The answer to whether spiders eat hummingbirds is a clear, if rare, yes. This interaction is not a regular feature of nature but a documented, opportunistic event occurring in certain ecological niches worldwide. While the image of a hummingbird caught by a spider is shocking, understanding the circumstances, the species involved, and the environmental factors provides a clearer picture of this unusual relationship.
Documented Cases of Avian Predation
The predation of small birds by spiders is a scientifically verified phenomenon, although instances involving hummingbirds are infrequent. Ornithological records confirm that when these events occur, they are typically a result of the bird becoming fatally entangled in a very large, strong web. The bird’s struggle often leads to exhaustion, or the spider may subdue it with venom and then begin the feeding process.
These cases have been documented across the globe, from the tropics to more temperate zones. Hummingbirds are small-bodied species within the size range that large webs can hold. Small birds have been observed being caught in the webs of Golden Orb-Weavers, demonstrating the tensile strength of the silk. Accidental capture is the most common scenario, but once entangled, the bird faces death from exhaustion, dehydration, or the spider’s subsequent action.
The Spider Species Involved
The spiders responsible for capturing hummingbirds generally fall into two categories: web-builders and ambush predators. The most frequently implicated are the giant orb-weaving spiders, particularly those in the genus Nephila, commonly known as Golden Silk Orb-Weavers. These spiders construct massive, intricate webs that can exceed one meter in diameter, and the silk possesses extraordinary tensile strength, capable of ensnaring prey much larger than typical insects.
The strength of the golden silk is a primary factor, as a hummingbird’s momentum and wing speed would typically tear through a weaker web. Orb-weavers possess the necessary web architecture to trap a small bird. Ambush predators, such as larger crab spiders, may also pose a localized threat by lurking on or near flowers and feeders, though web entrapment is the more common mechanism. Instances have also been recorded of jumping spiders attacking hummingbird nestlings.
Environmental Factors in Captures
The shared environment between spiders and hummingbirds often dictates the risk of an encounter, frequently concentrating the danger in high-traffic areas. Hummingbirds are known to intentionally visit spider webs to collect silk, which they use as a binding agent to construct their tiny, cup-shaped nests. This behavior brings them into close proximity with the large webs.
The presence of human-provided resources, such as nectar feeders, can inadvertently create dangerous hot spots. Spiders are attracted to these areas because the feeders draw numerous insects, their primary food source. When large orb-webs are constructed adjacent to or directly on a feeding station, the higher volume of bird traffic increases the probability of an accidental collision. Dense vegetation and sheltered eaves near homes also provide ideal, stable anchor points for the strongest orb-weavers.
Protecting Hummingbirds
Homeowners and bird enthusiasts can take several practical steps to minimize the risk of these rare but fatal encounters. The most effective measure is to regularly inspect and clear any large, robust spider webs built directly on or immediately surrounding hummingbird feeders. Webs from large orb-weavers, recognizable by their substantial size and thick silk, should be gently removed or simply swept away.
Strategic placement of feeders can also reduce risk. Avoid areas of dense shrubbery or structures that provide stable, secluded anchor points for large webs. Feeders should be hung in open areas, away from the eaves of houses or thick vines, which are prime locations for giant orb-weavers.
Maintaining a clean feeding station also helps. Spilled nectar and dead insects attract more spiders and their prey, increasing the overall spider population in the immediate vicinity.