Typical Hummingbird Predators
While an adult hummingbird may not seem like a significant source of food for a human, to an animal predator, a hummingbird can be a quick, tasty snack. Plump hummingbirds are filled with sweet nectar and good sources of fat, particularly during the late summer and early fall when hummingbirds fatten themselves up for migration. Many predators won’t think twice about hunting hummingbirds, such as:
Domestic and feral cats might consider hummingbirds as playful toys, especially with the birds’ bright colors and glittering plumage. Large insects such as praying mantises and orb-weaver spiders, which may lay in wait for hummingbirds to come too close. Large snakes and lizards that can strike at hummingbirds or may also be visiting hummingbird feeders to sip on nectar. Large frogs and fish that may mistake low flying hummingbirds for insects, jumping out of the water to snare the birds. Avivorous birds such as the loggerhead shrike and greater roadrunner, which will eat any other birds they can catch, even tiny hummers. Small birds of prey like the American kestrel, merlin, or sharp-shinned hawk, which hunt large insects as well as small birds like hummingbirds. Owls that may spot roosting hummingbirds when the birds are more defenseless in torpor, making them an easy snack to catch.
These predators often stake out feeding areas, such as hummingbird feeders or flowerbeds, and wait for a hummingbird to come within range before striking. When hummingbirds feed, they are focusing on the food source more than any surrounding threats, and those few moments of sipping can put them at great risk from savvy predators.
Egg and Chick Predators
Many predators may not be fast enough to make a meal of an adult hummingbird, but unhatched eggs and chicks still in the nest are easy targets. Predators that can feast on young hummingbirds and hummingbird eggs include:
Snakes and lizards of all sizes Bats, especially in tropical regions or bats that roost in trees Corvids such as jays, crows, and ravens Tropical omnivorous birds, such as toucans Large songbirds such as orioles, tanagers, grackles, and large flycatchers Squirrels, chipmunks, rats, and similar tree-dwelling mammals
To help protect their eggs and chicks, many hummingbird nests are heavily camouflaged with bits of leaves, lichens, and moss decorating the exterior of the nest. Some hummingbirds will deliberately build their nests on thinner branches that will not hold up the weight of a stalking predator.
How to Protect Hummingbirds From Predators
Backyard birders can take a number of steps to help protect their local hummingbirds from various predators.
Place baffles above and below hummingbird feeders, and position feeders so they are far away from areas where predators could be concealed. Take strong steps to discourage feral cats and always keep pet cats indoors so they cannot stalk hummingbirds. Carefully monitor hummingbird nests to watch for threatening predators, but be cautious so as not to overly stress the female parent hummingbird or draw undue attention to the nest. Watch for and relocate any predatory insects, lizards, or snakes far from hummingbird feeders, nests, or choice flowerbeds. Provide sheltered perches for resting hummingbirds so they aren’t exposed to predation or at greater risk from predators. Create bird-friendly landscaping that includes adequate shelter for tiny birds, including thorny shrubs that can be used as secure nesting sites and naturally exclude most predators. Hang hummingbird feeders high enough to dissuade predators, and far from railings predators can use to reach feeding birds.
Despite even the most vigilant efforts, hummingbirds will occasionally succumb to predators. It is important to realize that this is part of the cycle of nature, and the strongest hummingbirds will survive to pass their better genes and survival skills on to the next generation.
Other Fatal Threats to Hummingbirds
While hummingbird predators are a significant threat to these tiny birds, artificial threats can be just as devastating to local hummingbird populations. In addition to being aware of predators that may cause harm to hummingbirds, backyard birders should take steps so that their yards are not another threat the birds face.
Minimize bird-window collisions by placing feeders at appropriate distances and breaking up reflective surfaces that can confuse birds. Even a light impact can be fatal to a bird as small as a hummingbird, and if their bill is damaged in a collision, it may be impossible for them to feed. Be aware of local bird rescue centers and bird rehabilitators that are licensed to care for sick or injured hummingbirds. This way, any birds that do run afoul of predators can be given proper emergency care when just a few minutes can be critical for their survival.
Like all birds, hummingbirds are at risk from predators and other threats. Being aware of what creatures may be on the lookout for a hummingbird snack and what major backyard hazards hummingbirds face can help birders take steps to protect these flying jewels.
