Behavior of a Hummingbird

Hummingbird in a hovering flight pattern

Hummingbirds differ from other birds in their flight-style, feeding requirements and sleeping methods. As opposed to other small avian species, hummingbirds are not social, coming together only to mate. Believed to be highly intelligent, the hummingbird's brain is larger in comparison to body size than any other bird.

Flight

In general, birds get flight power on the wing's down stroke. Hummingbirds utilize the upstroke as well, allowing left, right, up, down, backward, upside-down, and even hovering flight patterns. Hummingbirds rise entirely on wing power from perches---not using feet to push off---and their wings flap up to 50 times a second.

Feeding

Hummingbirds feed every 10 minutes or so

Hummingbirds consume up to two-thirds of their body weight in food in a single day, so they must feed every 10 minutes or so, all day long. Their major food source is sugar, from flower nectar and tree sap, but they need protein as well, so eat pollen and insects. Long, tapered bills probe tubular flower centers and grooves on their tongues catch insects in the air and in spider's webs and leaves. Inadvertently collecting pollen as they feed, hummingbirds pollinate as they move from flower to flower.

Grooming

Using oil from a gland near their tail, hummingbirds preen themselves with their bills and claws. Sometimes they groom their necks or beaks against tree bark or twigs. They sunbathe, lifting toward the sun and extending their necks and spreading their tails while facing upward.

Sleeping

In a form of hibernation called torpor, a hummingbird's metabolism lowers to one-fifteenth its waking rate, and its body temperature drops to near-hypothermia levels. Its heart slows to 50 beats per minute, saving up to 60 percent of its energy.

Society

Not social, hummingbirds are solitary and come together only to mate, or reluctantly share a food source. They do not flock or migrate in groups. Dividing into territories based on available food, nectar and water, male hummingbirds protect areas about a quarter acre in size. Females define territories by nesting space and aggressively protect their areas.

Communication

Using visual displays, hummingbirds communicate for mating rituals and teaching chicks. Males may raise the feathers bordering the gorget (colorful throat area), and toss their head while emitting shrill whistles. They also employ dive displays while using wings and vocal cords to make buzzing, whistling or popping sounds. Females and young engage in perch displays: spreading tail feathers to show the white tips. Courtship dances involve males flying in rapid 10-inch arcs in front of a female. Southern species males sometimes gather in communities called leks for mating. They sing together to entice females into the area.

References

• Hummingbird World: Hummingbird Behavior
• World of Hummingbirds: Hummingbird Behavior
• The Hummingbird Site: Hummingbird Behavior