It’s not every day that you find a hummingbird in your garage! This unusual occurrence likely leaves you with many questions. In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons a hummingbird may end up inside your garage and provide recommendations on what to do if you spot one.
How Did a Hummingbird Get in My Garage?
There are a few potential explanations for how a hummingbird found its way into your garage:
- The garage door was left open, allowing the bird to fly inside seeking shelter or food.
- There is a small gap or hole somewhere that the bird squeezed through.
- The bird accidentally flew in when the overhead garage door opened.
- A nest with baby birds is somewhere inside the garage, drawing in the adult bird.
Hummingbirds are very small, so they can fit into tiny crevices and openings that we may not notice. Even a small gap of 1-2 inches around a garage door or window can be enough for a hummingbird to gain access.
Why is the Hummingbird in My Garage?
There are several reasons why a hummingbird may end up in a garage, including:
- Seeking shelter – Hummingbirds will look for cover from bad weather and may fly inside a garage for protection.
- Looking for food – They may be attracted to bright colors or water sources and fly in while investigating.
- Became trapped – A bird that accidentally flew in may become confused and struggle to find its way back out.
- Nesting – Female hummingbirds build very small nests, sometimes in garages if there is a suitable spot.
Additionally, hummingbirds are very territorial. If one bird discovers a food source inside your garage, it may aggressively defend that area from other hummingbirds. This could result in recurring visits from the same bird.
What to Do if There is a Hummingbird in Your Garage
When encountering a hummingbird in your garage, here are some recommendations:
- Open the garage door to give the bird a chance to fly out on its own.
- Avoid using a broom or swatting at the bird – this will just cause stress.
- Check for a nest and leave it undisturbed if you find one with babies.
- You can try gently guiding the bird by placing your hand close to it and directing it toward the open garage door.
- Provide a shallow dish of fresh nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water), placing it near the open door to encourage exit.
- Wait and watch – most hummingbirds will find their way out given some time and a clear path.
- If the bird appears injured or you cannot get it to leave, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
Avoid keeping your garage door open for long periods of time, as this may attract more hummingbirds and other wildlife you don’t want nesting inside. Identify and seal any small gaps or holes so birds can’t get in. Eliminate food and water sources that may draw the birds in. With some small adjustments, you can help prevent hummingbird visits while still enjoying them in your garden!
What Hummingbirds Eat
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and must consume a lot of energy to support their constant motion and hovering. Their diet consists primarily of:
- Nectar – Hummingbirds have adaptations like a long, slender beak and tongue that allow them to access the nectar inside flowers. This high-sugar fluid provides quick energy.
- Small insects and spiders – To obtain protein, hummingbirds will eat tiny bugs along with any insects found inside the flowers they feed from.
- Sap – Some species will drink tree sap for an extra source of nutrients.
- Pollen – While feeding on nectar, they will also ingest some pollen stuck to the flowers.
- Artificial nectar – People often mix up nectar formulas (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) to fill hummingbird feeders.
In your garage, a hummingbird may be drawn in by anything that resembles a food source, such as colorful objects, dripping water, or spots where insects collect. Eliminating these attractions can help discourage hummingbirds from entering.
Interesting Hummingbird Facts
- Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas. There are over 300 species, most of which live in tropical areas.
- They have incredibly fast heart rates of up to 1,260 beats per minute while active.
- Their wings can beat up to 200 times per second, allowing them to fly in any direction.
- Hummingbirds can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12-80 times per second.
- They have long, specially adapted tongues that they can flick in and out up to 13 times per second when feeding.
- Hummingbirds are fierce competitors and will aggressively defend nectar sources and territory.
- They have surprisingly good memories and can remember the locations of feeding sites.
- Because of their small size, they are vulnerable to insecticides and loss of habitat.
These unique birds have captured the fascination of people for centuries with their dazzling colors and aerial agility. While having a hummingbird suddenly appear in your garage may be a surprise, they are magical creatures to behold up close.
Preventing Future Hummingbird Visits
To discourage hummingbirds from entering your garage in the future, here are some tips:
- Keep the garage door closed as much as possible. Only open when going in and out.
- Seal any small openings or gaps around doors, windows, beams, etc larger than 1/2 inch.
- Clear out visible spiderwebs and insect nests that may attract the birds.
- Remove any food sources like dripping water or fruit. Wipe up spills right away.
- Avoid using hummingbird feeders or flowers right next to the garage.
- Install a screen or mesh on the inside of open garage windows.
- Attach any wind chimes or dangling objects so they don’t blow near the garage entrance.
- Consider having a professional perform an inspection to identify and seal potential entry points.
Implementing some of these exclusion and prevention measures can help keep hummingbirds and other small birds from getting inside your garage where they may get trapped or injured.
What to Do About a Hummingbird Nest in Your Garage
If you discover a hummingbird nest inside your garage, here are some recommended steps:
- Do not disturb the nest if eggs or baby birds are present! Mother hummingbirds may abandon nests if significantly disrupted.
- Protect the nest area from any use of the garage that could damage it, like open/closing doors.
- Avoid pruning trees or removing nest material she may still use.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitation expert for guidance or to assess if intervention is needed.
- Wait for the babies to leave the nest before removing it – usually 3-4 weeks after hatching.
- After the nest is empty at end of season, dismantle and discard it to prevent re-nesting in an unsafe spot.
- Seal area so mother cannot rebuild in the same location.
Leaving a hummingbird nest undisturbed in your garage until the fledglings can fly is crucial. These tiny birds need special care and consideration to successfully leave the nest safely.
Conclusion
A hummingbird finding its way into your garage may seem like a strange occurrence, but it can happen for a variety of understandable reasons. Their small size allows them to access tiny openings we may overlook. Sometimes they are drawn in by potential food sources or simply get trapped accidentally. While startling, you can often gently guide them back out an open door.
Implementing some simple exclusion techniques can help deter hummingbirds from entering your garage again. Avoid leaving doors open or attracting the birds with feeders and flowers right next to the garage. If a nest is present, special care must be taken to not disturb the mother and young. With some awareness and preventative measures, you can peacefully coexist with these special visitors that hopefully remain just outside your garage.