Hummingbirds, despite their common association with a soft “hum,” do not chirp like many other birds. They produce a diverse range of sounds for communication, territorial defense, and other essential behaviors. The familiar humming sound originates from their incredibly rapid wingbeats rather than a vocalization.
The Hummingbird’s Vocal Repertoire
Hummingbirds produce a variety of sounds beyond the wing hum, which can sometimes be mistaken for chirps. They commonly make high-pitched calls, including chipping, ticking, and squeaking sounds. These vocalizations are often sharp and can occasionally be confused with insect noises due to their high frequency. Some species also produce chattering sounds, a rapid series of high-pitched notes, particularly during aggressive encounters.
Beyond these common calls, hummingbirds also use trills, rapid series of repeated notes, and soft whines. While most species primarily make high-pitched calls, certain tropical hummingbirds, like the Anna’s Hummingbird, have more structured songs. However, these are not melodious like typical songbirds. Their vocalizations are often subtle and high-pitched, making them easy for human ears to miss amidst ambient noise or the whirring of their wings.
Sound Production in Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds generate sounds through two primary mechanisms: vocalizations and mechanical sounds. Vocal sounds originate from the syrinx, the bird’s vocal organ. While their syrinx is small, allowing for limited complex vocal variations, it still produces chips, squeaks, and chatters. The hummingbird syrinx is uniquely located in the neck, unlike other birds where it is inside the thoracic cavity.
Mechanical sounds are produced by the movement of their wings and tail feathers. The distinctive “hum” comes from their wings beating at incredibly high speeds, often between 40 to 80 times per second, creating oscillating aerodynamic forces. Specialized tail feathers can also vibrate rapidly during high-speed display dives, producing distinct sounds like buzzes, whistles, chirps, and beeps.
The Purpose Behind Hummingbird Sounds
Hummingbirds utilize their diverse sound repertoire for various communication purposes. Many vocalizations serve as territorial warnings, with sharp, repeated chips signaling to intruders that an area is occupied. Males are highly territorial and use aggressive chattering and squealing noises during aerial battles to defend feeding grounds or nesting sites.
Sounds also play a significant role in courtship and mate attraction. Male hummingbirds perform elaborate aerial displays, often accompanied by distinct mechanical sounds from their wings or tail feathers. For instance, the male Anna’s Hummingbird creates a loud, high-frequency “chirp” with its tail feathers during its display dive, attracting females and deterring rival males. Softer vocalizations or “whisper songs” may also be used during courtship. These sounds, combined with visual displays, allow hummingbirds to communicate dominance, availability, and alarm.