Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and rapid wing beats, are often associated with sipping nectar from colorful flowers. This common perception, while accurate for a portion of their diet, overlooks a surprising and equally important truth: hummingbirds are not solely nectar-eaters. They also consume a variety of small insects, including spiders, which play a crucial role in their overall nutrition.
The Truth About Hummingbird Diets
Hummingbirds consume spiders and other insects primarily to obtain protein, which is largely absent in nectar. While nectar provides the immediate energy needed for their high metabolism and fast wing beats, it lacks the essential nutrients for growth, muscle development, feather production, and egg laying.
Female hummingbirds, especially, consume a significant number of insects during nesting season, sometimes as many as 2,000 per day, to meet their own increased needs and to feed their young. Baby hummingbirds require a protein-rich diet for rapid growth, and their mothers feed them a slurry of partially digested insects and nectar. This insect-heavy diet for the young is crucial for developing strong bones and beaks.
Beyond Spiders: Other Protein Sources
While spiders are a common protein source, hummingbirds supplement their diet with a wide array of other small insects and arthropods. These include tiny creatures such as gnats, mosquitoes, fruit flies, aphids, leafhoppers, and small caterpillars. They also consume insect eggs and larvae.
These various invertebrates provide essential fats and minerals that nectar cannot supply. During migration, consumption of these protein-rich animals increases, supporting their demanding journeys. In fact, insects and spiders can make up a substantial portion of their diet.
Hunting Strategies
Hummingbirds employ several methods to capture their insect prey, showcasing their agility and keen eyesight. One common technique is “hawking,” where they catch insects directly in mid-air, often observed as they dart and weave through the air. Their speed and maneuverability allow them to pursue and snatch small flying insects with precision.
Another strategy is “gleaning,” which involves picking insects, larvae, or eggs off surfaces such as leaves, branches, flowers, or tree bark. They may also raid spiderwebs, either plucking the spider itself if it is small enough, or consuming other insects already trapped in the sticky silk.
The Sweet Side of Their Diet
Despite their reliance on insects for protein, nectar remains a primary food source for hummingbirds, providing the necessary sugar for their high energy demands. This sugary liquid fuels their incredibly fast metabolism and rapid wing beats, which can reach up to 80 beats per second. They extract nectar from flowers or feeders using their long, extendable tongues, which can flick in and out up to 20 times per second.
The protein obtained from insects and spiders complements this energy source, ensuring a balanced diet that supports their overall health and active lifestyle. This combination allows hummingbirds to thrive in diverse environments.