Discover 8 Hummingbird Predators That Will Kill and Eat These Tiny Birds

Written by Heather Burdo
Updated: September 13, 2023
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If you enjoy watching hummingbirds fly from flower to flower, you’re not the only one. These birds are small and colorful, and their flying skills and hovering are amazing. Nevertheless, hummingbirds face challenges from predators. This article examines hummingbirds’ dangers and how predators hunt and eat them. Let’s explore the world of hummingbird predators!

All of these predators will eat hummingbirds.

What Eats Hummingbirds?

1. Praying Mantises: The Stealthy Hunters

You might be surprised to learn that praying mantises are among the predators that prey on hummingbirds. These insects are masters of disguise, often camouflaging themselves among flowers, waiting patiently for the right moment to strike. When an unsuspecting hummingbird comes near, the mantis quickly lashes out with its powerful forelegs, snatching the bird from the air. As gruesome as it may sound, the mantis then feasts on its tiny, feathered prey.

Giant African mantis or bush mantis sitting on a branch.

Giant African mantis or bush mantis sitting on a branch.

©Karel Bartik/Shutterstock.com

2. Spiders: The Web Masters

Think spiders are only interested in insects? Think again! Giant orb-weaving spiders, such as the golden silk orb-weaver and the tropical orb-weaver, have been known to catch hummingbirds in their sturdy webs. Once a hummingbird becomes entangled, the spider quickly moves in, immobilizing its prey with silk before consuming it.

A female golden silk orb-weaver spider waiting for her prey on her web.

©Dave Montreuil/Shutterstock.com

3. Snakes: The Slithering Assassins

Snakes, such as the red coachwhip and the green vine snake, are among the predators targeting hummingbirds. These reptiles are excellent climbers, which allows them to reach nests or lie in wait near feeding areas. Some snakes have even been observed hanging from branches or vines, ready to strike at passing hummingbirds.

Green vine snake in an angry mood, ready to attack. They are very dangerous and their venom can easily kill humans.

Green vine snakes are very dangerous, and their venom can easily kill humans.

©Nikhil patil 0321/Shutterstock.com

4. Large Birds: The Aerial Predators

Not all birds play nice. Some species of large birds, including hawks, owls, and roadrunners, have been caught preying on hummingbirds. Hawks and owls use their sharp talons and beaks to capture and consume their prey, while roadrunners snatch hummingbirds from the air or take them from their nests.

Two little owls or Athene noctua

Large birds like owls routinely prey on hummingbirds.

©iStock.com/Oskanov

5. Domestic and Feral Cats: The Unwanted Threat

Unfortunately, domestic and feral cats pose a significant threat to hummingbirds. Cats are agile and skilled hunters that can easily catch small birds like hummingbirds. If you want to protect these beautiful creatures, it’s essential to keep your pet cats indoors and take steps to deter feral cats from entering your property.

Cat perched on a bird house hunting a bird

Cats are agile and skilled hunters that can easily catch small birds like hummingbirds.

©Kuttelvaserova Stuchelova/Shutterstock.com

6. Frogs and Fish: The Aquatic Hunters

While it may be uncommon, some frogs and fish prey on hummingbirds. The bullfrog, for example, can leap out of the water to capture a hummingbird in flight, using its powerful legs and largemouth. Similarly, large fish like the largemouth bass can snatch hummingbirds that come too close to the water’s surface while feeding or drinking.

American Bullfrog

The bullfrog can leap out of the water to capture a hummingbird in flight, using its powerful legs and largemouth.

©iStock.com/187715314

7. Squirrels and Raccoons: The Opportunistic Predators

Squirrels and raccoons may not actively hunt hummingbirds, but they will gladly eat hummingbird eggs and nestlings if they come across an accessible nest. These animals are excellent climbers, making it difficult for hummingbirds to protect their young from predation. To help safeguard hummingbird nests, consider placing birdhouses or nesting platforms in areas difficult for squirrels and raccoons to reach.

Raccoon eat - eating egg

Raccoons will gladly eat hummingbird eggs and nestlings if they come across an accessible nest.

©iStock.com/Edwin_Butter

8. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

One of the biggest challenges facing hummingbirds is habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities. As forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and other purposes, hummingbirds lose their homes and the resources they need to survive. By preserving and restoring natural habitats, we can help ensure the continued survival of these amazing birds.

Quarry with heavy machinery

One of the biggest challenges facing hummingbirds is habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities.

©iStock.com/Juan-Enrique

Helping Hummingbirds Thrive

While hummingbirds face numerous challenges from their natural predators and human activities, there are steps we can take to help protect these amazing creatures. Here are a few ideas for creating a hummingbird-friendly environment.

1. Provide Food Sources

Planting flowers that produce nectar, such as trumpet vine, bee balm, and salvia, can attract hummingbirds and provide them with a valuable food source. You can also hang hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution to supplement their diet.

2. Offer Safe Nesting Sites

Hummingbirds prefer to nest in sheltered locations, so providing trees and shrubs with dense foliage can help create suitable nesting sites. In addition, you can install nesting platforms or birdhouses designed specifically for hummingbirds to give them a safe place to raise their young.

3. Create a Water Source

Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing. Adding a shallow birdbath or a small fountain to your yard can provide these tiny birds with a much-needed water source.

4. Minimize Pesticide Use

Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and reduce their food supply by killing insects and other invertebrates they rely on for nourishment. Choose organic pest control methods to help protect hummingbirds and their environment whenever possible.

Rufous Crested Coquette

While hummingbirds face numerous challenges from their natural predators and human activities, there are steps we can take to help protect these amazing creatures.

©Mark Richard Waller/Shutterstock.com

Conclusion

Hummingbirds may be small, but they are incredibly resilient creatures that have evolved various strategies to avoid predation. By understanding the threats they face and taking action to protect them, we can help ensure the continued survival and enjoyment of these captivating birds. So, the next time you see a hummingbird zipping through your garden, take a moment to appreciate the challenges they overcome and the incredible feats of nature they represent.

Summary of 8 Hummingbird Predators That Will Kill and Eat These Tiny Birds

NumberPredators
1Praying Mantises
2Spiders
3Snakes
4 Large Birds
5Domestic and Feral Cats
6Frogs and Fish
7Squirrels and Raccoons
8Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/yhelfman


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About the Author

Heather Burdo is a digital marketing enthusiast who has written content for countless industries over the last decade. However, content related to animals, nature, and health has her heart. When she's not working her magic with content, she enjoys being with family, going for walks, camping, and gardening. Self-development is non-negotiable for her.

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