Hummingbirds are renowned for their energetic, almost ceaseless flight and remarkable aerial agility. While this high-energy behavior is characteristic, a hummingbird might sometimes appear still. Understanding why a hummingbird stops flying, whether it is natural or a sign of distress, is important for those who wish to assist these small birds.
Normal Reasons for a Hummingbird to Be Still
Hummingbirds regularly enter torpor, a natural response to conserve energy, especially during cold nights or when food sources are scarce. During torpor, a hummingbird’s metabolic rate can decrease significantly, sometimes by as much as 95%. Its heart rate plummets from hundreds to 36-50 beats per minute, and body temperature drops, allowing them to save energy.
This temporary state allows them to survive periods when maintaining their high metabolism would lead to starvation. Hummingbirds can remain in torpor for 5 to 10 hours, often appearing lifeless, sometimes even hanging upside down. Beyond torpor, hummingbirds also engage in simple resting or perching to recharge after intense activity. They may perch quietly on branches or feeders, sometimes appearing puffed up with eyes closed, conserving energy.
Reasons for Concern When a Hummingbird Stops Flying
While stillness can be normal, it can also signal a problem. A hummingbird might be still due to an injury, such as a collision with a window, which can stun the bird or cause physical trauma. Signs of injury include visible wounds, bent or broken feathers, a drooping wing, or an inability to fly. If a hummingbird is fluttering on the ground or struggling to fly, it is likely in distress.
Illness can also cause a hummingbird to become still and lethargic. Symptoms include prolonged hovering, extended perching, discharge from nostrils or mouth, unkempt or soiled feathers, and open-mouth breathing. A significantly decreased feeding frequency or a swollen tongue can also indicate illness. Exhaustion or starvation, often resulting from a lack of consistent food sources, can lead to weakness and disorientation. Hummingbirds can also become trapped in enclosed spaces like garages or entangled in spiderwebs, leading to fatigue and an inability to fly freely.
Steps to Take If You Find a Still Hummingbird
If you encounter a still hummingbird that appears to be in distress, observe it from a distance first to assess its condition. If it shows signs of injury, illness, or exhaustion, gentle intervention may be necessary. Prepare a small, ventilated container like a shoebox with a soft cloth lining, avoiding coarse fabrics. Carefully place the bird inside, ensuring it is warm, quiet, and dark to reduce stress and conserve energy.
If the bird appears starved, offer a simple sugar water solution, but only as a temporary measure. Mix one part refined white sugar with four parts water; avoid honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dyes. Use an eyedropper to place a few drops on the tip of the hummingbird’s beak, allowing it to drink voluntarily. If the hummingbird is cold, a gentle heat source, such as a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel placed near the box, can provide warmth.
Connecting with Wildlife Professionals
After providing initial warmth and assessing the bird’s condition, contacting a wildlife professional is the next appropriate step. It is generally not advisable to attempt long-term care for a hummingbird yourself, as they require specialized diets and conditions to recover fully. Keeping wild birds is illegal under federal law without proper permits.
If the hummingbird remains unresponsive, shows clear signs of injury, or does not recover after initial attempts to provide warmth and sugar water, professional intervention is necessary. Wildlife rehabilitators possess the expertise, specialized equipment, and permits to provide appropriate medical care and rehabilitation. You can find local resources by searching online for “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or “hummingbird rescue” to locate an organization that can offer guidance or take in the bird.