rotting plant material. Termites, beetles, ants, wasps, and wood bees all find rotting logs irresistible. Hummingbirds take advantage of these natural insect congregation areas by patrolling woodpiles in search of slow-moving bugs.
They use their needle-sharp beaks to probe into crevices in the wood and extract crawling insects and larva. Tips for attracting more bugs to woodpiles for hummers include:
- Leave dead branches and trees on your property
- Make brush piles with trimmings rather than disposing
- Stack firewood rather than containing it
- Allow a rotting stump to remain
By letting dead wood accumulate naturally, your yard can become a hummingbird hunting paradise.
On Disturbed Ground
Digging in soil uncovers all kinds of insects and larvae normally hidden underground. Ants, grubs, beetles, and fly larvae all get exposed when the dirt is disturbed. Hummingbirds will closely watch sites where the earth is being turned over in search of unearthed insects.
Some examples of ground disturbance that provide bug bounties include:
- Animal digs from squirrels, dogs, or other critters
- Areas under construction
- Gardens being planted or harvested
- Flower beds being weeded or mulched
- Kids outdoor play areas
By keeping an eye on these “bug bonanzas”, patient hummingbirds can score a tasty insect meal.
Near Hives and Nests
Insects congregate in mass around their hives, nests, and colonies. Bees returning to the hive, ants marching to and from their nests, and wasps buzzing around paper nest colonies all provide gathered insects that hummers can take advantage of.
Smart hummingbirds will remember the locations of insect homes like these and make frequent visits to prey upon the coming and going bugs. Some ways to provide more hive/nest dining opportunities include:
- Leave wild honeybee hives and wasp nests untouched
- Place wood nest boxes to attract bees
- Do not disturb ant hills and colonies
- Plant plants that attract more pollinators
Allowing these insect homes to remain means a regular feast for hummingbird bug hunters.
Inside Homes and Garages
Hummingbirds are always on the search for easy meals, and will even fly inside buildings where insects accumulate. Open windows and doors in homes, barns, garages and outbuildings provide access. Once inside, hummers check ceiling corners, windowsills, and light fixtures for trapping bugs.
Some ways to make indoor areas more attractive for hummer bug hunting include:
- Leave garage doors open in the early evenings
- Open all windows first thing in the morning
- Install insect attracting lights and fly strips indoors
- Allow safe access openings to outbuildings
- Clean up indoor spiders webs after hummers leave
With proper access, indoor areas can provide a bounty of easy insects for opportunistic hummingbirds.
In Backyards and Gardens
Backyards gardens are prime targets for hungry hummingbird to search for insect meals. All the flowers, plants, bushes and trees attract a huge variety of insects and spiders to both pollinate plants and feed on vegetation. Hummers simply have to visit these flower and plant-filled backyards and pick off the many bugs present.
Some tips for making your yard even more insect-friendly for hummingbirds include:
- Plant a variety of native flowering plants
- Include plants of different heights like trees, bushes and ground cover
- Don’t use pesticides so insect numbers can thrive
- Provide fresh water sources like drippers, misters and small pools
- Place nectar feeders strategically around the yard
- Include plants that attract insects at all stages of growth
With a diverse habitat filled with plants, flowers and water, hummingbirds will flock to backyards and gardens for the amazing all-you-can-eat insect buffets.
Conclusion
As we have explored, hummingbirds are talented hunters that find insects to feast on in a wide variety of locations and situations. They search through backyards and gardens, fields and forests, along rivers and under lights to find every possible bug meal they can. Supporting natural insect life by avoiding pesticides and providing nectar through feeders and insect friendly plants are great ways to attract more hummingbirds to your outdoor areas.
Watching these energetic birds fearlessly hunt down swarms of bugs and pluck tiny spiders from webs is always a thrill. Learning the habits and habitats of hummingbirds gives you an even greater appreciation for how skilled they are at locating insects to eat almost anywhere. So next time you see a hummingbird whiz by – just imagine it’s off to find the nearest bug buffet!
