Hummingbirds hovering in front of windows is a common phenomenon many homeowners experience. While it may seem like these small birds are just being curious, there are a few main reasons why hummingbirds exhibit this behavior.
They See Their Reflection
One of the most common reasons hummingbirds hover in front of windows is because they see their reflection. The reflective and transparent properties of glass can create the illusion there is another bird present. This reflection catches the hummingbird’s attention and they will inspect it to determine if it is a rival hummingbird or a potential mate.
Male hummingbirds in particular are very territorial. They will aggressively defend their feeding grounds from other males. So when they see their reflection, they often perceive it as an intruding male hummingbird. This causes them to hover in front of the window and sometimes repeatedly attack the glass to try and drive the other bird away.
Likewise, female hummingbirds also may perceive their reflection as another female encroaching on their territory. Or males may think the reflection is a prospective female and hover at the window seeking an opportunity to mate.
They See Indoor Flowers and Feeders
Another reason hummingbirds hover near windows is they see flowers or feeders inside a home. The sight and scent of fresh flowers and nectar are powerfully attractive to hummingbirds. If they detect these things on the other side of a window, they will investigate them up close.
Hummingbirds have exceptional vision and easily spot indoor flowering plants and feeders, even at a distance. Once near the window itself, they are able to hover directly in front of the alluring flowers and feeders as they try to figure out how to reach the tantalizing nectar.
It’s common for homeowners with indoor flowers or feeders to report frequent hummingbird visitors at their windows. The hummingbirds are essentially trying to gain entry to the food source they see just on the other side of the glass barrier.
They Don’t Recognize Glass as a Barrier
Hummingbirds don’t perceive clear glass the same way humans do. While the window is an obvious barrier to us, hummingbirds may not understand the window is a solid structure.
When they see enticing flowers, feeders, or even their reflection, they simply see a clear path to reach the object of their attention. So they swiftly fly straight towards it without anticipating the obstruction of the glass window pane.
Most hummingbirds will learn after one or two unsuccessful attempts at flying through the window that it is a solid barrier. But some especially determined and territorial males may repeatedly attack the window when defending their territory.
They Get Trapped by Open Windows
Hummingbirds also end up hovering inside houses when an open window provides access. Once inside, the hummingbird becomes confused as it attempts to escape through a closed window or seeks a way out. This frantic trapped bird is likely the source of the myth that hummingbirds are good luck if they enter your home.
Trapped hummingbirds will often exhaust themselves hitting against the closed windows. Homeowners should gently capture the bird and release it back outside if this occurs. Keeping windows and doors shut when possible can help prevent hummingbirds from becoming trapped indoors.
How to Stop Hummingbirds from Hovering at Windows
While hummingbird window hovering is usually harmless, here are some tips to deter them and prevent potential injuries:
- Use window decals – Strips of decal tape applied to windows can help break up reflections.
- Install external screens – External screens on the outside of windows keep birds from approaching closely.
- Close interior blinds/curtains – Block the hummingbird’s view of indoor flowers, feeders and their reflection.
- Use hummingbird decoys – Fake hummingbird decoys near the window may deter them from approaching.
- Relocate feeders – Position feeders at least 5 feet from windows so birds don’t fly toward the glass.
With some simple adjustments, you can discourage hummingbirds from hovering at problematic windows. This protects them from any injuries and prevents them from feeling threatened or trapped by window reflections and see-through glass.
Fascinating Hummingbird Facts
While investigating the hovering behavior of hummingbirds, here are some interesting facts about these captivating birds:
- Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world – The bee hummingbird is just 2 inches long and weighs less than a penny!
- They have incredibly fast heart rates – Hummingbird hearts can beat up to 1,260 beats per minute.
- They have mastered the art of hovering – Hummingbirds can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, sideways, and hover in place.
- They have long forked tongues – Their tongues allow them to nectar at a rate of up to 13 licks per second.
- They love the color red – Bright red flowers and feeders are powerful attractants to hummingbirds.
- They have impressive memories – Hummingbirds can remember every flower they visit and won’t revisit emptied ones.
- They are fierce defenders – Male hummingbirds fiercely defend their nectar-rich feeding territories from intruders.
- They eat up to twice their body weight daily – Half of this is consumed as they refuel at night.
- They are loners – Hummingbirds live solitary lives and don’t interact much beyond mating.
- They fly long distances – Some hummingbirds migrate over 2,000 miles each year.
Hummingbirds are remarkable creatures. Their mid-air maneuverability and hovering abilities are mesmerizing to observe up close. This is why we often can’t resist getting near them, even if our presence is sometimes disruptive to their lives.
Understanding why hummingbirds hover by windows gives us insight into their behaviors. With some adjustments, we can easily discourage this activity when it becomes problematic without harming these captivating birds.
Conclusion
In summary, the main reasons hummingbirds hover in front of windows are:
- They see their reflection and perceive an intruding bird.
- They spot enticing indoor flowers and feeders.
- They don’t recognize glass as a solid barrier.
- They accidentally become trapped inside houses.
Using window deterrents, keeping feeders away from windows, and closing blinds can prevent problematic hovering. Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, so with some adjustments we can easily continue enjoying their beauty and aerial talents outside our homes.
