Hummingbird Lifespan
- How long hummingbirds live is not exactly known and their lifespans vary from species to species. They are typically thought to live about five to six years, but some have been known to live as many as nine to 12. Mortality rates are highest during hummingbirds' first years of life.
- One reason it's hard to determine the lifespan of hummingbirds is that they rarely live as long as they can. Hummingbirds' primary enemies are humans, who threaten their natural habitats. Migration, illness and other circumstances will cause a hummingbird to die early.
Scientists study hummingbirds by catching them and putting a band on their legs. Since they will return to the same area each year to feed, this is a way to keep track of individual bird's longevity. - It is well-known that hummingbirds drink nectar from flowers and feeders, but they also eat insects caught while flying. According to Wild Birds Unlimited, hummingbirds drink as much as half of their body weight in nectar. They need to eat frequently because constant flying gives them a high metabolism. Without good sources of food, hummingbird populations may start to decline. Bird lovers can help these birds by providing sugar solutions and water for migrating birds.
- Hummingbirds are not the most prolific breeder. They usually lay two eggs in a nest the size of a ping pong ball. Some will lay eggs two to three times each season. Though adult birds have few predators, the eggs are sometimes consumed by snakes, mammals and other birds.
- Hummingbirds can fly upside down and hover, are the smallest animals with a backbone and are not monogamous. Baby hummingbirds are fed insects, not nectar, by their mother. Because they feed on flowers, hummingbirds are important for plant pollination