Predators of Hummingbirds
Teeny, tiny, and turbo-charged, hummingbirds zip around like nature’s little jet fighters. But even their frenetic speed and twinkly size don’t save them from a host of sneaky predators. Knowing what these feathered gems are up against helps us keep them safe.
Small Avian Predators
Predator birds might give themselves a high-five for catching these zippy hummingbirds. Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlins, Mississippi Kites, and Loggerhead Shrikes all find hummingbirds a difficult but rewarding snack.
| Predator | Description |
|---|---|
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | Nimble as a gymnast, darting through trees to nab its dinner. |
| American Kestrel | The eagle-eyed ace that snatches hummingbirds right out of the air. |
| Merlin | A little falcon that’s speedier than a season finale cliffhanger. |
| Mississippi Kite | Mainly chows down on bugs, but isn’t shy about sampling small birds. |
| Loggerhead Shrike | Known for its ‘shish kebab’ tactics, skewering prey before dining. |
Insect Predators
Don’t laugh! Super-sized bugs like dragonflies and praying mantises aren’t just background actors; they can actually munch on hummingbirds.
- Dragonflies, such as the green darner, have an aerial attack plan worked out.
- Praying mantises are patient players, lurking on plants, ready to pounce.
Amphibian Predators
Frogs don’t just croak lullabies over the pond. Sometimes, they take a leap toward hummingbirds, hoping for a fast feast. It’s not a frog’s go-to snack, but it’s another bump in the road for hummingbirds.
Arachnid Predators
Orb-weaver spiders craft webs sticky enough to stick a hummingbird. Once stuck, getting free ain’t easy for these little speedsters.
Uncommon Predators
Surprise, surprise! Kitty cats, both pampered and wild, are expert stalkers. They might not be what you picture when thinking of hummingbird predators, but they sure do catch ’em.
| Predator | Description |
|---|---|
| Domestic Cats | Favorite hangouts are gardens, where they chase anything that flutters. |
| Feral Cats | These prowlers in the countryside love a bit of birdie buffet. |
Human Impact on Hummingbirds
While they don’t have sharp claws or swift wings, humans can be unintentionally harmful toward hummingbirds. Through destroying habitats, using pesticides, and tweaking the climate, humans can make it tough for hummingbirds to get brunch or dodge gnarly threats.
Want to learn more about hummingbird-like topics such as hummingbird migration, hummingbird flowers, and hummingbird species? Check out our guides. Keeping these dazzling daredevils safe means understanding what they face out there.