Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in North America, known for their ability to hover and fly in all directions. Their wings beat rapidly, allowing them to remain suspended while feeding on nectar from flowers.

Because of their extremely fast metabolism, hummingbirds must eat frequently throughout the day. In addition to nectar, they consume tiny insects and spiders for essential nutrients. They also play an important role as pollinators.

Behavior

Hummingbirds are active during the day and spend most of their time feeding. They may visit many flowers each day to meet their energy needs.

At night or during food shortages, they can enter a state called torpor, where their body slows dramatically. In this state, they may appear weak or even lifeless.

Common Reasons for Rescue

• Window collisions

• Exhaustion or starvation

• Predator encounters (especially cats)

• Exposure to cold or heat

• Babies falling from nests

Due to their size, even minor injuries can quickly become serious.

Signs a Hummingbird Needs Help

• Sitting on the ground

• Unable to fly

• Easily approached or handled

• Fluffed up or unresponsive

• Visible injury

• Baby found outside the nest

If a hummingbird does not fly away, it likely needs assistance.

What To Do With an Injured Hummingbird

• Gently place the bird in a small, ventilated box

• Line with soft tissue

• Keep in a quiet, dark, warm place

• Avoid handling

Reducing stress is critical for survival.

Feeding (Emergency Only)

Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar, which provides the energy they need to survive. In the wild, they supplement this with small insects for protein.

If emergency feeding is necessary, only use:

• 1 part white sugar

• 4 parts water

Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or dyed nectar.

Offer a small drop at the tip of the beak. Allow the bird to drink on its own. Do not force feed.

⚠️ Safety note: Do not give the bird food or water unless instructed by a wildlife professional. Birds can easily aspirate liquids or suffer complications from inappropriate foods.

Stunned Hummingbirds

If a hummingbird hits a window:

• Place it in a dark, quiet box

• Wait 15–30 minutes

• Release if it recovers

If it does not improve, seek help.

Baby Hummingbirds

If you find one or more baby hummingbirds outside of the nest:

• Return to the nest if possible

• Observe for the mother’s return

• If unsafe, place nearby in a small container and contact a Shalom Wildlife Hospital or another wildlife rehabilitator

Do not attempt long-term feeding. Babies require specialized care.

Injury Prevention

Collisions

It is estimated that over 1 billion birds die annually in the US due to collisions with buildings (44% residential) alone. The three main causes of these collisions are transparent glass, reflective glass, and nighttime illumination. Birds don’t see transparent glass as solid and try to fly through it.

When birds fly towards reflective windows, they are flying towards the reflection of what is behind them, which is often trees, sky, and open space to explore. Even placing a few decals on a window is not enough to warn birds of the danger a window poses if a bird sees plenty of open space to fly around the decal to the ‘tree’ beyond.

NIghttime light draws birds toward buildings and also increases the reflection and transparency of glass. This means that windows that are not bird-safe are a risk to birds both day and night.

Fortunately, we can all do something to prevent bird collisions. One common and effective solution is putting patterns on glass. These patterns should have the following elements:

• Spacing: should be 2 inches

• Contrast: patterns should contrast with the background

• Size: 1/8” or larger for lines; 1/4” or larger for dots

• Outside surface: patterns must be on the outside of the glass

Other solutions include adding a screen, using decals with the 2” rule of thumb for spacing, and painting windows.

Visit Bird Collision Prevention Alliance to learn more about why birds collide with windows and how you can help protect them.

When to Contact a Rehabilitator

• Injury or bleeding

• Cannot fly

• Weak or unresponsive

• Baby without a nest

Prompt care is essential.

Our Care

At Shalom Wildlife Hospital, hummingbirds receive specialized treatment including warming, hydration, and careful feeding. Once recovered, they are released back into the wild. If you have found an injured or orphaned hummingbird, contact us or another wildlife rehabilitator to ensure it receives the care it needs.