Hummingbird watchers and feeders must know the truth and not believe the myths which may harm these mini creatures. Myths about their activities can lead to inaccurate feedings or even have a detrimental effect on their health. By understanding the facts, you can learn the exact ways to treat them properly. Well, handling birds with care can also bring them back to your backyard. It is necessary to debunk the common myths about these flying jewels as believing in these myths can either save or destroy their lives.
Discover The Truth About Hummingbirds’ Myths
People listen to the words of others and begin to believe them without knowing the fact behind them. Here, we’ll separate the common myths from the real facts. Today you’ll come to know various surprising things about hummingbirds’ migration, feeding, bathing, etc. So, let’s start debunking the common myths one by one:
Migration Myths
Myth#1: Hummingbirds migrate on the backs of larger birds
Fact: This is a legend, but unfortunately untrue. Well, these birds are small creatures, how can they possibly travel such long distances and overcome the natural obstacles by sitting on the backs of big birds? Large birds take different routes, fly at different altitudes, and even they migrate at different times. So, do you think a hummingbird will wait for a big bird to come and take it forward? For example, a ruby-throated hummingbird that migrates south from the eastern United States and Canada, across the Gulf of Mexico to spend the winter season in the tropic region. Do you think it would need some kind of help and wait for a large bird to take him further, right? How poor!
Myth#2: All hummingbirds migrate
Fact: The truth is that most of the hummingbird species do not migrate at all. It is found that there are more than 320 hummingbird species in the world and most of them live in lush tropical areas, so they can manage to survive in those regions in every season. For example, Anna’s hummingbirds spend the whole year in southwest Arizona, and along the pacific coast.
Bathing Myths
Myth#1: Hummingbirds do not bathe, so you do not need to have a birdbath
Fact: Hummingbirds love cleanliness and thus, they not only need clean water for drinking but also for bathing and preening. If one keeps a birdbath in the yard, there are chances that hummingbirds will come there. Moreover, not only these tiny birds but other birds such as butterflies, squirrels, toads, etc. will also benefit from it.
Myth#2: Birdbaths for hummingbirds are too expensive
Fact: Hummingbirds are very small birds that do not demand big and expensive birdbaths. They need a birdbath with a small bubbler, sprayer, or mister to clean themselves. They also enjoy and play with water. It’s a rare sight but they have been found flying through the mist of lawn sprinklers.
Myth#3: Hummingbirds can also walk around like other birds
Fact: Hummingbirds cannot walk around like other birds as their strength is in flying not in walking. They have very small feet that are neatly tucked underneath when they fly and help them only in perching on branches of trees or feeders. They hop too. Moreover, hummingbirds also use their feet to scratch themselves.
Feeding Myths
Myth#1: Hummingbirds sip nectars through their beak
Fact: It’s crazy. Well, the fact is also mind-blowing. These little birds don’t sip like a straw, instead, they lap up the nectar with their tongues. And an amazing thing is that they lap up the water at about 13 licks per second. Isn’t it surprising? But it’s true.
Myth#2: Hummingbirds only drink nectar and only from red flowers
Fact: Like humans, hummingbirds also need to maintain nectar and protein ratio. As compared to humans they require between 8000 to 10,000 calories of food in a day to survive and thus, they also eat small bugs, flies, leafhoppers, ants, etc. But their favorite food is little spiders.
It is completely untrue that they only feed on red flowers. Bright colors indeed attract them, but they can feed on flowers of any color. The only essential thing is that the blossoms should have nectar.
Myth#3: Homemade nectar with honey in it is safe for hummingbirds
Fact: Adding honey to homemade nectar can have serious health effects. This may cause a fungal tongue infection known as candidiasis and creates patches of white plague in the mouth of hummingbirds. It can also destroy the sense of taste and hunger in them for life. It can also cause bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of the things given to birds and animals as these things affect them differently.
Now that you’ve got accurate information, forget about myths, and use this knowledge to attract and feed different species of hummingbirds in your backyard.
References:
https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/learn/hummingbirds/myths-about-hummingbirds.php
https://hummingbirdbliss.com/13-common-hummingbird-myths-you-need-to-ignore
https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-hummingbirds/hummingbird-myths-revealed/