Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that have adapted in incredible ways to survive in a variety of environments. However, their small size also makes them vulnerable to strong winds and storms. So where do hummingbirds go to escape dangerous weather conditions? There are a few key strategies hummingbirds use to stay safe when winds pick up.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to provide quick answers to key questions readers may have. To briefly answer the title question – hummingbirds seek shelter in thick vegetation, cavities, and other protected structures when faced with high winds. Their small bodies and high metabolisms mean they are particularly susceptible to losing body heat and can be blown off course during flight. Choosing the right shelter is critical to their survival.
Why Do Hummingbirds Need to Seek Shelter in High Winds?
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds found in North America, with most species 5-8 cm long and weighing just 2-6 grams. Their tiny size gives them incredible maneuverability in flight, allowing them to hover and fly backwards with ease. However, this also makes them vulnerable when winds pick up. Here are some key reasons hummingbirds need shelter in high winds:
Risk of Being Blown Off Course
Hummingbirds have a flight speed of around 15-30 mph when simply moving from place to place. However, when winds reach 20 mph or greater, it can exceed their flight speed and make it challenging for them to control their direction. They are at risk of being blown into objects or off course during critical activities like migration.
Overheating and Fatigue
Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms and need to consume up to half their weight in nectar daily to maintain their energy levels. This requires frequent feeding. High winds make it harder for them to feed, while simultaneously burning more calories if they’re fighting the winds. This combination can lead to fatiguing and overheating.
Heat Loss
Hummingbirds already lose heat easily because of their small size. Their body temperature can drop dangerously low when winds pick up and remove their insulating warm air layer. Prolonged exposure leads to lethargy, torpor, and even death.
Lack of Muscle Mass
While hummingbirds have proportionally large chest muscles to power flight, they have very little muscle elsewhere in their bodies. They simply lack the overall muscle mass and strength to withstand strong gusts for extended periods. Seeking shelter allows them to conserve their energy.
Where Do Hummingbirds Go For Shelter?
When winds exceed their flight capabilities, hummingbirds seek different forms of cover and shelter to protect themselves. Some key places they may go include:
Thick Vegetation
Bushes, shrubs, trees, and tall grasses provide cover from the wind and create a calmer microclimate for hummingbirds to rest. Broad-leafed, dense vegetation gives the best protection. Evergreen trees are favored over deciduous trees that shed leaves in winter.
Cavities
Natural tree cavities and crevices provide enclosed spaces out of the wind. Hummingbirds may wedge themselves into these openings, using spider webs and lichen to disguise the entryway. Nest boxes and artificial shelters can also mimic these protected spots.
Buildings
Eaves, porches, garages, and other structures on human dwellings can be used by hummingbirds if vegetation is scarce. They may seek entry through small gaps and cracks.
Low to the Ground
Since winds are diminished closer to the ground, hummingbirds may hug the ground or fly to the base of trees and shrubs to escape gusts. They conserve energy while waiting out high winds in these sheltered spots.
| Shelter Type | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Thick Vegetation | Bushes, shrubs, trees, tall grasses | Natural cover, calmer winds |
| Cavities | Tree holes, crevices, nest boxes | Enclosed protection |
| Buildings | Eaves, porches, garages | Man-made cover |
| Low to the Ground | Base of trees, near shrubs | Less wind exposure |
Unique Adaptations That Aid Survival
Hummingbirds have several unique adaptations that help them take shelter when winds pick up:
Torpor
Hummingbirds can enter a hibernation-like, deep sleep state known as torpor. Their metabolic rate slows to a fraction of normal levels. This minimizes their food requirements and enables them to wait out storms in protected areas.
Puffed Feathers
Hummingbirds can trap more air in their plumage to create more insulation when it’s windy. This helps prevent heat loss. They may also fluff their feathers while sleeping in torpor.
Body Positioning
Hummingbirds can rotate their wrists to allow their bodies to be almost perpendicular to a perch instead of parallel. This decreases their profile area exposed to the wind.
Claws
Their small but strong claws allow hummingbirds to tightly grasp branches and foliage without being blown off course, even in sleep. This helps them hold their position in cover.
When Are Hummingbirds Most Vulnerable?
There are certain times when hummingbirds are most at risk from high winds and most likely to need shelter:
During Migration
Hummingbirds are vulnerable when migrating because they must fly long distances without much chance to rest and refuel. Being blown off course could be disastrous.
Cold Weather
Colder temperatures coupled with wind can quickly lead to fatally low body temperatures in hummingbirds. Taking cover is critical.
Nesting Season
Hummingbird babies in nests could be endangered if winds detach nests or blow away parents struggling to fly home and feed their young.
High Altitudes
Hummingbirds that dwell in mountainous areas are more prone to wind exposure and need adequate shelters to retreat to.
Providing Shelter and Protection
Here are some tips for supporting hummingbirds when gusty conditions arrive:
Plant Native Vegetation
Increasing natural shelters like trees and shrubs on your property gives hummingbirds more windbreaks.
Leave Dead Trees
Snags provide cavities. Don’t remove dead, unthreatening trees.
Install Feeders
Nectar feeders can help tide hummingbirds over if they are having trouble feeding normally. Place feeders in protected spots.
Provide Nesting Sites
Put up nest boxes so hummingbirds have safe places to nest and raise young.
Use Windbreaks
Strategically use fencing, hedges, and gardens to create less windy zones in your yard.
Delay Trimming
Postpone trimming vegetation that hummingbirds use as cover until calmer seasons arrive.
The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change may potentially impact hummingbirds’ ability to shelter from high winds in the future. Here are a couple ways this could occur:
More Frequent Severe Weather
Scientists predict an increase in intense storms, hurricanes, and wind events related to climate change. This could mean hummingbirds needing shelter more often.
Shift in Plant Ranges
If climate change alters where vegetation can thrive geographically, hummingbird shelter and food sources may change. Their historical wind shelters may disappear.
Providing artificial cover sources, planting hardier wind-resistant plants, and taking measures to reduce the climate crisis can help counteract these impacts. But a warmer world will still likely create new challenges for hummingbirds that have adapted to historical shelter patterns.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds’ tiny size makes them vulnerable to being swept off course or losing body heat when winds are strong. Seeking shelter in vegetation, cavities, buildings, and low to the ground allows them to ride out gusty conditions. Their adaptations help them hold on, reduce their metabolism, and minimize exposure. Providing natural and artificial shelters can aid hummingbirds in increasingly extreme weather. With climate change possibly increasing wind impacts, supporting these captivating birds is more important than ever.
