The Blog.

Iridescent green hummingbird perched on a metal feeder hook

How Hummingbirds Communicate: Sounds, Signals, and Secret Messages in the Sky

Hummingbirds may be tiny, but they have big personalities — and they’re constantly “talking.” Whether they’re defending territory, impressing a mate, or warning off another hummingbird, these birds have an incredible communication system made of sounds, movements, and even wing vibrations. Understanding how hummingbirds communicate helps us appreciate how intelligent, social, and surprisingly expressive they really are. 🗣️ Do Hummingbirds Make Sounds? Yes, hummingbirds are far from silent. Many people only notice their rapid wing

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Hummingbird hovering near small blue wildflowers

Do Hummingbirds Recognize Humans? Understanding How Smart These Tiny Birds Really Are

People often wonder if their hummingbirds “know” them. If you’ve ever noticed the same hummingbird visiting repeatedly, hovering near you, or seeming unusually comfortable around you—you may be onto something. Are Hummingbirds Intelligent? Yes. Hummingbirds are incredibly intelligent for their size. Studies show that hummingbirds have excellent memory and advanced learning abilities. They can remember: Their brain size is huge compared to their body, making them one of the smartest bird species. Do Hummingbirds Remember

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Hummingbird perched on a bare branch

How Fast Do Hummingbirds Really Fly?

See typical flight speeds, courtship dive records, and what makes their wingbeats so extraordinary. How Fast Do Hummingbirds Really Fly? Typical flight can reach 20–30 mph. During courtship dives, some species (like Anna’s) can exceed 50 mph. Wingbeat Wizardry Small species can reach ~80 beats/second. Hummingbirds create lift on both the downstroke and upstroke, enabling true hovering. Speed vs. Agility They excel at precision and hovering, not long-distance speed. FAQs What’s the fastest hummingbird? Anna’s hummingbird is often cited for

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Hummingbird feeding at red bee balm flowers in an Arizona garden

Hummingbirds in Arizona: Seasonal Guide for Bird Lovers

Discover Arizona hummingbird seasons, hotspots, and how to attract them all year. Arizona’s Hummingbird Seasons Arizona hosts Anna’s, Black-chinned, Broad-billed, Costa’s, Rufous (seasonal), and more. Best Times & Places Yard Tips for Heat & Drought FAQs Can I attract hummingbirds year-round in AZ? Yes—choose plants with staggered blooms and maintain reliable water sources. Do I need shade cloths? In extreme heat, partial shade helps birds conserve energy. Related Articles How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your

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Hummingbird feeding from pink flowers, seen from below

The Colors Hummingbirds See That Humans Can’t

Hummingbirds see UV and mixed hues beyond human vision. Learn how that affects flower choice and attraction. Hummingbird Color Vision Hummingbirds are tetrachromats—they detect ultraviolet (UV) plus combinations of colors we can’t. Why It Matters Many flowers present UV nectar guides, acting like landing lights to direct birds to nectar. Planting for Color FAQs Do hummingbirds only like red? No. Shape and nectar are key; they visit many colors, including purple and orange. Should I use

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Hummingbird feeding at a yellow and pink honeysuckle flower

Top 10 Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds Naturally

Plant these 10 nectar-rich flowers to attract hummingbirds all season, with care tips. Top Picks Planting Tips FAQs Do I need red flowers only? No. Shape and nectar content matter more than color alone. Can containers attract hummingbirds? Yes—use vertical layers and multiple pots with tubular blooms. Related Articles How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden Creating a Patio Hummingbird Oasis Hummingbirds in Arizona: Seasonal Guide Tired of woodpeckers and squirrels draining your feeder? Shop

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Hummingbird hovering near a red flower against dark green foliage

What Do Hummingbirds Eat Besides Nectar?

Learn how hummingbirds also eat insects, tree sap, and more—and why protein matters. Protein Sources Yard Tips Plant natives that support insect populations; avoid pesticides. FAQs Do hummingbirds eat mosquitoes? Yes, small ones. They prefer gnats, fruit flies, and other tiny insects. Why do they need insects? Protein supports muscle growth, feather development, and chick nutrition. Related Articles Do Hummingbirds Remember You? Do Hummingbirds Recognize Humans? The Colors Hummingbirds See That Humans Can’t Tired of

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Hummingbird perched among green leaves and branches

Why Do Hummingbirds Fight at Feeders? The Truth About Territory

Learn why hummingbirds get territorial at feeders and how to reduce conflicts with spacing, plants, and multiple nectar sources. Why Do Hummingbirds Fight at Feeders? Hummingbirds burn energy at a blistering rate, so reliable nectar is survival, not luxury. A dominant bird often “owns” a feeder and chases rivals. This is normal territorial behavior, especially during breeding and migration. What Drives the Aggression? How to Reduce Fighting Signs of Improvement You’ll notice shorter chases, more

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Green hummingbird feeding at a red tubular flower

Aphids, Gnats and Spiders, Oh My!

We all know that hummingbirds drink nectar/sugar water. And we see several feeders hanging from trees and patios all over the place. But it might be a surprise to know that our little buzzing jewels also need protein for new feather growth and maintaining their muscle. Just like us, they can’t survive on sweets alone and stay healthy! Just  eating sweets for survival doesn’t work! What a bummer! Young hummers still in the nest are

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