Hummingbirds are the tiniest of birds, but they lead incredibly active lives. With wings beating up to 80 times per second, they expend tremendous energy just staying airborne and fueling their blazing metabolisms.
A study published in the Ornithological Research Archive tells us that hummingbirds begin feeding around 20 minutes before sunrise and end their activity around 20-30 minutes after sunset1, suggesting they spend the night resting in sheltered locations.
So where exactly do these feathered dynamos go when the sun dips below the horizon?
1. Dense Shrubbery & Foliage
You won’t find hummingbirds snoozing on a telephone wire. No, these miniature aviators seek out dense vegetation to shelter for the night. Tangled branches, twisting vines, and layered leaves create the perfect hideaway.
Hummingbirds pick these dense thickets for good reason. The foliage protects them from the elements like wind, rain, and cold temperatures. It also conceals them from predators looking for an easy meal. Some hummingbird species even return to the same trusted tangle night after night.
2. Tree Cavities & Nooks
While lush shrubbery is a popular option, hummingbirds get creative with their nightly accommodations. They’ll happily shack up in tree cavities, wood knotholes, or nooks under loose bark. Any snug enclosure will do.
These cozy tree hideouts offer shelter from the weather and keep the hummingbirds out of sight from hungry hawks, owls, and other nighttime threats. For a bird that weighs less than a nickel, finding a secure place to sleep is a must.
3. Rocky Overhangs & Crevices
Up in the high elevations of the Andes Mountains, certain hummingbird species take their slumbers to new heights – literally. Research shows they’ll tuck themselves into rocky overhangs, crevices, and caves to spend the night.
These rugged shelters provide insulation from the extreme cold temperatures at high altitudes. The solid rock helps the hummingbirds conserve their precious energy reserves until the morning sun arrives to warm their surroundings.
4. Right on the Nest
For mother hummingbirds, their night’s rest comes with the pitter-patter of tiny heartbeats. That’s because nesting female hummers will often sleep right on their nests, cradling their eggs or chicks beneath them.
This cozy arrangement kills two birds with one stone (metaphorically speaking, of course). Mom gets to roost for the night while also keeping her brood toasty warm. It’s the ultimate display of a mother’s dedication.
5. In a State of Torpor
Here’s an incredible fact: To conserve their energy through the long nights, hummingbirds can go into a hibernation-like sleep called torpor. In this state, their metabolism and heart rate slow dramatically.
Studies show that during torpor, hummingbirds can reduce their energy expenditure by a staggering 60-90%. (ref) It’s like they hit the pause button on life until sunrise. This unique ability to basically shut down allows them to survive cold nights and wake up ready to go the next morning.
6. Migration Stopovers
Even hummingbirds passing through on their annual migrations need to catch some Zs. These busy travelers won’t keep flapping all night, however. Instead, they seek out temporary shelters along their routes.
Dense vegetation, tree cavities, you name it – any protective cover will do for a night’s layover. Resting allows migrating hummingbirds to recharge for the next leg of their incredible journey.
Nature’s Tiny Sleepers
So there you have it – the cozy, and sometimes quirky, nightly retreats of hummingbirds.
From lush foliage to rocky crevices to their own nests, these tiny marvels know how to find the perfect snooze spots. Sweet dreams, you tireless aerial acrobats!
Source
1. https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v092n01/p0081-p0097.pdf
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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.