Due to popular myth, many bird enthusiasts believe that hummingbirds die when they stop flying. But is it really true? Do they really die when they stop flying?
In this blog, I will answer this buzzing question and also tell you interesting facts and behavior about these tiny creatures. So, get ready to unveil the world of hummingbirds.
Do Hummingbirds Die When They Stop Flying?
While sleeping or still, they may seem dead. This is due to their active lifestyle where they consistently fly to sustain their lives. However, this doesn’t mean when they stop flying they will die.
Over time, hummingbirds developed a skill called torpor, where they can put themselves in hibernation. This may resemble as if they are dead. torpor is essential for hummingbird survival, they use this technique to conserve energy and reduce temperature.
During torpor, a hummingbird’s body temperature can go down up to 50%. This also allows them to reduce their heart rate and metabolism by up to 95% to survive in extreme conditions. Although torpor can last anywhere from a few minutes to up to several hours, they don’t have problems quickly waking up and resuming their busy lifestyle.
Reasons Behind Hummingbirds Stop Flying
There could be several reasons when a hummingbird chooses to stop flying and one of them is to save energy. As discussed earlier, hummingbirds enter a state called torpor when they rest, which allows them to lower their metabolism rate and conserve energy.
Another reason is to rest their muscles; hummingbirds are super active creatures. Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second which can take a toll on their muscles. To recover and relax their muscles they take a break from flying.
Additionally, hummingbirds may stop flying when there is a food shortage. Hummingbirds’ diet depends on nectar, insects, and spiders. When they sense a potential food crisis, they will go into hibernation and minimize their activity.
Moreover, hummingbirds may stop flying when there is rain, snow, or extreme heat to prevent physical damage.
What Hummingbirds Do When They Stop Flying?
When hummingbirds stop flying, they engage in various activities just like other birds. Let’s look at the activities they do:
- Resting: Hummingbirds have an incredibly high metabolism which often requires deep resting. They will put themselves in torpor to conserve energy during rest. When they are not sleeping, they will perch on branches to observe any predators nearby.
- Feeding: Hummingbirds mostly eat while flying, but that doesn’t mean they stop eating when not flying. They primarily make their nest or a living spot near a food source so they can still have their meal even when they stop flying.
- Nesting: Female hummingbirds, like many other bird species, stop flying and take on the role of incubating their eggs. They usually build tiny cup-shaped nests where they will lay down their eggs. During the incubation period, hummingbirds will sit on their eggs to keep them warm and protect them from other birds. Once the eggs hatch, they will often rest in their nest to feed the young.
- Grooming: Like other birds, hummingbirds also stop flying to preen their feathers. Hummingbirds use their beaks to arrange and clean their feathers. This part of the grooming process is essential to keep the feather in its optimal condition and make it waterproof. This ensures they remain efficient during flight or insulation.
So, while hummingbirds are often seen flying, they do rest and do other activities as a part of survival.
How Often Hummingbirds Stop Flying?
Throughout the day, hummingbirds will stop flying several times to rest and conserve energy. The frequency can vary depending on many factors such as environmental conditions, activity level, and food availability.
Usually, hummingbirds spend most of their day on flight, consistently moving from one flower to another to feed on nectar. However, being very active and fast-paced wing beats requires them to stop flying to avoid exhaustion.
Hummingbirds are also very sensitive to weather conditions, if they sense climate change or air flow they will stop flying and find a safe spot for shelter until sunrise.
While not all hummingbird species behave the same, they share similarities.
What To Do When You Find A Non-Flying Hummingbird?
If you find a non-flying hummingbird, there are some crucial steps to take to make sure they are not injured. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Assess the situation
Don’t panic, hummingbirds sometimes rest or remain still for a long period of time, especially when they are in torpor. Observe the hummingbirds and look for any injuries or other issues that make them unable to fly.
Hummingbirds often take long breaks to activate the torpor, so make sure they aren’t in that state.
2. Provide a safe environment
If the bird is in danger or stuck due to threats such as pets, predators, or busy areas, safely move to a nearby tree, bush, or a safe location.
3. Do not handle the bird
Hummingbirds are delicate creatures; unnecessary touching them will cause stress or injury. Try to handle the situation from a distance.
4. Offer food
Sometimes, due to dehydration or starvation, they might not fly as usual. Offering them sugar water or nectar-filled fruit juice will help them gain their strength. Please remember, don’t give them honey or other artificial sweeteners which are toxic to them.
5. Observe from a distance
Once you have done the above steps and provided them with a safe environment, step back and observe them from a distance to keep track of the recovery.
How To Take Care Of An Injured Hummingbird?
An injured hummingbird requires attention and care. If they don’t get the proper care, they might die. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Gentle Handling: If you find an injured hummingbird, gently pick it up using a clean cloth and look for obvious signs of injuries.
- Warmth: Hummingbirds can go into shock when injured, so gently place them in a small box or bird’s house with a towel to keep them warm. Keep the box out of reach of children and pets.
- Sugar Water: Offer them sugar water using an eyedropper. But make sure their body is warm before giving any food and don’t use red dye to attract them, as it can be harmful.
- Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: It’s important to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or a vet who can assist in the curing process and guide you on how to take care of the bird.
- Do Not Keep the Bird: Hummingbirds are illegal to keep and they can’t thrive in a conservative environment. As soon as they recover, you must let the bird go.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds regularly take breaks from flying to stay healthy and fit. Like all other species, resting is crucial for survival, and they are not an exception.
So if you spot any hummingbirds not flying, make sure to observe the situation from a distance to confirm they are not injured. Also, not flying doesn’t mean they are injured, probably they are in torpor.
