Elliot Kim
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures with unique characteristics and behaviours. One intriguing aspect is the variety of sounds they produce, ranging from vocalisations to the famous hum created by their rapid wingbeats. This hum, which gives them their name, is a result of the unique figure-8 pattern in which they move their wings, creating pressure waves that produce a steady musical sound. Beyond the hum, hummingbirds also communicate through various vocal and non-vocal sounds, including chirps, squeaks, and whistles. These sounds serve different purposes, from territorial warnings to courtship displays. So, while hummingbirds are known for their humming, they also exhibit a diverse range of vocalisations that provide insight into their behaviour and interactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source of humming sound | Hummingbirds produce sound on both the downstroke and upstroke of their wingbeats |
| The sound is also produced by the movement of air passing over the tail feathers | |
| Some hummingbirds produce sounds with their beaks | |
| Variations in sound | Sounds vary among species except those that are closely related |
| Male hummingbirds produce a low-pitched 'bumblebee' buzzing sound | |
| Female hummingbirds produce sounds that are quieter and slightly higher-pitched than males | |
| Male Broad-tailed hummingbirds produce a "shrill wing whistle" | |
| Anna's hummingbirds produce a "very loud chirp" with a vibrating tail during courtship displays | |
| Male Anna's hummingbirds produce a "scratchy series of notes punctuated by a loud tzzip, tzzip" | |
| Male Costa's hummingbirds sing with a "thin, piercing whistle" | |
| Male Ruby-throated hummingbirds produce a high-pitched whine during flight displays | |
| Male Ruby-throated hummingbirds produce a rattling sound when changing directions | |
| Male Ruby-throated hummingbirds produce a loud, explosive pop during courtship displays | |
| Other sounds | Hummingbirds make short, soft call notes, such as the "teew" of a black-chinned hummingbird or the "chip" of a rufous hummingbird |
| Hummingbirds make chattering and squealing noises during aerial battles over food sources |
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What You'll Learn
The humming sound comes from the wings, not the voice
The distinctive humming sound that gives the hummingbird its name comes from the rapid movement of its wings, not its voice. The wings of a hummingbird are angled to the ground and flap back and forth in a figure-8 pattern, pushing against the air below during both parts of the stroke, which enables them to hover in place and produce a sound on both halves of the stroke. This is in contrast to most other birds, which create a "`whooshing` sound" by flapping their wings up and down, only creating lift and drag on the downstroke.
The hummingbird's wings create alternating pressure waves during the back-and-forth stroke, which interact with each other to create layers of sound. The pressure waves created in all directions when the wings rotate at the end of each half of the stroke to head back in the other direction add further complexity to the sound. The force and volume of the hummingbird's rapid wingbeats, at around 40 beats per second, create the familiar "hum" noise. The sound produced can also depend on the bird's weight, as heavier body weights translate to louder wing sounds because the higher lift and drag generate stronger pressure waves.
The male Anna's hummingbird is a particularly notable singer, producing a scratchy series of notes punctuated by a loud "tzzip, tzzip" sound. The male broad-tailed hummingbird also produces a distinctive sound, with a high, metallic trilling of its wings. The male ruby-throat, meanwhile, creates a high-pitched whine during flight displays, while the shorter inner feathers make a rattling sound when changing direction.
While the humming sound comes from the wings, hummingbirds can also make vocal and non-vocal sounds. The voice box or syrinx of a hummingbird is extremely small and not capable of complex vocalisations, but some species, such as the male Anna's hummingbird, are known to sing. Other sounds made by hummingbirds include a single-note "chip note", which sounds like a series of fast chirps, and chattering, squealing noises during aerial battles over food sources.
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Male and female hummingbirds sound different
While it is generally believed that all hummingbirds make the same high-pitched sounds, there is significant variation in sounds among different species. Male and female hummingbirds do sound different, and these differences can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, male hummingbirds have distinct brilliance and ornamentation of head, neck, wing, and breast feathers. The most common ornament in males is the gorget, a bib-like iridescent neck-feather patch that changes brilliance with the viewing angle. During courtship displays, males orient their bodies and feathers toward the sun to enhance the display value of their iridescent plumage toward a female. The male Anna's hummingbird, for instance, produces a very loud chirp by vibrating its tail during courtship displays.
The female hummingbird, on the other hand, typically has a white throat with grey-brown spots and less vibrant back and wing feathers. They also have a longer bill than their male counterparts. While the male ruby-throated hummingbird has an iridescent-red gorget, the female has a speckled throat and dull-greenish underparts. The male broad-tailed hummingbird produces a shrill wing whistle, which is a distinctive sound that can be used to identify this species.
The difference in sound production between male and female hummingbirds also extends to their wingbeats. The male rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds have a distinctive wing feature during normal flight that sounds like jingling or a buzzing shrill whistle, also known as a trill. This sound is created by air rushing through slots formed by the tapered tips of the ninth and tenth primary wing feathers. The trill serves multiple purposes, including announcing the sex and presence of a male bird, defending territory, enhancing the communication of a threat, and attracting mates.
In addition to the visual and acoustic differences between male and female hummingbirds, there are also behavioural distinctions. During the breeding season, male and female hummingbirds take on dramatically different day-to-day tasks. Nesting females are highly territorial and aggressive towards potential nest predators, actively chasing away squirrels and chipmunks that come too close. Male hummingbirds, on the other hand, engage in competitive behaviours and fights to defend their feeding territory.
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Hummingbirds are attracted to the colour red
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures with some unique characteristics. They are known for their ability to produce a distinct humming sound with their wings as they flap them in a figure-8 pattern, which enables them to hover in place. This sets them apart from other birds, which typically create a ""whooshing" sound with each flap of their wings. The humming sound is created by the pressure waves generated during the wingbeats, resulting in the high-pitched "hums" or "twitters" that we associate with these birds.
While hummingbirds are indeed attracted to the colour red, it is not just the colour that lures them. Red flowers and feeders are often rich sources of nectar, which is a favourite food for these energetic birds. The colour red often indicates high-energy fuel, which is essential for their active lifestyle. Additionally, hummingbirds have a heightened sensitivity to the red and yellow end of the colour spectrum due to the concentration of cones in their retinas. These cones contain pigments and oil droplets in shades of yellow to red, acting as filters that enhance their colour perception in this range while muting colours like blue.
This sensitivity to specific colours may explain why red is commonly used in hummingbird feeders and why retailers suggest colouring sugar water with red dye, although there are no studies confirming the safety of this practice. However, it is important to note that while hummingbirds may be initially drawn to the colour red, they are adaptable and will seek out the most nectar-rich flowers, regardless of their colour.
To attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden, consider planting red flowers or native plants with brightly coloured, tubular blooms that provide an abundance of nectar. You can also hang ribbons or surveyor's tape in vibrant shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow, as these colours stand out to the birds during migration. Additionally, providing water features and leaving spiderwebs intact for nest construction can make your space even more inviting for these fascinating creatures.
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They make other sounds, like chattering and squealing
While the humming sound of hummingbirds comes from the movement of their wings, these birds also make other sounds, like chattering and squealing.
Hummingbirds are feisty creatures, constantly sparring over choice flower patches and feeders. Their aerial battles are mostly just bluffing, but they make a lot of noise with their chattering, squealing, and other aggressive calls. For example, when a hummingbird spots another bird at its nectar feeder, it quickly approaches with a high-pitched series of squeaks, presumably to warn the intruder.
Hummingbirds also make sounds with their tail feathers. The male Anna's hummingbird, for instance, produces a remarkable sound with his tail feathers during his courtship display. He performs a zooming dive, plummeting toward the ground and then pulling up with a loud, explosive pop that can be heard from hundreds of yards away. The male Broad-tailed hummingbird produces a "shrill wing whistle", while the male Ruby-throated hummingbird's wings create a high-pitched whine during flight.
Hummingbirds also make sounds when they're enjoying themselves. When it's raining, they spread their tails and wings and shake them, creating a "squit" sound that's like them singing in the shower. When they're happy, they make a bubbly, chatty twitter.
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Some species are better singers than others
The distinctive hum of a hummingbird comes from the air moving around its wings as it flies, rather than from its voice. Most birds create lift and drag on the downstroke of the wingbeat, making a "whooshing" sound. However, hummingbirds are unique in that they hold their wings at an angle to the ground and flap them back and forth in a figure-8 pattern, creating lift and drag on both the upward and downward strokes. This produces a steady hum instead of the pulsing whoosh of larger birds.
While hummingbirds are not considered great singers, some species are better at it than others. Male Anna's and Costa's hummingbirds are known to be regular singers, producing a variety of sounds such as a very loud chirp during courtship displays. The male Broad-tailed hummingbird, for instance, produces a "shrill wing whistle". In contrast, most hummingbird species give monotonous series of calls, chirps, or squeaks, with the most common sounds being aggressive calls that resemble chattering or squealing.
The ability to sing is especially important for male hummingbirds of certain species, who gather in places called leks to sing scratchy songs and attract females. The females are drawn to these locations, and the males then compete for the opportunity to mate.
The vocalizations of hummingbirds can also provide insight into their behaviour. For example, some sounds made by hummingbirds may be a signal for humans to refill an empty feeder. Additionally, hummingbirds may recognize members of their own species by hearing their unique hums, which can vary depending on the bird's weight and the forces needed to overcome their body weight during flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Hummingbirds are not attracted to humming sounds. Instead, they are attracted to the colour red, and to a lesser extent, yellow. They are also attracted to nectar-filled feeders and flowers.
The humming sound is produced by the rapid beating of their wings. This is different from other birds, which create a "'whoosh' sound by flapping their wings up and down. Hummingbirds hold their wings at an angle to the ground and flap them back and forth in a figure-8 pattern, producing a sound on both halves of the stroke.
Hummingbirds make a variety of sounds, including chattering, squealing, and chittering. They also sing, with the male Anna's hummingbird being a champion singer.
To attract hummingbirds, set up a feeder with nectar. It is recommended to have the feeder ready about two weeks before they typically return from their winter migration.
