When rain begins to fall, a common question arises: how do these delicate creatures manage in wet weather? Hummingbirds employ several strategies to cope with rain, ensuring their survival and continued activity.
Finding Refuge
When rain begins, hummingbirds actively seek shelter. They often choose dense evergreen shrubs, thick deciduous bushes, or the sheltered canopy of trees, where overlapping leaves and branches create a natural umbrella. Conifers like pines, spruces, and cedars are frequently favored due to their year-round density.
Hummingbirds also utilize artificial structures in urban and suburban environments. The eaves of houses, porch overhangs, sheds, and even the underside of large patio umbrellas provide effective protection from direct rain. They instinctively seek out the lee side of any large object, such as a tree trunk or building, to minimize wind exposure and prevent their feathers from becoming ruffled or soaked. During heavy downpours, they may opt for lower, more protected perches closer to the ground within dense foliage, prioritizing safety from both rain and potential predators.
Surviving the Downpour
Hummingbirds possess adaptations and behaviors to manage their physiology during rainfall. Their feathers, though not entirely waterproof, are meticulously maintained through preening. This process involves using their beak to straighten feathers and apply oils from a gland at the base of their tail, creating a water-resistant barrier. If caught in open rain, they will quickly find shelter and vigorously shake their bodies to dislodge water droplets.
A cold, wet bird rapidly loses body heat, and to maintain their high body temperature in such conditions would require an unsustainable amount of energy. To conserve energy during prolonged or heavy rain, hummingbirds can enter a state of torpor, a temporary reduction in metabolic activity. In torpor, their heart rate can drop from over 1,200 beats per minute to as low as 50-100 beats per minute, breathing slows, and their body temperature can decrease significantly, sometimes to 68°F. This allows them to conserve fat reserves, effectively pausing their high metabolism until conditions improve.
Resuming Activity
Once the rain subsides, hummingbirds quickly return to their energetic routines. After a period of sheltering or torpor, they are in immediate need of calories to restore energy reserves and raise their body temperature. This often results in a flurry of activity around feeders, as these provide a reliable and concentrated source of energy when natural nectar sources might be diluted or insects less active.
Preening remains important after rain to ensure their feathers are in optimal condition for flight and insulation. They will meticulously groom their plumage to redistribute protective oils and realign barbs. Their ability to rapidly recover from torpor, which can take 20 minutes to an hour and involves shivering to generate heat, demonstrates their resilience. This swift return to foraging and activity highlights their remarkable capacity to adapt and thrive even after challenging weather conditions.