Hummer Behavior

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Hello folks, new to the forums, very new to hummingbirds but trying to learn like crazy. Live in San Francisco.

Three weeks ago, I put up a feeder and have one hummer coming, I assume it's a Anna's hummer. Would like feedback on his behavior.

I'll call him #1. He stays in a nearby branch in my yard for pretty much the whole day. He would regularly take a drink and fly to a dense tree perhaps two hundred feet away then come back a few minutes later. It seems when other birds comes by, he chases them away. (I guess that's what he's doing)

The past week, I've noticed a different, young looking hummer along side #1, he doesn't chase this one away. Soon #1 stopped coming to the feeder and the young one has taken over his spot on the same branch in my yard.

What do you think is going on?

thanks.

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

10 years ago

I doubt #2 is any offspring. Too early for this season and once they are able to fly and are more or less self-sufficient, Anna's hatchlings do not hang out any longer with their parent(s) but will sometimes stay in sibling pairs for a few months before claiming their own territory.

I think what you are seeing is a mating pair. This is breeding season (December - March and sometimes into April) and once that important task has been achieved, the males tend to move off to other breeding areas and potential new mates, leaving the female behind to tend the nest and raise her young.

So my assumption would be #1 is the male, who after completing his duties as 'husband' has skipped town to find a new babe and #2 is the female, who has stayed behind to tend the nursery.

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Comments (6)

zzackey
10 years ago
Hummers are very territorial, especially if it's a male. The fly to the trees for protection from predators. Maybe # 2 hummer is one of his baby's> I don't know why he won't come anymore. Birds and Blooms magazine usually has an abundance of articles on hummer behavior and great photos.
Carl Archer thanked zzackey
Carl Archer
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks zzackey, Yes I'm pretty sure #2 is the baby of #1. It is sad #1 doesn't come any longer, it's been five days, can't imagine what happened to her. Thanks for the Birds and Blooms tip.
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Carl Archer
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Thanks gardengal48. #1 hasn't been seen, it's about two weeks now, so I assume he's gone for good. Since a few days ago #2 has been doing aerial displays like going straight up and dive bombing back down and flying in large circles.

Another thing I've noticed is #2's feather colors are changing rapidly, more red iridescence is showing on the throat and head is turning darker.

Yesterday also a new hummer was feeding and #2 was nowhere to be seen. (he usually chases any new ones away quickly) but not this time.

Being such a newbie in hummers, I haven't a clue what may be going on. It does sadden me to not see them again like #1. I wonder where they went and wish them a safe journey.

#1 was a bold hummer, when I was first hanging the feeder, he was hovering a couple feet away, unafraid, and couldn't wait to take a drink.

Thanks!
zzackey
10 years ago
He might come back next year! I swear I have repeat visitors from the year before.
Carl Archer thanked zzackey
Carl Archer
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I was about to ask if hummers ever come back, yes it would be very nice if he came back. I'm always saddened when birds stop coming, I have fears they got injured or any number of things. I've fed other birds besides hummers for a long time, the longest about ten years for a scrub jay. One day he stopped coming and haven't seen him since. I would know him because he took peanuts from my hand.

Thanks!