Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover and fly backwards, making them seem harmless. However, they can also be quite territorial, especially during breeding season. Here are some common reasons why a hummingbird might be aggressively dive bombing you:
Defending Territory
Male hummingbirds are highly territorial and will defend their feeding grounds aggressively. During breeding season, the males stake out flower beds, feeders, or flowering trees as their turf. If you get too close, they may perceive you as an intruder and start dive bombing you in an attempt to drive you away.
Protecting a Nest
Female hummingbirds build very small, well-camouflaged nests in trees, shrubs, or on man-made structures. The nests are only around 2 inches wide and may contain 2 tiny white eggs. If you get too close to an active nest, the female will assume you are a predator threatening her babies. She may start attacking you to try and divert you away from the nest location.
Feeder Aggression
Hummingbirds can be quite territorial around feeders, especially in times of scarcity. If a feeder is not adequately stocked with nectar, the hummingbirds may fight over access to it. A dominant male may stake claim over the feeder and attack any other birds (or humans) that approach it. This usually happens in late summer when natural food sources start fading.
Mistaken Identity
The coloring on a hat, shirt or other clothing item may trick a male hummingbird into thinking you are another male hummingbird intruding in his territory. Bright red, orange, and pink colors are especially prone to attract this kind of aggression during breeding season.
Protection of Leks
Some male hummingbirds perform elaborate courtship dances called leks to attract females. Leks are usually in open spaces with sparse vegetation. If you encroach on a lek space too closely during breeding season, the male may perceive you as a threat and start dive bombing.
Curiosity and Playing
Young juvenile hummingbirds are very curious and they may buzz around humans they see as entertaining objects to play with. This does not mean they are attacking, but rather investigating and interacting. It usually happens in late summer when the babies leave the nest.
Conclusion
In most cases, hummingbirds dive bomb people to protect territory, babies, food sources, or mating ritual spaces. Wearing neutral colors, avoiding nests, and properly filling feeders can help reduce aggressive behavior. However, some dive bombing is natural curiosity or play behavior, especially in younger birds. As annoying as it may be, try to enjoy these special interactions with remarkable little birds!
Additional Dive Bombing Facts and Tips
General Dive Bombing Behavior
- Males are much more likely to dive bomb than females
- Most aggressive behavior occurs between May and August during breeding season
- The bird may make repeated dive bombs, flying within inches of the perceived threat
- Dive bombs are intended to intimidate, not make contact
- Each attack likely lasts less than 5 seconds
Actions That Provoke Attacks
- Approaching an active nest
- Getting close to a favorite feeding area
- Standing near or interfering with a mating lek
- Wearing bright red, pink, orange or same colors as the males
- Reaching up near an established territory
- Allowing feeders to go empty
How to Discourage Dive Bombers
- Wear neutral colors like white, tan and green when outside
- Fill feeders regularly with fresh nectar
- Add more feeding stations to spread out territorial birds
- Install a water mister to distract aggressive birds
- Don’t stand directly under nests or feeders
- Gently wave an arm near approaching birds to deter them
- Avoid known lekking areas during mating season
When to Call for Help
- If the bird makes constant contact while dive bombing
- If the attacks persist for weeks with no sign of letting up
- If the bird is attacking pets or children
In these cases, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or hummingbird expert for guidance. They may be able to capture and relocate the aggressive bird.
Interesting Hummingbird Aggression Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Outfitting large predatory birds with bright colors near your property may deter hummingbirds from dive bombing in that area. The hummingbirds instinctively avoid anything resembling a hawk or falcon. | Using decoys of larger birds can scare away aggressive hummingbird behavior |
| Playing recordings of hummingbird attack calls near problem areas may distract an aggressive male and prevent repeated attacks. | Sound distraction is a possible deterrent |
| Hanging CDs or reflective tape near flowers, feeders or other attack zones can help stop aggressive behavior. The movement and reflections resemble larger threatening birds to the hummingbird. | Light reflection deters hummingbirds |
| Adding extra nectar feeders spreads territorial males out over more space. Allow 6-10 feet between feeders to reduce fighting. | More feeders reduces aggression at each one |
| Keeping feeders well-stocked with fresh nectar eliminates food source squabbles. Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather. | Well-filled feeders prevent fights |
Understanding the reasoning behind hummingbird aggression can help you prevent and cope with dive bombing episodes. While frustrating, try to admire the spirit in these tiny, fierce defenders of their territory!
