Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that capture the imagination of many people. Their ability to hover mid-air with rapid wing beats, drink nectar while in flight, and migrate long distances make them a bird like no other. One charming behavior that hummingbirds exhibit is occasionally stopping in mid-air to look directly at a person. This prompts the question – why do hummingbirds stop and look at you? There are several possible explanations.
Assessing threats
One reason hummingbirds may pause to look at humans is to quickly assess if the person poses a threat. Hummingbirds have many predators to watch out for, including birds of prey, snakes, cats, and other animals. Humans may appear as potential predators to hummingbirds when they approach a feeder or flowers the birds are feeding on. By briefly stopping and staring at the person, the hummingbird can determine if the human is safe or if they should flee from potential danger. This allows them to remain vigilant against anything that may try to catch and eat them.
Curiosity
Hummingbirds are naturally very curious creatures. Their survival depends on constantly exploring their environment to find nectar-filled flowers and safe places to perch and nest. Humans who spend time near feeding areas present novel stimuli for hummingbirds. When you are sitting on a porch near a feeder or tending to flowers, the hummingbirds are likely stopping mid-air simply to examine you out of curiosity. They may wonder “What is that large creature doing here?” and want a closer look to determine if you are friend or foe.
Establishing Dominance
Hummingbirds are very territorial and competitive when it comes to defending nectar resources. They often fight with each other to claim ownership over particularly lucrative flowers or feeders. When you approach an area hummingbirds frequent, they may view you as a potential competitor trying to steal their food source. By flying up near your head and staring you down, the hummingbird is essentially trying to establish its dominance over you and the feeding area. It wants to make it clear it was there first so you don’t crowd it out.
Looking for food
Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are drawn to the color red, which they associate with nectar-rich flowers. Some also regularly sip from bird feeders filled with red sugar water. When you wear bright clothing or approach a feeder, the hummingbirds might momentarily stop to inspect if you are a possible food source. They quickly realize you are not a flower, but the initial flash of red is enough to garner their attention in search of their next meal.
Marking Territory
Hummingbirds can be very territorial, especially males defending a food source, breeding ground, or nesting area. If you encroach on space the hummingbird considers its own, it may fly up and hover in front of your face as a way to mark its territory. By bravely approaching and directly staring at you, the hummingbird is communicating “This is my space, back off!” before chasing you away. It wants to train you to avoid the defended area in the future.
Attracting a mate
During mating season, male hummingbirds are intent on impressing females with elaborate courtship displays. They perform aerial dances, fly in loops and dive bombs, and make chirping sounds. If a female is nearby watching, the male may fly up and boldly stare at a human to show off his flying skills and strength to the female. He wants to demonstrate he is brave and strong enough to drive away a perceived threat.
Guarding a nest
Female hummingbirds that are incubating eggs or sheltering hatchlings are fiercely protective mothers. If a human comes near the nest, she may abandon the eggs or young to fly directly at the person’s face and hover there while staring them down. This is her desperate attempt to startle and intimidate the intruder away from the nest before they discover her vulnerable babies hidden inside.
Differences based on personality
Like any animal, hummingbirds have distinct personalities that shape how they interact with humans. Shyer individuals may only glance briefly at you from further away before moving on. Bold hummingbirds may fixate and stare at length if they are not intimidated by humans. Dominant territorial males will be more likely to stare you down fearlessly to assert their claim over a feeding territory. Young fledglings and migrating birds passing through may also be more inclined to inspect people out of naive curiosity.
When do hummingbirds stop to look at people?
Hummingbirds most often engage in mid-air staring when:
- A person is standing near or between their nest and a food source
- Approaching very close to a hummingbird feeder or flower
- Wearing bright red clothing
- Remaining motionless near a regular feeding area
- Making squeaking or chirping sounds to imitate hummingbirds
- Mistaken for a rival hummingbird encroaching on territory
What cues should you look for when a hummingbird stares at you?
Hummingbird staring behavior can provide clues into what the bird is thinking and feeling in that moment based on social cues like:
- Body position – An aggressive forward lean and lowered head indicates the intent to guard territory or a nest.
- Wing position – Spread wings and tail signal an attempt to appear larger and more threatening.
- Sounds – Chirping is a social cue while buzzing wings can express aggression.
- Movement style – Fast darting motions aimed at your face express annoyance and a desire to chase you away.
- Proximity – A far off stare is cautious while an intimate close up stare is bold and curious.
- Duration – Brief glancing shows safety assessment while extended staring conveys territorial warnings.
How to respond when a hummingbird stares at you
When a hummingbird pauses its frenetic activity to hover in front of your face, staring you down, what is the best way to respond?
- Avoid sudden movements so you don’t startle the bird
- Remain still and allow it to assess you are not a threat
- Slowly move further away from any nests or feeders
- Speak softly or whistle so the bird recognizes you are a human
- Never attempt to touch a hummingbird during this encounter
With persistence, the hummingbird will determine on its own that you do not present any danger. It will then voluntarily continue on its way. Never forcefully shoo a staring hummingbird away as that will only strengthen its perception of you as an intruder. If it persists beyond a minute or two, slowly retreat from the area so the bird feels reassured it successfully repelled the threat.
When is staring a sign of distress?
While most hummingbird staring is harmless, sometimes the behavior can signal the bird is under duress or distress. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if staring seems paired with:
- Lethargy or weakness – The bird may be sick or injured
- Flying in circles or erratically – It may be disoriented or concussed
- Little response when you move – The bird could be stunned or in shock
- Standing still on a perch – Not normal behavior for a healthy hummingbird
Fun facts about hummingbirds staring at humans
- Male hummingbirds are most likely to initiate staring
- Females stare mainly when defending nests
- Young hummingbirds tend to be more curious stare-ers
- A hummingbird’s stare down can last 30 seconds or longer
- The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird seen staring in the Eastern U.S.
- Anna’s and Allen’s Hummingbirds are frequent starers in the Western U.S.
- A hummingbird must eat every 10-15 minutes, so a long stare delays feeding
- Wide eyes with round jet black pupils make the stare very captivating
- Their vision is among the best in the animal kingdom
- Hummingbirds view the world at an approximate 50 frames per second
Why human staring bothers hummingbirds
While hummingbirds have no qualms about staring directly at human faces, they react negatively if people stare back at them. Never attempt to engage in a staring contest with a hummingbird. Reasons prolonged direct human staring bothers hummingbirds include:
- They interpret sustained eye contact as an act of aggression
- It prevents them from gauging if you are friend or foe
- They feel threatened by your unwavering focus on them
- It interrupts their ability to watch for real dangers as they feed
- Locking eyes interferes with typical communication behaviors
- They dislike the perceived dominance of your gaze
- The eye contact keeps them from returning to natural activities
The best practice is to avoid direct eye contact and continue looking around normally. This conveys to the hummingbird you are not fixated on it specifically.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are spectacular little birds overflowing with energy and personality. Their tendency to abruptly stop and hover directly in front of our faces certainly gets our attention. While the intent behind a hummingbird’s stare may not always be clear, it often represents harmless curiosity or built-in vigilance against possible danger. With some patience and respect for the bird’s wild nature, the encounter can become an up-close moment with a feathered flying jewel that you will not soon forget!
