Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures. Their ability to hover mid-air and drink nectar while beating their wings up to 80 times per second is fascinating to observe. But like any animal, hummingbirds can get itchy too! So why do these nimble birds stop to scratch themselves, and what causes their itchiness in the first place?
Itching Causes
There are a few potential reasons why a hummingbird might feel the urge to scratch:
- Dry skin – Hummingbirds bathe daily, splashing in water sources or allowing rainwater to clean their feathers. But dry air, wind, and sun can still parch their skin leaving it crackly and itchy.
- Molting – Hummingbirds molt and replace their feathers multiple times per year. During molting, old feathers are shed and new pin feathers grow in. This process can irritate the skin and cause itchiness.
- Pests – Feather lice and mites are occasional nuisances for hummingbirds. These nearly microscopic insects crawl on the skin and feathers, causing irritation.
- Diseases – Though rare in hummingbirds, bacterial, fungal, or yeast skin infections can cause itching and scaly patches.
- Nesting material – Some female hummingbirds line their nests with irritating plant fibers like thistles. Building nests can leave their skin itchy.
- Stress – Increased scratching and grooming behaviors are sometimes a sign of stress in hummingbirds, though the underlying causes are unclear.
So in most cases, scratching is the hummingbird’s attempt to relieve annoying itches caused by dryness, molting, pests, infections, nest materials, or stressors. The sensation of itching is universal among animals with skin, feathers, or fur, and scratching provides temporary relief.
How Hummingbirds Scratch
Hummingbirds have several techniques for scratching those hard-to-reach spots:
- Feet – They use their tiny feet and toes to scratch at itchy areas around the head, neck, and chest.
- Beak – The pointed tip of the beak can be used to precision preen and peel away flaky skin or feather sheaths.
- Perches – Rubbing against the bark or branches of a favorite perch acts like a backscratcher.
- Water – Bathing serves a dual purpose of getting clean and using water to soothe itchy skin.
- Dust – Coastal and desert species may scratch in fine dirt or sand to exfoliate itchy skin.
Hummingbirds contort themselves into all sorts of positions while scratching – stretching a leg up behind their wing, hanging upside down, hovering and spinning mid-air. Flexible spines and ball-and-socket shoulder joints allow them to scratch virtually all over their body with a little determination!
Why Scratching is Important
Though scratching may seem unimportant, it serves several vital functions for hummingbird health and comfort:
- Itch relief – Scratching provides temporary relief from irritating itches, just as it does for humans.
- Removes skin irritants – Dislodges parasites, loose feathers, scabs, flaky skin, and dirt.
- Spread preen oil – Distributes antibacterial/antifungal oils from the preen gland over the feathers.
- Stimulates blood flow – Improves circulation and speeds healing of damaged skin or feathers.
- Grooming – Keeps plumage in prime condition for thermal regulation and flight.
- Exfoliation – Sloughs off dead skin cells and feather sheaths.
When hummingbirds are unable to adequately scratch an itch, they can further damage their skin and feathers. Preventing a hummingbird from preening and scratching altogether for too long could even threaten its health.
Interesting Scratching Behaviors
Here are a few fascinating facts about the scratching behaviors of hummingbirds:
- They often scratch in quick “burst sessions” – intensely scratching for 5-10 seconds, then stopping.
- Scratches the most around dawn and dusk when preparing to sleep – believed to feel more itchy at these times.
- May scratch while flying by vigorously rubbing against a favorite perch.
- Sometimes seen contorting completely upside down while vigorously scratching with feet.
- Young nestlings scratch with their tiny beak, signaling parents that they have an itch.
- Male Anna’s hummingbirds scratch with a broken snag or tree limb, making a rattling sound to defend territory.
When to Worry
Occasional scratching is totally normal hummingbird behavior. But if you observe a hummingbird that appears to be scratching excessively or damaging its skin, it could indicate:
- Severe infestation of mites or lice
- Bacterial, fungal, or yeast skin infection
- Allergic reaction
- Recent application of pesticides or other toxins
- High levels of stress
Seeing bare patches, scabs, or obvious skin irritation around the legs, wings, or head are also reasons for concern. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if a hummingbird seems distressed or is injured from excessive scratching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hummingbirds scratch for the same reasons we do – to relieve itching! Causes include dry skin, molting, irritants, allergies, and stress. Scratching with feet, beak, and perches removes dead skin and feathers, spreads helpful oils, and provides comfort. While an occasional scratch is normal, excessive scratching may indicate an underlying health issue needing attention. So next time you see a hummingbird contorting itself to scratch an itch, know that it is carrying out an important self-care behavior!
