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September 6, 2025

Celebrating National Hummingbird Day

byLaura Kohtz

National Hummingbird Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of September each year. This year, it falls on September 6, marking the 29th year of honoring these remarkable birds. The day was established in 1996 by birding enthusiast, Penny Elliston, to raise awareness about the importance of hummingbirds in ecosystems and to promote their conservation.

Hummingbirds Through Time and Space
  • Hummingbirds are found across the Americas today, with 366 species found throughout.
  • Fossil records show they existed in Europe 30 million years ago, but the reason for their disappearance remains unknown.
  • They are most abundant in South America, favoring tropical climates.
Hummingbirds in Nebraska
  • Only 8 species have been recorded in Nebraska. Those 8 species include:
    • Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
    • Black-Chinned Hummingbird
    • Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
    • Calliope Hummingbird
    • Rufous Hummingbird
    • Anna’s Hummingbird
    • Broad-Billed Hummingbird
    • Costa’s Hummingbird
  • None stay year-round; they are typically seen from May to November.
  • The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the most common species in the state.
  • They are rarely seen in winter due to their migration to warmer areas such as Mexico or Central and South America.
     
Amazing Hummingbird Facts
Physical Traits & Abilities 
  • Size: Often no larger than the palm of your hand. The smallest hummingbird in the world is the bee hummingbird. It is often found in Cuba and measures 2.25 inches and weighs as little as 0.07 ounces. The biggest hummingbird in the world is the giant hummingbird, which can reach up to 9 inches and weighs up to 1.7 ounces. The average hummingbird typically measures 2.5-4 inches in length. 
  • Wings: Flutter 12-80 times per second or up to 4,800 flaps per minute. The name hummingbird comes from the humming sound that their wings make during flight.
  • Flight: Can fly backwards and upside-down. Their fast wings allow them to fly hundreds of miles per day and thousands of miles each year. 
  • Heartbeat: Up to 1,260 beats per minute (second fastest in the animal kingdom, only the pygmy shrew surpasses with a heartbeat of up to 1,511 beats per minute.) A hummingbird’s heart typically beats 500-1,200 times per minute, which is up to 20 times faster than a human’s average heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute.
  • Breathing: Takes about 250 breaths per minute at rest.
  • Brain: Largest brain-to-body size of all birds. The hippocampus makes up a large portion of a hummingbird’s brain, which allows them to have excellent memory, as they can remember which flowers they’ve visited and where feeder locations are years later. 
  • Feet: Too small to walk – they perch or scoot when not flying.
  • Eating Nectar: They can lap nectar with their tongues up to 12-20 times per second!
Diet & Metabolism
  • Their diet includes insects, spiders, tree sap, and nectar. 
  • They can eat up to half their body weight daily.
  • They may visit over 1,000 flowers and consume thousands of insects per day.
  • They store fat to support up to 20 hours of flight per day.
  • Hummingbirds enter torpor (a hibernation-like state) to conserve energy in cold weather. Torpor slows their heart rate down to 50 beats per minute. 
Lifespan & Reproduction
  • Most hummingbirds live 3-5 years in the wild.
  • The oldest recorded hummingbird lived to be 12 years and 2 months.
  • Many hummingbirds don’t survive their first year due to predators, weather, or lack of food. 
  • Male hummingbirds are more colorful in order to attract mates.
  • Female hummingbirds have duller colors for camouflage and protection.
  • Their diet influences their coloration. Richer diets tend to result in richer, more vibrant plumage. Younger and healthier males tend to have more vibrant colors.
  • Hummingbirds typically breed in the spring and summer. 
  • Males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females, including dives and rapid wingbeats. 
  • Only the female builds the nest and cares for the young.
  • There are usually 2 eggs per clutch. 
  • Incubation lasts 14-23 days, and chicks leave the nest about 18-30 days after hatching. 
Ecological Importance & Conservation
  • Hummingbirds are vital pollinators, helping maintain healthy ecosystems. Their pollination service contributes to soil, plant, and ecosystem health.
  • They help control insect populations. 
  • Threats to hummingbirds include:
    • Habitat loss
      • Habitat loss reduces the availability of nesting sites and can isolate populations.
    • Pesticide use and pollution 
      • Insecticides reduce insect populations, a key protein source for hummingbirds.
      • Herbicides can kill nectar-producing plants.
      • Pollution can contaminate water and food sources. 
    • Weather pattern variability 
      • Weather pattern variability alters timing of flower blooms and insect availability, disrupting feeding and migration patterns for hummingbirds. 
    • Window collisions 
      • They often fly into reflective or transparent windows, which can lead to injury or death. 
    • Predators
      • Snakes, larger birds, praying mantises, and domestic cats predate on hummingbirds. Nestlings and eggs are especially vulnerable to predators. 
    • Invasive species
      • Non-native plants may not provide suitable nectar.
      • Invasive species may outcompete or prey on hummingbirds.
    • Improper Feeding
      • Dirty bird feeders can spread illness or disease. Honey or artificial sweeteners can also be harmful to hummingbirds.
Ways to Help Hummingbirds
  • Plant native, tubular flowers that are rich in nectar such as:
    • Bee Balm
    • Columbine
    • Goldenrod
    • Jewelweed
    • Milkweed
    • Penstemon
  • Provide water through a mister, dripper, or shallow birdbath. They love to bathe in moving water.
  • Set up hummingbird feeders. You can make your own nectar with a 4:1 water to sugar ratio. Clean it 3 times per week in hot weather to avoid mold or fermentation causing illness or death. Do not use red dye–it is harmful. Place feeders away from windows and in shaded areas to prevent overheating and collision. Early May to Mid-November is a good time to have a feeder out in most locations.
  • Keep cats indoors.
  • Support conservation and education efforts. Volunteering or donating can make a positive impact on hummingbird populations. 
  • Provide nesting habitat by leaving small trees and shrubs undisturbed. Avoid trimming during the nesting season which is typically May-August. 
  • Avoid using harmful chemicals like pesticides. 

 

 

To learn about the hummingbirds found in Nebraska, check out our YouTube Video here: Hummingbirds of Nebraska

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