A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that hummingbirds can see a vast array of colors invisible to the human eye, including ultraviolet hues.1
These tiny birds have four color cone types in their retinas, compared to just three in humans, enabling them to perceive dazzling combinations like ultraviolet+green and ultraviolet+red. This extraordinary color vision likely plays a key role in how hummingbirds interact with their environment – and with us.
From assessing potential threats to showing off their aerial prowess, here are 10 mind-blowing reasons why hummingbirds can’t seem to take their eyes off you.
1. Assessing Potential Threats
Hummingbirds are always on high alert for predators, and that includes humans. When a hummingbird locks eyes with you, it’s assessing whether you pose a danger to its safety.
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These tiny birds have a keen sense of their surroundings and are quick to react to any perceived threats. By staring at you intently, they’re gathering information to determine if you’re friend or foe.
2. Attracted to Bright Colors
Hummingbirds are drawn to bright colors, especially red, orange, and pink. If you’re wearing a vibrant shirt or hat, don’t be surprised if a hummingbird hovers nearby to get a closer look.
In the wild, hummingbirds seek out colorful flowers that contain the nectar they need for survival. Your eye-catching outfit may trick them into thinking you’re a giant, walking flower!
3. Fascinated by Human Movements
Hummingbirds are incredibly curious creatures, and they’re fascinated by the way humans move. Whether you’re gardening, walking, or simply sitting still, a hummingbird may stare at you to study your behavior.
These birds have highly developed spatial awareness and are able to track moving objects with precision. Through observing your movements, they’re learning more about their environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
4. Attempting to Communicate
Believe it or not, hummingbirds may stare at you as a way of communicating. These birds are highly social and use a variety of vocalizations and body language to interact with each other.
When a hummingbird hovers in front of you and makes direct eye contact, it could be trying to convey a message.
5. Captivated by Shiny Objects
Hummingbirds are magpies of the bird world, and they can’t resist anything that sparkles. If you’re wearing a shiny watch, bracelet, or pair of earrings, a hummingbird may stare at you in an attempt to figure out what those strange, glittering objects are.
In some cases, hummingbirds have even been known to mistake small, shiny objects for insects and try to catch them in midair! So if you find yourself being dive-bombed by a tiny bird, it may be time to rethink your accessories.
6. Defending Their Territory
Male hummingbirds are fiercely territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders. If you find yourself being stared down by a hummingbird, it may be because you’ve unwittingly wandered into its territory.
These birds are not afraid to confront creatures many times their size, including humans. By making direct eye contact and hovering nearby, they’re sending a clear message: “This is my turf, and you’re not welcome here!”
7. Displaying Aerial Prowess
Hummingbirds are incredible aerial acrobats, capable of flying backwards, upside down, and even hovering in midair. When a hummingbird stares at you while performing these impressive feats, it may be showing off its flying prowess.
Male hummingbirds, in particular, use aerial displays to attract mates and intimidate rivals. Through executing complex maneuvers and making direct eye contact, they’re demonstrating their strength, agility, and overall fitness as potential partners.
8. Bonding with Humans
As strange as it may sound, hummingbirds may stare at you simply because they enjoy your company. These birds are known for their bold personalities and willingness to interact with humans.
If a hummingbird frequently visits your yard or garden and seems to seek out your presence, it may have developed a bond with you over time.
9. Waiting for a Feeder Refill
Hummingbirds have voracious appetites and can consume up to twice their body weight in nectar each day. If you have a hummingbird feeder in your yard, you may find yourself being stared at by impatient birds waiting for a refill.
10. Embracing Their Unique Nature
At the end of the day, hummingbirds are simply fascinating creatures with their own unique behaviors and personalities. Their tendency to stare at humans may be a combination of many factors, from curiosity to communication to pure instinct.
So the next time you find yourself locked in a staring contest with a tiny, iridescent bird, take a moment to appreciate the wonder and mystery of these incredible animals. And remember, they’re probably just as curious about you as you are about them!
Source:
1. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.