Hummingbirds are known for their beauty and their ability to hover as they drink nectar from flowers. But will these tiny birds actually attack humans if provoked? Let’s explore this question in more detail.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Hummingbirds are not aggressive by nature, but they will defend their territories and eggs if they feel threatened. Most documented cases of hummingbirds attacking humans involve nest disturbance or getting too close to a feeder.
Typical Hummingbird Behavior
Nectar-Seeking Instincts
Hummingbirds have an innate drive to seek out nectar for food. Their slender bills and long tongues are perfectly designed to access the sugary nectar hidden deep within flowers (Audubon). A hummingbird’s survival depends on finding enough blossoms each day to sustain their high metabolism.
They can beat their wings up to 80 times per second and have heart rates over 1260 beats per minute while in flight (All About Birds). This allows them to hover and dart quickly between flowers.
Non-Aggressive Nature
Despite their small size, hummingbirds are not generally aggressive toward humans. In fact, they largely ignore people as they go about their nectar-seeking activities. Hummingbirds may briefly investigate colorful clothing or objects out of curiosity before moving on.
They do not attack people unprovoked, even when defending nests or feeders. The only exceptions are the feisty rufous hummingbird species during migration or a female protecting babies in a nest from a perceived threat.
Territorialism
Male hummingbirds are highly territorial and will defend nectar-rich flowering plants and feeders from intruders. Remarkably, they remember every nook and cranny within their territories, chasing away other males or even dive-bombing potential threats.
Despite their tiny size, a hummer zooming past your ear at high speeds can startle! But rest assured, once the intruder leaves, the energetic birds go back to happily slurping down nectar. Providing multiple nectar feeders spaced adequately apart can help reduce squabbles.
When Hummingbirds Get Aggressive
Nest and Egg Protection
Hummingbirds are fiercely protective of their nests and eggs. The female builds a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens on the branches of trees or shrubs. She lays two pea-sized eggs in the nest and incubates them for 2-3 weeks.
When the eggs hatch, the female continues to fiercely defend the nest against any perceived threats for the next 3-4 weeks until the hatchlings fledge. Here are some common triggers for a hummingbird’s aggressive behavior:
- Getting too close to the nest
- Reaching towards the nest
- Blocking the birds’ pathway to and from the nest
To avoid upsetting nesting hummingbirds, be cautious around blooming trees and shrubs where they may have built nests. Give any nearby nests a wide berth and avoid prolonging any activity near them.
Feeder Defense
Hummingbirds are extremely territorial around food sources. They won’t tolerate other birds encroaching on “their” feeder. Some ways hummingbirds may react when defending their feeder include:
- Loud chirping
- Hovering in front of or “guarding” the feeder
- Chasing other hummingbirds away
- Pecking or physical attacks
To reduce feeder aggression, try setting up multiple feeders spread widely apart to create distinct territories. Clean feeders regularly with a mild vinegar solution to minimize mold and bacteria that can also trigger aggressive behavior.
Consider taking down feeders for a short time after peak feeding season ends to allow birds to disperse.
Unusual Cases
While rare, there are a few documented cases of hummingbirds inexplicably attacking humans. Here are some hypothetical reasons why this might occur:
- Misdirected aggression – Redirecting aggression towards another threat
- Protection of a food bonanza – Safeguarding a sudden abundant food source
- Confusion – Mistaking a human or object as a rival bird
- Influence of brain parasite – Toxoplasma gondii infections may alter behavior
However, experts still don’t fully understand these random acts of aggression. Attacks are generally harmless, though hummingbirds can jab surprisingly hard with their skinny beaks. Cases likely involve a bird interpreting a perceived threat differently than normal.
Keep calm and slowly move away from any hostile behavior. Prevention is difficult since circumstances are irregular, but avoiding nests and not provoking feeder defense can reduce problems.
Avoiding Hummingbird Attacks
Don’t Disturb Nests
Hummingbirds are very protective of their nests and won’t hesitate to dive bomb perceived threats. According to the National Audubon Society, nesting mothers are particularly aggressive and may attack humans that get too close to their babies.
So be mindful when working or playing near flowering bushes, trees, and garden plants where hummingbirds often build nests from March through July.
If you spot a nest, give the area wide berth. Moving nests or messing with eggs can provoke attacks. Audubon recommends avoiding that part of the yard until the babies leave the nest. You can also try hanging a privacy screen or something visually blocking around the nest.
Just don’t trap the birds inside.
Give Them Space at Feeders
Hummingbirds can get territorial over feeders, perceiving people as competitors for the sugary nectar. They likely feel empowered to defend the food source thanks to a spike in testosterone during breeding season.
To discourage aggression, follow tips from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
- Set up multiple feeders spaced widely apart
- Use feeder models with more feeding ports
- Don’t let the nectar run dry
- Consider taking down feeders for 2-4 weeks so hummingbirds disperse
This reduces competition and makes more room for everyone at the sugary buffets.
Remove Attractants After Attacks
If a feisty hummingbird keeps dive bombing people, remove the stimulus. Take down flower pots, feeders, wind chimes, hammocks, or laundry that the bird is targeting. Don’t prune trees or patio umbrellas in that area either.
Eliminating desirable nesting spots, food sources, and perceived threats sends the message that the location is no longer hummingbird-friendly.
Without an audience, the attacks should stop. But you can also discourage future aggression by installing a spray sprinkler with a motion sensor in the problem area.
If these measures don’t work, contact a wildlife rehabilitator licensed to safely trap and relocate disruptive hummingbirds. Avoid DIY captures since they’re illegal without permits and proper training.
How to React During a Hummingbird Attack
Cover Your Head
If a hummingbird starts aggressively diving at you, the first thing to do is cover your head and face. Hummingbirds have sharp beaks that can scratch or poke skin, so protecting your eyes and other vulnerable areas is important.
Use your hands, arms, or a hat to block the bird’s access to your head and neck. Stay calm and avoid excessive movement – sudden jerky motions may further aggravate the bird.
Slowly Move Away
If you can safely do so, slowly and carefully move away from the attacking hummingbird. Walk calmly rather than running, as this is less likely to trigger the bird’s instinct to chase. Increase the distance between yourself and the aggressive bird.
This will often cause the hummingbird to lose interest and stop the attack. Back away slowly rather than turning your back and fleeing.
Remove the Threat if Possible
Try to identify what may have triggered the hummingbird attack. Hummingbirds are highly territorial, especially during nesting season, and will defend food sources, feeders, and flowering plants. If you are near a hummingbird nest, food source, or feeder, carefully move away from the area.
This will show the bird you are not a threat. If the hummer is defending a plant, consider gently blocking access to the flowers. This removes the resource and can calm the situation. Avoid excessive motion and remove the threat slowly and smoothly rather than abruptly.
Here are some tips from the Audubon Society on dealing with aggressive hummingbirds:
- Avoid wearing bright colors like red near hummingbird territory, as they may perceive this as a rival bird.
- Don’t provoke hummers by waving arms at them or making sudden movements.
- Install multiple hummingbird feeders in your yard to minimize territorial disputes.
- Consider using a hand-held sprinkler to gently discourage hummingbirds from an area.
While hummingbird attacks are uncommon, being aware and reacting calmly can help resolve the situation. Protect your face, increase distance, and remove yourself from the space the bird is defending. With some patience, the hummingbird will likely disengage and carry on with its daily activities.
Conclusion
While hummingbird attacks are rare, they can and do occur when the birds feel their territory or offspring are threatened. By respecting their space, removing attractants after incidents occur, and reacting properly during attacks, you can avoid antagonizing these tiny birds.
With reasonable precautions taken, you should be able to enjoy their beauty without conflict.
