Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Guillermina
How long do hummingbirds live without food? Find out the true answer to this very interesting question.
Hummingbirds are indisputably one of the most fascinating animal species from the beginning of the universe until today. There is nothing like them and we don’t think there ever will be. Every aspect related to them is fascinating and appealing. Did you know that most species of hummers are considered to be the lightest birds in existence?
Have you ever wondered how long do hummingbirds live without food? We certainly did (at least several times a day). Let us help you find the answer to that question.
How Long Do Hummingbirds Live Without Food?
Did you know that these incredible birds have one of the fastest metabolisms in the world? Although it sounds quite unbelievable, it is really true. When you compare them with other birds who must eat regularly, their metabolism is many times faster.
You can freely compare them to pigeons. Compare the size of the average pigeon to the size of the average hummingbird, in your head, you don’t have to bother with the numbers. You know what? Although much smaller than them, hummers have a metabolism that is at least 12 times faster than pigeon’s.
What is the secret? Namely, these tiny, jewel-like birds sport a combination of having a high energy output and also having a very small digestive system. Here’s the simplest example: the average hummingbird, whose weight is mostly a matter of ounces, has to eat every five minutes because it wastes so much energy flapping its wings.
Considering the fast pace life they live, they simply cannot risk not having enough energy in it. Let that be supported by the fact that their wings beat an incredible 100 times each second, and this applies to every waking moment of their lives.
So, how long do hummingbirds live without food? Considering the speed with which they digest food (it’s about minutes), these birds actually live their whole lives live on the edge of survival. We know it sounds strange and maybe even impossible when you hear this information for the first time, but hummingbirds can starve to death in just 3 to 5 hours.
Trust us, all the clean and regularly maintained feeders that you (persistent and generous people) keep in your yards are very much appreciated by them.
How Often Does A Hummingbird Have To Eat To Survive?
So, when all the facts are considered, this brings the question of how often does a hummingbird have to eat to survive?
Generally speaking, hummers prefer to be able to eat whenever they feel like it. On average, they feed every 10 – 15 minutes a day. Are you ready to hear some amazing info? Although they are the smallest birds ever, they eat, watch this, about HALF OF THEIR BODY WEIGHT in the form of either insects or nectar! – Mind-blowing right?
In addition, we mustn’t forget to mention that there are cases in which some of them can easily last around twenty to even thirty minutes without eating. But at this point, they really have to start searching for food if they want to avoid a fatal outcome.
Do Hummingbirds Need To Eat Every 10 Minutes?
The average hummingbird collects nectar from about 1,000 to as many as 2,000 flowers a day, just to meet its energy needs. As we mentioned before, these birds have a fairly fast metabolism, which actually means that they require a lot of food.
Therefore, yes, the answer to this question is affirmative. So yes, the answer to this question is yes. They really need to eat so often. Every minute really means a lot to them, it’s a guarantee for life. If it can’t find anything to eat for more than three hours, chances are the poor bird will starve to death.
Do Hummingbirds Let You Know When The Feeder Is Empty?
Now that you know the answer to the question: “how long do hummingbirds live without food”, it’s time to add a few more interesting facts. So, let’s go!
Are you one of those good-hearted people who go out of their way to set up feeders and regularly prepare fresh nectar in order to these birds always have something to eat? If you aren’t, we hope you will join our community starting today. The world really is a better place when we help each other, isn’t it?
These birds are known to communicate with humans in different ways. You may not believe us, but scientists have managed to prove that hummers can really recognize human faces. So, when the feeder is empty, they will be the first to let you know. How do they do it? Very simply, they do it by hovering in front of you, right in your face.
You can easily compare this to the behavior of a cat when is hungry and meows around your leg, all to persuade you to reward it with a can of its favorite food.
Is Tap Water Safe For Hummingbirds?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to offer tap water to hummingbirds. If you consume it too, there is no need to worry, it will not harm these flying creatures. However, if you want to be 100% sure that you won’t be the cause of their suffering, feel free to boil the water. In this way, not only will you destroy all pathogens, but the sugar will also dissolve much more easily.
The Takeaway
Hummingbirds are truly one of the most unique animals, not only in the bird kingdom but in the entire animal kingdom. With the world’s fastest metabolism of any known creature, hummingbirds can starve to death in just 3 to 5 hours.
Did you know how long do hummingbirds live without food before reading? Write us your answers in the section below. We are looking forward to your reply.
Take a look at this article as well.
