Hummingbirds are delicate-looking birds, small and fast, that feed on the nectar of flowers. They are a desirable addition to backyards all over the world, and it is extremely common for people to put out feeders to try to attract them to their yards. While observing these fascinating creatures, you may notice them chasing each other around and trying to keep others from using a feeder they like to drink at. Why are hummingbirds so territorial?
Why are hummingbirds so territorial?
Mainly for the same reason most animals are territorial, access to a food source and breeding location. According to birding experts Kimberly and Kenn Kaufman, “hummingbirds can be feisty when defending their food source.”
The breeding season is when you will see the most aggressive behavior. This tends to be early spring to early summer. At this time hummingbirds are returning from their wintering grounds, and it’s a race to find good food sources, places to nest, and mates.
Which hummingbird species is the most territorial?
While any species of hummingbird can show aggression and territorial tendencies, there are some species that are known to be more aggressive than others. The one with the “worst” reputation is the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus).
According to All About Birds, this troublemaker can make the lives of the other hummingbirds visiting your yard more difficult. That is because this feisty bird has shown aggression at all ages and in both sexes.
They are known to aggressively chase other birds away from feeders, and will even chase chipmunks and larger hummingbirds away from their nest and feeders. The Rufous hummingbird is found throughout California, as well as in the Rocky Mountains, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest.
Are both male and female hummingbirds territorial?
Yes, both male and female hummingbirds can be territorial, though it is usually for different reasons.
Males are more likely to become territorial over what they have claimed as “their turf”. While territory size likely differs from species to species, an estimate for the ruby-throated hummingbird is about a quarter acre.
Males will chase other males out of their area in an attempt to control not only the food sources, but the right to mate with the females nesting within that territory.
This type of aggression tends to calm down for the males in the summer, after the females lay their last brood of the season. However defending a food source, such as a nectar feeder, can continue or increase even during the fall as they attempt to put on as much body fat as possible for their migration south.
Female hummingbirds are most aggressive during the breeding season. This aggression is typically seen in late spring or during the early weeks of summer because this is their time to nest. Defending their eggs and hatchlings is an important task that they take seriously, and they will attempt to chase away anything that gets too close to the nest. They also defend food sources against other hummingbirds.
Why do hummingbirds chase each other?
One of the reasons as we mentioned above is to defend their food source, nest, or territory. However chasing doesn’t only happen out of aggression or during territory disputes.
Hummingbirds also chase as an act of courtship. It is common to see this playful chasing when one hummingbird is courting another. The male using many tactics to get the attention of potential female mates. If you’re luck y