Hummingbirds are known for their hovering and attraction to flower nectar. This sugary liquid fuels their high metabolism, sustaining rapid wing beats and energetic flights. However, relying solely on nectar would leave significant gaps in their nutritional requirements. Their diet extends beyond this, encompassing other food sources crucial for their health and survival.
More Than Just Nectar
Beyond nectar, insects form a substantial part of the hummingbird diet. They hunt small insects such as gnats, mosquitoes, fruit flies, aphids, and spiders. These tiny creatures provide essential nutrients that nectar lacks. A single adult hummingbird might consume dozens of insects daily, increasing this intake when feeding young. Hummingbirds also consume tree sap, particularly when floral nectar is scarce, often visiting holes drilled by sapsuckers. They may also inadvertently ingest pollen from flowers or sip juices from overripe fruits.
The Nutritional Imperative
Nectar, while an excellent source of carbohydrates for immediate energy, is nutritionally incomplete. It primarily provides sucrose, which fuels the hummingbirds’ high metabolic rate and constant activity. However, nectar does not supply the necessary proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals required for growth, tissue repair, and overall health. Insects are a vital source of these missing nutrients, particularly protein and fats. Protein is essential for muscle development, feather growth, and reproduction, especially for rapidly growing chicks. Fats provide a concentrated energy reserve, while vitamins and minerals obtained from insects contribute to a balanced diet. Without these components, hummingbirds would struggle to maintain their health, especially during demanding periods like breeding or migration.
Foraging Beyond Flowers
Hummingbirds employ several strategies to obtain their non-nectar food sources. They are adept at aerial hawking, which involves catching small insects directly in flight. Their agile flight allows them to dart and weave to snatch airborne prey. Hummingbirds also engage in gleaning, picking insects or spiders from leaves, bark, and spiderwebs. They may also visit sap wells created by sapsuckers, which are woodpeckers that drill rows of small holes in tree bark to access the sugary sap. Hummingbirds will readily feed from these wells, sometimes also consuming insects attracted to the sap. These diverse foraging behaviors demonstrate their adaptability and reliance on a varied diet to meet their complex nutritional needs.