What Do Hummingbirds Do When They’re Not Flying?

Perching: Hummingbirds frequently perch on branches or other surfaces. This allows them to rest and conserve energy between flights.

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Preening: They use their beaks to clean and arrange their feathers. Preening helps maintain the condition of their feathers, which is crucial for efficient flight.

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Feeding: Although they do most of their feeding while hovering, they can also feed while perched. They use their long, specialized bills to extract nectar from flowers or feeders.

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Sleeping: At night or during periods of low activity, hummingbirds enter a state called torpor. This is a deep, hibernation-like sleep that helps them conserve energy.

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Nest Building: Female hummingbirds spend time building and maintaining their nests. They use plant materials and spider silk to create tiny, secure nests for their eggs and chicks.

Bathing: They take frequent baths to keep their feathers clean and in good condition. They might do this by fluttering in water or bathing in dew.

Social Interaction: While they are generally solitary, hummingbirds do sometimes interact with each other. They may engage in aggressive displays to defend feeding territories or courtship behaviors.

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