Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover in place and dart quickly from flower to flower. At times, they may even hover extremely close to a person’s face. This can seem aggressive, but in most cases, the hummingbird is simply curious or looking for food. There are several reasons why hummingbirds fly close to people’s faces, which we’ll explore in this article.
They are Attracted to Bright Colors and Shiny Objects
Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are naturally drawn to red, orange, and pink flowers that provide nectar. If a person is wearing bright clothing or makeup in these colors, it can attract the attention of a hummingbird. They may inspect the area up close to determine if it is a flower. Things like jewelry, glasses, and brightly colored hats can also spark their curiosity and bring them in for a closer look.
They are Establishing Dominance and Territory
Hummingbirds are very territorial creatures. They will defend their key food sources and nesting sites from other hummingbirds. A hummingbird thatpersistently hovers near your face may be viewing you as an intruder. By flying close, they are attempting to signal that they are dominant in the area in an effort to drive you away. This behavior is most common in mature males.
They are Inspecting Potential Threats
Hummingbirds have good memories and can recognize individual human faces. If you get close to an active nest or feeder, the resident hummingbird may remember this encounter. Later on, when you are nearby, the hummingbird may approach your face again to inspect you and ensure you are not a threat. Once satisfied, they typically move on.
They are Curious About People
Hummingbirds have personalities, and some are simply very curious about humans. They will fly in close to inspect your face, hair, and clothing. When they do not perceive you as a flower, food source, threat or rival, they may linger briefly just to satisfy their curiosity before moving on. These especially social hummingbirds will often remember people who allow them near.
Why Hummingbirds Hover Near Faces
There are four main reasons hummingbirds come in such close proximity to human faces:
Mistaken Identity
Hummingbirds rely primarily on their excellent vision to locate food sources. If a person is wearing bright red or orange clothing, a hummingbird may mistake them for a giant flower. It will approach the “flower” to try and feed. Once it gets close enough to distinguish the clothing from an actual blossom, it will quickly move on. This is particularly common with ball caps that feature bright colors.
Establishing Dominance
Hummingbirds are territorial and can remember specific human and bird “intruders” near their preferred feeding areas. By approaching your face, the hummingbird signals that it considers you an invader to drive out. Maintaining dominance over their territory is crucial for mating and survival. The closer they hover, the more aggressive they are attempting to appear.
Curiosity
Intelligence and memory allow hummingbirds to recognize individual people. Some become curious about humans in their habitat and will closely inspect various facial features. They may linger briefly when the person does not pose any apparent threat. Their curiosity satisfied, the hummingbird will then move along.
Nest Protection
Hummingbirds in the midst of nesting become very defensive of the area around their nests. If you encroach too close, the birds may remember you and aggressively inspect you to protect their offspring. This is especially true for mothers. Once nesting is complete, this behavior usually ceases.
Key Times Hummingbirds Hover Near Faces
There are two peak times of year when hummingbirds are most likely to hover uncommonly close to human faces:
Spring – Nesting Season
Springtime is nesting season for hummingbirds. As the urge to mate becomes stronger, males become more territorial and competitive. If you get too close to a male’s preferred feeding area, he may fly within inches of your face to signal his dominance and try to scare you off. Females also become territorial as they begin nesting and will boldly protect their nest site.
Late Summer – Pre-Migration Hunger
In late summer, hummingbirds enter a phase of hyperphagia where they need to consume more calories to store fat for migration. During this period, they visit feeders more frequently and become bolder around humans when seeking food. A very hungry hummingbird may check if your bright clothing or accessories are edible food sources.
Hummingbird Species Most Likely to Hover Near Faces
Some hummingbird species are more likely than others to hover intently in front of human faces:
Anna’s Hummingbird
This large Pacific Coast hummingbird is very territorial, especially during its extended breeding season that runs from November to June. Males vigilantly defend feeding areas.
Rufous Hummingbird
One of the boldest and most aggressive species. The feisty Rufous is known to chase away much larger birds. They will confront perceived threats fearlessly.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Common along the East Coast, Ruby-throats become defensive of their nests and feeders. Males perform dramatic display dives to drive intruders away.
Calliope Hummingbird
At just 2-3 inches long, the tiny Calliope is the smallest North American species. But males are fiercely competitive for wildflower patches and feeders despite their size.
| Species | Region | Notable Territorial Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Pacific Coast | Extended breeding season makes males very defensive of feeders and flowers for nearly 8 months. |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest | Known for being one of the boldest and most aggressive species despite small size. |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Eastern North America | Males perform display dives to drive intruders away from their territory. |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Western North America | Tiny size does not prevent males from being fiercely competitive for wildflower and feeder access. |
When is their Behavior Most Aggressive?
Male hummingbirds exhibit more bold behavior during key life stages:
Spring – Establishing Territories
In spring, male hummingbirds return ahead of females to claim the best food sources and nest sites. Expect aggressive displays as they announce their presence.
Mid-Summer – Peak Mating Period
Testosterone levels peak in male hummingbirds during summer mating season, making them more irascible. They vigorously guard their mates.
Fall – Preparing for Migration
In fall, hummingbirds bulk up by feeding frequently. They may zealously chase others away from prime food sources in preparation for migration.
Tips for Avoiding Close Encounters
Here are some tips to prevent hummingbirds from hovering too closely:
Avoid Bright Red or Orange Clothing
Opt for more muted colors like whites, greens or blues near hummingbird territory to prevent appearing like a giant flower.
Provide Ample Feeders
Make sure multiple feeders are readily available to reduce competition and aggression at food sources.
Don’t Disturb Active Nests
Give a wide berth to any active hummingbird nests so parents perceive less threat.
Use Feeders to Your Advantage
Position feeders in strategic spots away from gathering areas to draw aggressive individuals away.
Install Feeders Mid-Territory
Placing feeders in the middle of a male’s territory can spread out competition and reduce defensive behavior.
How to Get a Hummingbird to Move On
If a hummingbird persists in hovering near your face, here are some tactics to encourage it to move on:
Slowly Back Away
By slowly increasing your distance, you signal that you are not a threat to the hummingbird’s territory.
Block Access to You
Use a hand, book or other object to gently discourage the hummingbird from coming closer.
Look Away
Turning your head signals disinterest in the hummingbird, helping it disengage.
hummingbird
The rhythmic humming sound can prompt territorial birds to retreat.
Sprinkle Water
The sprinkle of water drops will encourage the bird to move aside without harm.
When to Worry About Hummingbird Behavior
In most cases, an overly friendly hummingbird will eventually lose interest and move on. However, you should consult an expert if the bird shows signs of:
Injury or Illness
A hummingbird that behaves oddly and has no energy may need medical care. Capture and contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Tameness
Hummingbirds that become too comfortable with humans may have an impaired ability to survive in the wild. Seek expert advice.
Nest Disturbance
Persistent hovering around a nest may indicate a disturbance that threatens parent birds or offspring. Have the area evaluated.
Repeated Aggression
If a hummingbird makes regular threatening passes at you over an extended period, an expert may need to intervene.
Habituation
In rare cases, hummingbirds become conditioned to interacting extremely close with people. Rehabilitation may be required.
Important Considerations
When encountering an overly friendly hummingbird, keep these final thoughts in mind:
They Are Wild Animals
While curious and feisty, hummingbirds should ultimately remain self-sufficient in nature. Be careful not to domesticate them.
Caution With Nesting Birds
Never disturb active hummingbird nests. The parents may abandon the chicks if they feel the area is unsafe.
Avoid Swatting
Resist the urge to swat an aggressive hummingbird. They are specially protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
It’s Not Personal
Remember, the hummingbird is simply defending its territory. Do not take its behavior personally.
When to Get Help
If a hummingbird seems imperiled or unable to return to the wild, reach out to a wildlife rehabilitation expert.
Conclusion
While having a hummingbird hover near your face may seem unsettling at first, in most cases the behavior is perfectly natural for these energetic, territorial birds. By understanding their motives and utilizing a few gentle deterrents, you can discourage extremely close contact while still enjoying these special little birds. With appropriate steps, hummingbirds and humans can continue to amicably share the same habitats.
