Understanding Hummingbird Behavior: Why They Chase Each Other Away from Feeders
Hummingbirds are fascinating to observe, especially when they exhibit territorial behavior around their feeding sites. These tiny creatures can be quite aggressive, chasing other hummingbirds away from their favorite perches. This behavior, while intriguing, is rooted in the survival of the species and the scarcity of their primary food source, nectar.
The Territorial Nature of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are known to be fiercely territorial, especially when it comes to their feeding sites. The males, in particular, are known to chase off other males, while females will chase off other females. This territorial behavior can be explained by the knowledge that hummingbirds are highly dependent on nectar as a food source.
Ownership of Flowers and Food Sources
In the wild, hummingbirds can 'own' specific flowers, which they defend vigorously from other hummingbirds. These territories can even be passed down to their offspring, making it a learned and inherited behavior. The birds that are allowed to feed at the feeder may be part of the dominant hummingbird's family or social group, which they consider to be allies.
Over Abundance Can Reduce Aggression
However, if there are plenty of flowers and feeders available, the hummingbirds will often share their resources and not fight with each other. I have witnessed this on a visit to a National Wildlife Federation advanced bird habitat where there were many blooming tubular flowers and multiple feeders. The hummingbirds ignored each other completely as there was room for each.
Nectar as a Limited Food Source
Nectar is a scarce resource for hummingbirds. Each flower provides only a small amount of nectar, which takes a long time to regrow. Additionally, flowers do not last forever. Just imagine a hummingbird visiting 2000-3000 flowers per day! With such a high consumption rate and the energy expended, it makes sense why hummingbirds would be extremely territorial even when the feeder is an abundant food source.
Risk Assessment and Energy Efficiency
Strength and territoriality are often beneficial traits for survival and reproduction. When there is an overabundance of food, hummingbirds will be less aggressive. But when food is scarce, territorial behavior maximizes food intake and energy efficiency. For example, if there are too many competitors for a finite amount of nectar, it is more efficient for a hummingbird to focus on the food source at hand, rather than expending energy on fights that it may lose.
Mating Behaviors and Courtship Dances
Hummingbirds are also known for their courtship displays. Males often engage in a pendulum dance, flying in a U-shaped pattern at high speeds with their tail feathers creating a distinctive whistling sound. While these displays are primarily for attracting mates, they also serve to assert dominance and territorial rights. Females, when they are around, may not be allowed to stay at a feeding site for long, as the dominant hummingbird's instinct is to protect its food source.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds' territorial behavior is a complex and fascinating aspect of their ecology. It is a result of their need to conserve energy in the face of scarce and unpredictable food sources. Understanding this behavior can help bird enthusiasts create environments that are welcoming and supportive of these amazing creatures without triggering unnecessary fights.