Hummingbirds tapping on windows is a common occurrence that many homeowners observe. While it may seem strange, there are a few logical reasons behind this behavior. In this article, we will explore the main theories as to why hummingbirds tap and peck at windows.
They See Their Reflection
The most common explanation is that hummingbirds are seeing their own reflection in the window and think it is another bird. They then try to chase the other “bird” away by tapping and making noise. This is a territorial behavior that hummingbirds exhibit to defend their food sources and mating areas.
Hummingbirds are very territorial, especially the males during breeding season. When they see another bird in “their space,” they will become aggressive to scare it away. The reflection triggers this territorial reaction.
This theory is supported by a few key pieces of evidence:
- Hummingbirds generally only tap on windows when they can see their reflection. They do not bother with opaque sections or dirty windows where their reflection does not show up.
- They tend to tap more aggressively on larger and clearer reflections where the “rival bird” is more visible.
- The tapping usually involves some sideways or up-and-down head movements as they try to intimidate the intruding bird from different angles.
Many experts and researchers agree that seeing their reflection and thinking it is another bird is the most likely reason hummingbirds keep pecking at your windows.
They Are Attracted to Feeders Inside
Another possibility is that the hummingbird is drawn to something it sees through the window, often a hummingbird feeder. The feeder is seen as an inviting food source but the window prevents access.
Frustration leads the hummingbird to tap at or peck the window as it tries over and over to reach the nectar it sees inside. This may be why the tapping persists in one spot on the window nearest to where you have feeders placed indoors.
Evidence indicates hummingbirds have excellent vision and can clearly see red objects and sweet liquids like nectar through glass. So if you have hummingbird feeders, plants, or decor items with red/orange coloring near windows, this may lure birds to tap at the glass.
They Don’t Understand Glass
Hummingbirds are single-minded when they see food, competitors, or mates. Some experts theorize that in these intense moments of focus, hummingbirds simply do not understand that the window is a solid barrier.
They only see the object on the other side and repeatedly try to directly reach it without realizing they are blocked by glass. Essentially, they just get stuck in an instinctual loop of trying over and over to reach the goal.
This theory would explain why hummingbirds often hit windows head-on at full speed rather than cautiously approaching and gingerly tapping. They simply don’t comprehend that it is a solid surface. This is supported by the fact that hummingbirds have very small brains, so they may not have the cognitive ability to realize the window is what stops them each time.
Trapped Insects Attract Them
Some researchers propose that hummingbirds tap on windows because they see and want to eat small insects trapped between window screens and glass panels. Tiny flies, gnats, spiders, and other tasty bugs become stuck in these window channels while trying to get inside the house.
The hummingbirds pecking may represent attempts to snatch these small nutritious snacks out of the air. This would be similar to how hummingbirds feed at trees and bushes by picking crawling or flying insects off leaves and branches.
Under this theory, the trapped insects first draw the hummingbirds to the window. Once at the window, the hummingbirds may then get caught up tapping due to their own reflection or out of confusion why they cannot reach the bugs.
What Does The Tapping Sound Like?
Hummingbird taps against glass sound like rapid light pecks, often in quick succession. The noise is sharper, harder, and louder than the pitter-patter of raindrops. It is more of a hard rattle than a melodic tapping. The hummingbird is striking the window aggressively with its needle-like beak, so the taps have some force behind them.
The tapping noises are very brief, lasting just a fraction of a second with each peck. But the hummingbird may repeat the pecking over and over in a single spot. It is common for the pecking sounds to go on for minutes at a time as the bird remains fixated on its reflected image or other sightings through the glass.
You can often identify that the sound is coming from a hummingbird based on observing a simultaneous blur of fast movement and iridescent colors like red, green, or blue flashing outside the window each time you hear the taps.
What Damage Can Hummingbirds Cause?
While the pecking sounds may be loud and intrusive, hummingbirds cannot cause any actual damage to windows with their delicate beaks and miniature body size. A few key points about the limits of damage from hummingbird tapping:
- They weigh only 2 to 6 grams on average – their bodyweight is insufficient to crack or break any glass panels.
- Their beaks are adapted for drinking nectar, not hammering. The beaks lack the density and strength to fracture windows.
- At most, they may chip away minor surface debris or leave smudge marks across the area of repeated pecking.
- Any scrapes on softer coatings like window films would only be in the surface layer since they cannot penetrate deeply with their weak beaks.
So while the tapping may worry homeowners, it is harmless to the window condition. Hummingbirds lack the physical power to damage multi-layered and tempered glass windows in any meaningful way.
On the rare occasion a hummingbird fractures its beak on a window, the beak will heal quickly since they regenerate every few months naturally. So long-term harm to the bird itself is also not a concern.
How To Stop Hummingbirds Tapping Windows
If you want to deter hummingbirds from tapping your windows, here are some effective solutions to try:
Remove Feeders And Plants From Near Windows
Eliminate any motivations drawing hummingbirds tight up against the windows. Take down feeders or move them further away from house walls. Also relocate any flowering plants and nectar sources a good distance away from windows.
Install Netting
Netting installed on the outside of windows can act like a cushion to stop hummingbirds before they impact glass. The birds will get caught in the netting instead of hitting the hard surface. Make sure net holes are less than 1 inch wide so hummingbirds do not get trapped.
Use Reflective Deterrents
Strategically place deterrents that reflect light and motion across your windows. Aluminum foil strips, reflective tape, metallic streamers, and blinking holiday lights can work well. The reflections disrupt clear views of your windows to hide competitors and stop birds from seeing trapped insects.
Apply Window Films
There are special window films designed to make glass look frosted, opaque, or imprinted with patterns/decals. These transparent coatings help eliminate reflections and block views into your home. They come in acrylic, PET, or UV-resistant vinyl for durable exterior use.
Cover Windows With Screens
Secure window screening material over your exterior windows using Velcro, magnets, or other temporary fasteners. The screening needs to have a fine mesh size to make your windows appear solid to hummingbirds.
Use Soap Or Ammonia-Based Cleaners
Washing windows thoroughly with diluted soap or ammonia-based glass cleaners can leave a residue film the repels birds and insects. The slight hazy coating helps eliminate reflections. Reapply every 2 to 4 weeks as needed.
Scare Devices
Motion-activated sprinklers, predator decoys (like hawk cutouts), and noisemakers can startle hummingbirds when they approach. Combining these scare devices with some of the other deterrents often keeps birds away long-term.
Table Comparing Deterrent Options
| Deterrent | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective Materials | – Reusable | – Can look unsightly |
| Window Films | – Long-lasting once applied | – More expensive |
| Netting | – Lets air flow through | – Needs reapplication |
| Screens | – Fully blocks window | – Obstruct outdoor views |
| Soaps & Cleaners | – Simple application | – Temporary effect |
| Scare Devices | – Deters multiple pest birds | – Requires power source |
When Do Hummingbirds Tap On Windows?
Hummingbird window tapping usually occurs during key life stages:
Breeding Season
Male hummingbirds are extra defensive of territory as they compete for mates from spring through summer. They will readily fight perceived rivals. Tapping spikes during peak mating times.
Migration & Territory Establishment
Hummingbirds migrating northward tap more as they claim new ground. Similarly, young hummingbirds leaving the nest peck to mark their first territories.
Cold Temperatures
Colder weather with frost leads hummingbirds to peck on windows near artificial nectar feeders as they desperately seek food sources.
Nest Protection
Female hummingbirds tap around windows close to their nests as they defend their eggs and offspring from potential threats.
During these key life events, hummingbirds become extra defensive, territorial, and hungry. This leads them to aggressively peck on nearby windows as they perceive a threat, competitor, or food source.
What Time Of Day Do They Tap?
Hummingbird window tapping generally occurs during their most active daylight hours:
Early Morning
Hummingbirds aggressively feed first thing in the morning to refuel after fasting overnight. Defending territory and food access is a priority.
Mid-Morning
As mating rituals peak and the cold pushes birds to seek food, mid-morning becomes another prime window tapping time.
Late Afternoon
Hummingbirds often make final patrols and food runs in the hour before dark to top up energy reserves for the night.
Hummingbirds are much less active at night so window tapping rarely occurs after sunset or before sunrise. The exception would be on bright moonlit nights when they may mistake interior lights reflecting in windows for dawn or dusk light.
Which Species Tap On Windows The Most?
The three species most likely to be spotted energetically tapping on your windows include:
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
This species prominently inhabits most of the Eastern and Midwestern United States where it is comfortable around human residences. Males are especially protective of their territory.
Anna’s Hummingbird
A very confrontational breed that dwells year-round along the Pacific Coast. The males frequently attack window reflections as they establish forest habitats near housing areas.
Rufous Hummingbird
Well known for its feisty nature, with the males staking claims to prime feeding grounds across the Northwest states and Canada during summer stays. They aggressively peck at any perceived challengers.
Other common urban species like Allen’s and Black-Chinned Hummingbirds may also tap, but they are generally less pugnacious and territorial than Ruby-Throats, Anna’s, and especially Rufous Hummingbirds who are truly obsessive window tappers.
Do Hummingbirds Get Hurt When Tapping?
While loud, hummingbird taps on windows rarely cause any injury. Here’s why they avoid harm:
Impact Cushioned By Air Resistance
Hummingbirds weigh next to nothing. This allows air resistance to gently cushion forward momentum and soften the blow when they bump into windows.
Pecking Motion Lessens Collision Force
They do not fly directly into windows. The pecking approach involves quick forward-backward motions that minimize solid contact force.
Bones Are Light Yet Sturdy
Their lightweight bones and cartilage adapt them for extensive flying. Collisions bend rather than break their durable skeletal frames.
They Learn Quickly
Hummingbirds have some cognitive ability to alter behavior. After one or two hits at full speed, they avoid repeating severe collisions.
So while the tapping may seem violent, hummingbirds are well equipped to avoid taking real damage during these small but frequent impacts.
Do Hummingbirds Break Their Beaks When Pecking?
Again, the delicate appearance of hummingbirds can be deceiving. Here are some key facts about their ultra-adapted beaks:
- The beaks are made of keratin which matches the durability of human fingernails.
- They interlock like precision tweezers yet flex at the base to absorb collision shocks.
- Even fractured beaks can fully heal within 2 weeks due to rapid regrowth of keratin cells.
- Multiple reinforcement layers make the tiny beaks highly resistant to breakage.
So while their beaks may temporarily bend and misalign, full breaks are extremely rare during common window tapping. No need to worry about long-term harm.
Do Hummingbirds Knock Themselves Out?
Hummingbirds do not hit windows with enough blunt force to lose consciousness. Here are some key reasons:
- At only 0.1 ounce on average, they are too small to build up heavy impact momentum.
- Sudden stops from air resistance prevent reaching velocities that could concuss their brains.
- Collisions with windows involve rapid pecks that avoid direct heavy blows.
- Their muscular necks cushion acceleration to protect delicate head tissues.
While they may appear stunned for a few seconds after an especially hard bump, hummingbirds do not hit windows hard enough to fully knock themselves out cold.
Conclusion
To summarize, hummingbirds tapping on your windows is mainly territorial behavior motivated by competition and food sources. The rapid pecking is unlikely to harm your windows or thetiny resilient birds. While frustrating, the window tapping is just temporary seasonal behavior you can deter with some simple precautions.
Understanding that the hummingbirds see window reflections as rivals and view indoor feeders and plants as prime food targets provides helpful context on why they fixate on pecking glass surfaces. Maintaining this perspective of their motivations leads to better solutions. The main approach is identifying and removing the specific triggers that keep luring hummingbirds back to tap on the same windows through the season.
