Hummingbirds are among the most captivating creatures in the animal kingdom, known for their tiny size, vibrant colors, and incredible flying abilities. These diminutive birds have long been the subject of myths and misconceptions, with many people believing that they must constantly flap their wings to survive.
But what is the truth behind these fascinating creatures and flying?
The Myth: Hummingbirds Must Fly Continuously
Many people have heard the claim that hummingbirds will die if they stop flying, even for a brief moment. This idea likely stems from the fact that these birds have incredibly high metabolisms and seem to be in constant motion, darting from flower to flower in search of nectar.
Hummingbirds do have one of the highest metabolic rates relative to their body size of any animal on earth. Their hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute, and they breathe around 250 times per minute even at rest. This allows them to sustain their high-energy lifestyles.(ref)
The Reality: Hummingbirds Need Rest Too
Despite their seemingly endless energy, hummingbirds do indeed need to rest. In fact, they spend a significant portion of their day perched, preening their feathers, and even sleeping.
When sleeping, a hummingbird can enter a state of torpor where its heart rate drops to as low as 50 beats per minute in order to slow its metabolism and conserve energy.(ref)
Hummingbirds are able to enter this torpid state by lowering their body temperature, sometimes close to the ambient air temperature. This ability makes them “heterotherms,” meaning they can switch between being warm-blooded and cold-blooded as needed to survive the night when they cannot feed.
In this deep sleep-like state, a hummingbird may appear dead, but it is simply conserving crucial energy.
Observing Hummingbirds at Rest
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to observe hummingbirds closely, you may have noticed them taking breaks from their aerial acrobatics. They often perch on branches, wires, or feeders, giving themselves a chance to catch their breath and survey their surroundings.
During these restful moments, you can appreciate their iridescent plumage and tiny, delicate features.
Hummingbirds spend an estimated 60-80% of their time perching and only 20-40% flying. While perched, they continue breathing rapidly to maintain their high metabolic rates and are always on alert, ready to dart away if threatened or enticed by a promising food source.
Injured Hummingbirds Can Survive without Flying
In some cases, injured hummingbirds have been known to survive without flying for extended periods. Wildlife rehabilitators and bird enthusiasts have successfully cared for hummingbirds with wing injuries, providing them with a safe environment and proper nutrition until they recover.
If an injured hummingbird is found, it’s crucial to get it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. In the meantime, a simple sugar water solution can be provided as an emergency food source. This demonstrates that while flying is essential for hummingbirds in the wild, they can adapt and survive when necessary as long as they receive appropriate care.
The Importance of Hummingbird Conservation
Although hummingbirds don’t need to fly constantly to stay alive, they still face many challenges in the wild. Habitat loss, climate change, and other human-related factors can negatively impact hummingbird populations. Some species are showing worrying declines and need conservation action.
By creating hummingbird-friendly gardens and supporting conservation efforts, we can all help protect these fascinating creatures. Providing nectar-rich native plants, minimizing pesticide use, and advocating for habitat preservation are just a few ways to help ensure that hummingbirds continue to grace our skies for generations to come.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.