Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that seem to defy physics with their ability to hover and fly backwards. Their diminutive size and bright, iridescent colors make them a joy to watch as they buzz around feeding on nectar. However, these tiny birds have some interesting behaviors when it rains that leave many people puzzled.
They become more active and aggressive
During a rainstorm, hummingbirds exhibit increased activity levels and aggression. They will chase each other around feeders and flowers with more intensity than on a sunny day. The rapid wing-flapping that allows them to hover gets even faster, and they zip back and forth through the rain. They also become very territorial, fiercely guarding their food sources from other hummingbirds.
This behavior stems from the scarcity of food sources during bad weather. With fewer flowers and insects available, feeders become more valuable resources that need protection. The added energy expenditure from flying in rain may also make the birds more frantic about refueling.
They consume more food
In addition to acting aggressively, hummingbirds eat more during rainy weather. Their higher activity levels and heat loss from wet plumage require greater energy intake. A bird that typically feeds 5-6 times an hour may increase that frequency to every 5-10 minutes in the rain. They often end up consuming up to 40% more calories on rainy days.
To avoid starvation, hummingbirds need to replace the energy spent keeping warm and flying in rain. With higher metabolisms and faster heart rates, they have to frequently refuel despite unpleasant conditions. Supplementing natural nectar sources with feeders can help them get adequate nutrition.
They enter torpor
Torpor is a state of deep sleep that hummingbirds enter each night to conserve energy. Their metabolic rate and body temperature drops drastically. During prolonged storms or cold nights, torpor may be their only chance of survival.
By entering torpor, hummingbirds can lower their energy requirements by 50-70%. This preserves vital fat reserves and reduces the risk of starvation. They may spend up to 12 hours motionless and chilled in this dormant state until the weather improves. Once warmth returns, they resume their regular high activity levels.
Their feathers get waterlogged
One of the biggest threats from rain is waterlogged feathers that can prevent flight. Raining drips into the feathers, saturating the barbules and barbicels that interlock to form a smooth surface. Just like wet hair, wet feathers mat together, separating the individual strands.
This disruption ruins the aerodynamic properties of feathers. Air no longer flows smoothly over the feather shape, causing turbulence and drag. Hummingbirds compensate by fluffing their feathers and preening vigorously to maintain insulation and realign the intricate structure.
Why does this happen?
Several theories may explain why hummingbirds become more active and aggressive in the rain:
- Increased energy use makes them more territorial about food sources
- Disorientation from low visibility and loss of usual food sources
- Hormonal changes related to stress, hunger, and cold
- Irritation from wet plumage
The most likely reasons involve the higher metabolic demands of flying in rain coupled with lower food availability. Hummingbirds require frequent feeding to survive, so rain-related scarcity triggers competition.
How can you help hummingbirds in the rain?
Hummingbird enthusiasts can help these tiny birds survive storms with a few tactics:
- Hang feeders under cover – Protect nectar from getting watered down
- Use rain guards – Prevent rain from entering the feeder reservoir
- Don’t remove feeders – Leave food sources available through the storm
- Make nectar extra strong – Increase sugar concentration to provide quick energy
- Provide shelter – Give them a place to perch and preen
With a source of nutrition and a spot to safely rest, hummingbirds have a better chance of enduring rainy weather. Their fascinating rain behaviors help the birds through harsh conditions.
Key Facts
- Hummingbirds increase activity and aggression in rain due to higher energy demands
- They consume up to 40% more food during rainy weather
- Entering torpor reduces energy needs and prevents starvation
- Wet feathers disrupt aerodynamics, so preening is vital
- Scarcity of food sources causes more territorial behavior
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have evolved unique adaptations for surviving in all weather conditions. Rainstorms bring particular challenges that send hummingbirds into energetic feeding frenzies as they seek nutrition despite being grounded. Understanding their behavior provides insights into how we can support these tiny birds through harsh weather. With a few careful adjustments to feeding practices during storms, we can help hummingbirds thrive even on the craziest of rainy days.
