Hummingbirds are known for their small size, beautiful plumage, and ability to hover in midair. They are found only in the Americas. Of the over 300 species of hummingbirds, some are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their feeding grounds from intruders. This raises the question – which hummingbird species is the most territorial?
What does it mean for a hummingbird to be territorial?
Territoriality refers to aggressive behavior used to claim and defend an area. Territorial hummingbirds will try to chase away and attack other hummingbirds that enter their territory. They will perform intimidating displays and vocalizations to ward off intruders. The defended area contains food sources like nectar-producing flowers and insect-rich branches that the territorial hummingbird wants to monopolize without competition from other birds.
Why are some hummingbirds territorial?
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to eat frequently to sustain their energy. They consume nectar, tree sap, and small insects and spiders. Access to reliable food sources is critical to their survival. When a hummingbird finds an environment with plentiful food, it is advantageous for it to attempt to claim that area for itself and keep competitors away. This ensures the bird can gain enough calories. Males may also defend a territory to attract females for breeding. Aggressive defense of desirable habitat promotes reproductive success.
Factors that influence territorial behavior
Several key factors impact how territorial a hummingbird species or individual may act:
Time of year
Hummingbirds are most territorial during breeding season when they are trying to attract mates and provide food for their young after eggs hatch. Males will aggressively defend their mating territory. In the nonbreeding season, hummingbirds are less territorial and may gather more peaceably in groups at food sources.
Population density
In areas with many hummingbirds competing for limited habitat and food, territoriality increases. When population density is lower, birds do not need to be as defensive against neighbors. During migration or wintering periods when numerous hummingbirds congregate in one habitat, fierce territorial battles can occur.
Habitat quality
High-quality habitats with plentiful flowers, nectar, insects, breeding sites, and perches promote greater territorial behavior. In poorer environments with scarcer resources, hummingbirds will less aggressively defend undefined areas.
Species
Some hummingbird species are inherently more aggressive than others. Their evolutionary history and adaptation to certain environmental conditions has resulted in more territorial behaviors.
Individual traits
Within a species, some individual birds are more aggressive and territorial than others. Age, size, physical condition, and hormone levels can affect territorial behavior. Previous experiences and learned behaviors may also contribute.
Food availability
When food is plentiful, hummingbirds have less incentive to keep others away. But during seasons or conditions when flowers and feeders provide less nutrition, territoriality increases as birds try to secure their food intake.
Population size
In areas with stable, dense populations of hummingbirds, competition for resources will be greater, leading to heightened territorial behaviors. With lower population sizes, birds do not need to be as defensive.
How do hummingbirds display territorial behavior?
Hummingbirds use a variety of intimidating displays and vocalizations to claim territory:
Dive bombing
A bird will dive directly at an intruder, pulling up at the last moment. This demonstrates the bird’s willingness to collide if the intruder doesn’t retreat.
High-pitched vocalizations
Loud squeaking and chirping conveys aggressiveness and a warning to leave the territory.
Threat displays
Posturing with an erect body, splayed tail feathers, and spread wings makes the bird appear larger and more imposing.
Aerial dogfights
Birds will chase each other through the air while vocalizing and striking with bills and feet. This enforces territory boundaries.
Standoffs
Hummingbirds may face off by hovering just inches from each other for extended periods while vocalizing intensely until one bird retreats.
Most territorial hummingbird species
While all hummingbirds will defend breeding and feeding areas to some degree, these species are known for their intense territorial behavior:
Anna’s Hummingbird
| Scientific Name | Calypte anna |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 4.7 – 5.1 inches |
| Body Length | 3.5 – 4.3 inches |
| Weight | 0.1 – 0.2 oz |
| Range | Southwest Canada to California |
Year-round resident in its range. Highly territorial, aggressively defending feeding territories with extensive dive displays and standoffs.
Rufous Hummingbird
| Scientific Name | Selasphorus rufus |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 3.1 – 3.5 inches |
| Body Length | 2.8 – 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.1 – 0.2 oz |
| Range | Canada and Alaska to West U.S. |
Known for chasing and dogfighting extensively with rival birds to maintain breeding and feeding territory. Aggressively defends its habitat.
Blue-throated Hummingbird
| Scientific Name | Lampornis clemenciae |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 4.7 – 5.5 inches |
| Body Length | 4.3 – 5.1 inches |
| Weight | 0.2 – 0.4 oz |
| Range | Northern Mexico |
Largest North American hummingbird species. Males vigorously defend breeding and feeding territories against all intruders through chasing and aerial displays.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
| Scientific Name | Archilochus colubris |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 3.1 – 4.3 inches |
| Body Length | 2.8 – 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.1 – 0.2 oz |
| Range | Eastern North America |
Males are highly territorial during breeding season, using swift chase flights and repeated diving to drive away intruders from their nesting habitat and food sources.
Calliope Hummingbird
| Scientific Name | Selasphorus calliope |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 2.8 – 3.1 inches |
| Body Length | 2.8 – 3.2 inches |
| Weight | 0.1 oz |
| Range | Western North America |
One of the smallest hummingbird species. Males defend territories aggressively despite their tiny size, using loud chip vocalizations and fast flying maneuvers.
Why is territorial behavior important for hummingbirds?
Territoriality, though demanding in energy expenditure, has key benefits that enhance hummingbird survival and reproduction:
Maximizes food availability
By keeping rivals out of their territory, hummingbirds can gain full access to all the flowers, nectar, sap, and insects in that habitat without competition. This ensures they can meet their high nutritional needs.
Increases mating opportunities
Males that maintain a high-quality breeding territory with plentiful food resources are more likely to attract females for breeding. Their territorial displays also communicate that they are fit, strong mates.
Protects nests and young
Females aggressively defend the area around their nests when incubating eggs and raising hatchlings. This protects the vulnerable young and deters nest predators.
Establishes stable population distribution
Territorial behaviors limit overcrowding by distributing hummingbirds over available habitats. This reduces starvation risk and promotes a healthy population size matched to resources.
Conclusion
Territorial behavior is an important adaptation in hummingbirds for securing the food, breeding sites, and nesting areas essential to their success. The most territorial hummingbird species display energetic diving, chasing, vocalizing, and striking behaviors to protect their territories. While all hummingbirds will defend critical resources, the Anna’s, Rufous, Blue-throated, Ruby-throated, and Calliope are especially known for the intensity of their territorial aggression. Territoriality allows hummingbirds to thrive across a diversity of environments in the Americas.
