The Short Answer
Hummingbirds are naturally very energetic and active birds that prefer to be constantly in motion. While they are attracted to sugar water feeders or flowers where they can hover and drink nectar, hummingbirds do not typically have an inclination to land and perch on a human finger or hand. However, with time, patience, and training, some hummingbirds can become accustomed to perching briefly on an outstretched hand to drink from a feeder. But most hummingbirds will not naturally sit still on a finger without flying off shortly after landing.
Do Hummingbirds Like Sitting Still?
Hummingbirds are constantly active and energetic due to their high metabolism. They prefer to be in motion and do not naturally like to sit still for long periods of time. Here are some key facts about hummingbird activity levels:
– Hummingbirds have an incredibly fast metabolism that requires them to consume significant amounts of nectar each day just to survive. To satisfy this need, they are constantly moving and feeding.
– Their wings can beat up to 70 times per second, allowing them to precisely maintain their position in the air and to maneuver quickly from flower to flower. The rapid wing beating also generates the distinct humming noise.
– They prefer hovering in mid-air to perching. Their legs and feet are quite small relative to their body size, so they are not well-adapted for prolonged sitting or perching.
– Hummingbirds are territorial and solitary. They do not naturally congregate in groups or flocks that might encourage resting or perching together.
– Even when sleeping, hummingbirds go into a hibernation-like state called torpor where their metabolic rate slows. But this is a short-term adaptation mainly done at night and they do not sleep for extended periods during the day.
Requirements for a Hummingbird to Perch
Given hummingbirds’ natural inclination for constant motion and hover feeding, getting one to perch on your hand or finger takes particular circumstances. Here are requirements for a hummingbird to decide to perch:
– The bird must be accustomed to human presence. Hummingbirds in areas with regular human activity and contact are more likely to be tolerant of close interaction than wild hummingbirds unused to people.
– There needs to be an incentive or reward for the bird to overcome its instincts – usually in the form of food. Offering sugar water from a feeder held in the hand encourages the bird to overcome its discomfort with perching.
– Extreme patience is required. Hummingbirds are easily startled and will take flight rapidly. You may need to stand perfectly still with your hand outstretched for an extended period.
– Motionlessness is critical when a hummingbird approaches. Any sudden movements will scare the bird off. Let the hummingbird make the final move to come in and perch without swaying your hand or fingers.
– Perching spots should provide a natural grip. Flat, stiff fingers do not give the bird something easy to grasp. Holding your hand palm up with fingers slightly curved provides better purchase.
Training a Hummingbird to Perch
With time and repetition, some hummingbirds can be trained to briefly perch on a finger. Here is a process for training a hummingbird to perch:
Set up a feeding station
Establish a dedicated feeder in your yard or garden that hummingbirds routinely visit. This allows them to become comfortable eating there regularly. Avoid moving the feeder location once hummingbirds start using it.
Extend your hand near the feeder
Once hummingbirds are accustomed to the feeding station, slowly introduce your hand held underneath or next to the feeder. Get them used to your presence and association of your hand with the food reward.
Move the feeder onto your hand
When hummingbirds appear unfazed by your hand near the feeder, try moving the feeder directly onto your lightly outstretched palm. Keep your hand still as the birds continue to feed.
Touch the bird briefly while feeding
After the hummingbirds take the feeder from your palm without fear, you can try gently petting or touching the birds on their back or tail for 1-2 seconds while they feed. This further reinforces positive contact.
Hover the feeder over your finger
Next, hold the feeder over your finger and try hovering it in a way that encourages the bird to perch for a few moments while feeding. Don’t force contact.
Be patient waiting for fleeting finger perching
With luck and time, the hummingbirds may briefly perch on your finger to reach the feeder. But only expect 1-5 seconds of contact before they rapidly fly off. The perching will likely be fleeting and inconsistent.
Tips for Getting Hummingbirds to Perch on You
Beyond the training steps, here are some helpful tips for successfully getting hummingbirds to overcome their instincts and perch:
– Start training attempts when hummingbirds are most hungry like early in the morning. Their motivation for food may overcome fear.
– Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing that could scare them, and wear natural earth tones.
– Hum softly or whistle to mimic hummingbird sounds which may attract their curiosity.
– Keep your body position stable without leaning or reaching towards the birds. Let them make the final approach.
– Try holding your hand so a branch or object is behind it to block quick escape routes and encourage landing.
– Never grab or restrict a hummingbird’s movement if one happens to perch on you. This breaches their trust.
– If a hummingbird appears agitated or stressed, simply end the session and try again later rather than forcing contact.
Health Risks of Hummingbirds Perching on You
While having a hummingbird perch on your finger may seem like a magical experience, there are some health risks to consider:
Spread of disease
Hummingbirds can potentially transmit infections to humans through feces particles if they defecate while perching. Examples include psittacosis, salmonella, and trichomoniasis.
Bites and scratches
Stressed hummingbirds may bite or scratch with their sharp beaks and claws. This can cause skin injury or transfer bacteria into the wound.
Allergies
People may be allergic to proteins in hummingbird dander, feathers, or feces that come in contact with their skin. This could trigger rashes, itchy eyes, sneezing, or other reactions.
Falling risk
If a hummingbird startles and flies off suddenly, you could jerk your hand instinctively and increase risk of falling or injury. Remaining calm and stationary is key.
To reduce health risks, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with hummingbirds before touching your eyes, mouth, or food. Seek medical care if any concerning symptoms develop.
Ethical Considerations of Training Hummingbirds
While it can certainly be rewarding to cultivate closer contact with hummingbirds, it raises some ethical questions to consider regarding respect for wildlife:
– Is the motivation for personal gratification or truly for the bird’s benefit?
– Does training or perching negatively stress or disrupt natural hummingbird behaviors?
– Are you putting unnecessary pressure on the bird to overcome its natural aversion to sustained perching?
– Does frequent close contact with humans threaten impairment of the hummingbird’s survival instincts?
– Could trying to tame or restrain the bird potentially contribute to injury?
Keeping hummingbird feeders regularly stocked with nectar in appropriate seasons is generally considered an ethically acceptable way to mutually benefit people and hummingbirds. But any training attempts that seem to disturb hummingbirds or force unnatural contact against the bird’s wishes should be avoided. A thoughtful ethical approach puts animal welfare first.
The Bottom Line
Here is a quick summary of the key points:
– Hummingbirds naturally prefer to be constantly active and moving due to their high metabolism. They are not prone to sitting still or perching.
– With time, patience, and positive reinforcement using food rewards, some hummingbirds can be trained to briefly perch on a human hand or finger. But contact will be very brief.
– Requirements include acclimating hummingbirds to human presence and motionlessness when initiating contact. Never grab or restrict the birds.
– While finger perching is possible under the right conditions, it carries health risks like infections, scratches, allergies, and injury potential. Caution is warranted.
– There are ethical considerations regarding whether training hummingbirds is in the birds’ best interests or putting undue pressure on them to behave unnaturally. Conservation should be the priority.
So in limited circumstances, you may succeed at getting a hummingbird to perch on your finger for a few seconds. But ultimately, hummingbirds are wild birds that should be appreciated, enjoyed, and protected while respecting their innate need to be free, active, and untamed. With the right care and perspective, people can mutually delight in the magic of hummingbirds without unnaturally handling them. Their stunning colors and energetic movements should be admired from a respectful distance for the wellbeing of both humans and hummingbirds.