If your hummingbird’s tongue is not retracting properly, there are a few potential causes to consider:
Dehydration
One of the most common reasons a hummingbird’s tongue fails to retract is simply dehydration. Hummingbirds have very fast metabolisms and can become dehydrated quite quickly if they are not getting enough nectar. When a hummingbird is dehydrated, its tissues become dry and stiff, which can prevent the tongue from retracting back into the bill properly. This is often seen when nectar feeders have run dry or when natural food sources are scarce.
Solutions for dehydration
The solution is to provide fresh nectar and water for the hummingbird as soon as possible. Make sure nectar feeders are kept clean and full of fresh sugar-water mix (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Also provide a shallow dish of plain water, in case the bird needs to rehydrate before it has the energy to feed.
With rest and rehydration, the tongue should start to retract normally within a few hours. If it does not, other causes may need to be considered.
Injury
In some cases, an injury to the tongue itself or to the surrounding structures in the bill can prevent full retraction. Possible injuries include:
Tongue trauma
-Laceration or puncture from contact with a sharp object like a thorn
-Tear from pulling away while the tongue is extended into a flower
-Bruising from impact
Bill trauma
-Fracture of the rhamphotheca (outer bill layer) from an impact
-Dislocation or fracture of the underlying bones
-Nerve damage
Any type of tissue damage that leads to swelling or impairs the normal function of the bill can potentially interfere with tongue retraction. It may be possible to see evidence of injury on examination of the bill and tongue.
Solutions for injury
Unfortunately injuries require veterinary assessment to properly diagnose and treat. Things like pain medication, anti-inflammatories, surgical repair, or supportive care may be needed in cases of trauma. The prognosis depends on the severity and nature of the injury.
Infection
Bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections in the mouth can also sometimes impede tongue retraction. Infection leads to inflammation and discharge, which may physically block full tongue movement.
Common infections
Some types of infection to look for include:
| Candidiasis (yeast) | Usually appears as white plaques or discharge in the mouth |
| Bacterial | Often causes yellow or green discharge |
| Aspergillosis (fungal) | May see grey-green plaques on oral tissues |
Diagnostic testing like culture or biopsy may be needed to identify the type of organism causing the infection. Infections are more common in young hummingbirds or those with compromised immune systems.
Solutions for infection
Treatment involves resolving the underlying cause and using anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, or anti-yeast medications as appropriate. Topical treatments may be prescribed if the infection is localized. Supportive care such as fluids may also be necessary.
Tumors
Rarely, tumors of the tongue, mouth, or throat can mechanically interfere with tongue retraction. This is most common in older hummingbirds.
Signs of tumors
-Abnormal tissue growth visible in the mouth
-Asymmetries of the tongue
-Discoloration or ulceration
Diagnostic imaging like radiographs would be needed for confirmation and determining the extent of the tumor. Unfortunately prognosis is poor with many oral tumors in hummingbirds.
Solutions for tumors
Depending on the type and location of the tumor, options may include surgical removal, medications to slow growth, or supportive feeding. But in many cases treatment only aims to keep the bird comfortable for the remainder of its life.
Nerve Damage
The tongue in hummingbirds is an intricate structure, moved through a complex interplay of specially adapted muscles and nerves. Any damage to the nerves innervating the tongue can result in impaired mobility. Possible causes include:
Traumatic injury
-Laceration from sharp object
-Stretch injury from excessive opening of the bill
-Direct impact damaging the nerves
Toxins
-Insecticides, rodenticides, or other poisons cause neurological injury
Nutritional deficiencies
-Vitamin deficiencies (like Vitamin E) damage nerves over time
Diagnosing nerve damage usually involves ruling out other causes. There are no specific treatments to repair nerve injuries in hummingbirds.
Congenital Defect
In rare cases, a birth defect affecting the structure of the bill or tongue prevents normal tongue retraction. This may involve:
Abnormal bill morphology
-Overly short lower mandible
-Undersized bill
-Misaligned upper and lower mandible
Abnormal tongue structure
-Incomplete development
-Incorrect muscle attachment
Congenital conditions cannot be corrected and affected hummingbirds usually have a poor survival prognosis.
Underlying Systemic Illness
Occasionally, an underlying chronic disease makes a hummingbird too weak or ill to retract its tongue fully. Conditions like:
Metabolic disease
-Liver disease
-Kidney disease
-Diabetes
Infections
-Bacterial
-Viral
-Fungal
-Parasitic
Cancer
-Lymphosarcoma
-Other tumors
Diagnostic testing like bloodwork, urinalysis, radiographs, or biopsy would be needed to pinpoint the underlying problem. Treatment aims to manage the primary condition.
Age-Related Changes
As hummingbirds reach advanced age, their tissues naturally lose elasticity and muscle strength. Similar to arthritis in other species, this age-related stiffness can make it difficult for older hummingbirds to fully retract the tongue.
Signs of aging
-Gradual onset of retraction difficulty
-Other signs of aging like poor feather quality
-No evidence of other underlying illness
There is no treatment for these degenerative changes. Supportive care such as feeding assistance and pain relief help improve quality of life.
Conclusion
A hummingbird’s tongue failing to retract is a concerning symptom that requires prompt evaluation. Several potential underlying causes need to be investigated and addressed. With supportive care and treatment of any identifiable illness, many hummingbirds can fully recover normal tongue function. However, any injury, birth defect,tumor, or age-related change causing impairment is likely irreversible. A thorough veterinary workup provides the best chance of establishing a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
