Hummingbird Spirit Animal Symbolism & Meaning

Written by Crystal
Updated: October 17, 2023
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Do you have a personal connection to the hummingbird?

Hummingbird spirit animals are an excellent choice if you want more playfulness in your life. These birds have cheerful dispositions and a zest for life, which is something we could all use a little more of in our lives. If you identify with these qualities, then it’s likely that the hummingbird is your spirit animal.

Keep reading to learn all about hummingbird spirit animal meaning and symbolism.

What Is the Meaning of the Hummingbird Spirit Animal?

Hummingbird In Flight Feeding On Bee Balm

People with the hummingbird as their spirit animal tend to be joyful and positive.

©iStock.com/Cavan Images

If the hummingbird is your spirit animal, you are creative, playful, and resilient. The hummingbird is a special creature with a lot of meaning and symbolism attached to it. In most cases, the hummingbird spirit animal is a messenger of joy, love, and good luck. This mighty little bird is also a symbol of beauty, playfulness, and resilience.

Those with the hummingbird as their spirit animal tend to be happy. They’re joyful people who love life and all of its challenges. You approach every situation with grace and a positive attitude.

People with the hummingbird spirit animal are also usually very creative and have a strong connection to nature. Just like hummingbirds, they are always on the lookout for new adventures and experiences.

Hummingbird Meaning Discovery Questions

In many cultures, the hummingbird is a messenger of joy, love, and good luck.

©Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock.com

Have you ever had an encounter with a hummingbird? What did this experience teach you about living in the present moment? It’s thrilling when one of these small birds flits into your view.

When the hummingbird comes into your life, ask yourself a few questions. What does this creature mean to me? What is its significance in my culture or in nature? What does it represent for me on a personal level? The answers to these questions can help you appreciate the hummingbird more fully and understand its place in your life.

In many cultures, the hummingbird is a messenger of joy, love, and good luck. It is also often associated with healing and transformation. On a personal level, the hummingbird may represent something that you need more of in your life, perhaps more joy, love, or good luck. Or it may be a reminder to take time to enjoy the simple things in life. Whatever the hummingbird means to you, allow its presence in your life to be a source of positive energy and inspiration.

Positive Characteristics of the Hummingbird Spirit Animal

The hummingbird is one of the best spirit animals because they live life to the fullest. These birds take the time to enjoy the flowers and the sweet nectar of success.

Positive characteristics of the hummingbird :

  • Playful
  • Creative
  • Joyful
  • Resilient
  • Nature connection
  • Adventurous
  • Positive attitude
  • Graceful

Those with hummingbird spirit animals tend to have positive attitudes. Hummingbirds are also very graceful creatures. But that doesn’t mean hummingbirds are without their shortcomings.

Negative Characteristics of the Hummingbird Spirit Animal

Are you always on the hunt for the next best thing? Never settling down and enjoying what you already have? The hummingbird is often considered to be flighty and hyper. They can easily become distracted or fickle. It’s hard for hummingbird types to find constant satisfaction.

Here are a few more negative characteristics:

  • Flighty
  • Hyper
  • Never satisfied
  • Fickle
  • Undisciplined
  • Restless and distracted

The hummingbird is often undisciplined and restless. If you have the hummingbird as your spirit animal, it is important to be aware of these possible weaknesses so that you can work on overcoming them. With focus and discipline, the hummingbird’s negative characteristics can become strengths. Then you will be able to fully embody the joy and happiness that the hummingbird represents.

What Does the Hummingbird Symbolize?

Anna's hummingbird

The hummingbird symbolizes play and love.

©iStock.com/Devonyu

The hummingbird symbolizes play and love. But that’s not all. This beautiful bird has many different meanings and symbolism attached to it. What the hummingbird means to you may be different than what it means to someone else.

For a lot of cultures, the hummingbird symbolizes:

  • Joy
  • Energy
  • Lightness

Why is the hummingbird a symbol of joy, energy, and lightness? It’s obvious if you’ve ever seen one in flight. The hummingbird is always happy and cheerful, always on the go, and weighs so little.

The hummingbird symbolizes resurrection or rebirth because it can seemingly come back to life after appearing dead for a long time. They aren’t dead, of course, but instead are entering into torpor. It’s a type of hibernation state. Bears, raccoons, and squirrels can do the same thing. Torpor is less common in small birds, but the hummingbird is a unique exception.

Hummingbirds in Folk Stories and Legends

There are many stories about hummingbirds that are great to learn from. They also make for fun reads. One of the best stories is the legend of how hummingbirds got their colors. According to the story, there was once a time when all hummingbirds were gray. They lived in a land of mist and shadows and never saw the sun.

One day, a group of hummingbirds flew to the top of a tall mountain, where they saw the sun for the first time. Its rays were so bright and beautiful that the gray birds took on a rainbow of colors. From then on, hummingbirds have had associations with color and light and are often seen as symbols of hope and happiness.

The Meaning of a Hummingbird Sighting

Largest hummingbirds - Sword-Billed Hummingbird

If you see a hummingbird, it means you will be celebrating soon.

©Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com

If you see a hummingbird, it means you will be celebrating soon. This tiny, speedy creature is a sign of hope and joy, and its appearance brings cheer and good luck. Whether it’s a hummer flitting around your garden or one flying right past your window, seeing a hummingbird is always a cause for celebration. These powerhouses of the bird world remind us that no matter what challenges we face, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. So next time you see a hummingbird, remember to live in the moment. Wherever you are, be there fully. Then you’ll know exactly what to do next!

The Meaning of a Hummingbird Dream

Dreaming about a hummingbird means that you’re going to discover a new way to spark joy in your life. Hummingbirds are often seen as symbols of hope, and their appearance in a dream signifies that things are about to get better. If you have been through a tough time recently, the hummingbird may be an encouraging sign that better days are ahead. So if you find yourself dreaming about these little birds, smile, knowing life is sweet. Keep looking for the flowers.

Are Hummingbirds a Good Omen?

Seeing a hummingbird is a good omen. There are multiple meanings and interpretations. But, generally speaking, these creatures are a positive symbol.

There are many different beliefs about hummingbirds. Some say that they’re the bringers of love and joy. They often appear when we need a little pick-me-up. In this way, they act as a reminder to focus on the good in life, no matter how strange things might get.

Hummingbird Tattoo Meaning

Largest hummingbirds - Long-billed hermit

Hummingbird tattoos can mean freedom, joy, love, and beauty.

©iStock.com/Salinger

Are you considering getting a hummingbird tattoo? If you’re looking for a small tattoo with a deep meaning, a hummingbird tattoo is a great choice.

There are a lot of different interpretations of hummingbird tattoos. Hummingbird tattoos can mean freedom, joy, love, and beauty. They can also represent strength, power, and courage.

Be creative when choosing how to use the hummingbird in your tattoo design. For example, you could get a tattoo of a hummingbird in flight or perched on a flower. You could also incorporate other elements into your tattoo design, such as leaves, vines, or other flowers. Whatever design you choose, your hummingbird tattoo will be sure to stand out from the crowd.

Spirit Animals Similar to the Hummingbird

The hummingbird is one of the most unique and interesting spirit animals. They are known for their playfulness, curiosity, and independence. But what other spirit animals are similar to the hummingbird?

Similar spirit animals:

  • Bees
  • Butterflies
  • Dragonflies
  • Doves
  • Pigeons

When you feel a connection to any of these animals, it may be because you have a little bit of the hummingbird spirit in you too! Bees, butterflies, dragonflies, doves, and pigeons are all great friends for the hummingbird. They share similar energy frequencies and vibrate on the same wavelength. This is why these animals all get along with hummingbird types. Each of these animals has its own unique qualities that complement the hummingbird’s own special gifts.

Bees are hardworking and efficient, just like hummingbirds. They are also known for their ability to communicate with others, which is a valuable skill for any hummingbird type. Butterflies have a lighthearted and carefree approach, which is perfect for when a hummingbird needs a pick-me-up. Dragonflies represent change and transformation, something that a hummingbird may go through many times in their lifetime. Doves symbolize peace and tranquility, two things that every hummingbird craves. And finally, pigeons represent home and family, which is very important to the hummingbird spirit animal.

Spirit Animals Opposite of the Hummingbird

Hummingbird types aren’t the ones to make enemies. But they do have a few animals that they butt heads with, so to speak.

Opposing spirit animals:

  • Bear
  • Tiger
  • Eagle
  • Octopus
  • Python

The hummingbird is a spirit animal that is popular for its gentle and carefree nature. In contrast, the bear is a spirit animal that is popular for its strength and power. The tiger is a spirit animal that has a reputation for its ferocity and aggressiveness. When bears and hummingbirds team up, a fight is likely on the horizon.

The python is a spirit animal that is known for being a bit mischievous. Whereas, hummingbirds value honesty more than nectar itself.

Bear, tiger, octopus, eagle, and python; these animals are the complete opposite of hummingbird energy. But they can provide great insights nonetheless. Although they may be enemies in the wild, they can teach us a lot about ourselves if we are open to learning from them.

Final Thoughts on Hummingbird Spirit Animal Meaning

If you’re looking for a spirit animal that will inspire you to live life to the fullest, the hummingbird is definitely worth considering. Consider what it’d be like living life a little more like a hummingbird. These creatures are always on the go, flitting from place to place in search of food and adventure. They approach each day with curiosity and joy, which we could all learn from. Embrace your inner hummingbird and fly free!

Bonus: How to Attract Hummingbirds

Ruby Throated Hummingbird at Feeder

Hummingbirds will remember where their favorite feeders are from year to year.

©Christine Balleau/iStock via Getty Images

Of all of our lovely feathered friends – the enchanting little hummingbird may be the most fun to watch. Not only are they colorful and cute – but they are also curious and will take a moment to “tread air” right in front of your face to check you out! Preparing a feeder and nectar for their arrival can be a new right of spring for the bird lover. Here are a few ways to attract hummingbirds to your home:

  • Plant flowers that they love. Hummingbirds are natural pollinators – so any flower that attracts them will also bring butterflies and bees! Bee balm, Fuschia, trumpet honeysuckle, red columbine, common milkweed, and swamp milkweed are some of their favorites! (Monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on milkweed – so planting this pollinator favorite will also support monarchs!)
  • Provide trees and shrubs. Hummingbirds like to roost and nest in spots that aren’t too close to the ground. Dogwoods are a favorite!
  • Don’t use pesticides. They are the number one threat to hummingbirds. Pesticides can interrupt migratory instincts and cause the birds to lose weight – which they can’t spare! Killing off insects that they sometimes eat and spiders that spin webs that they use for nesting material can make life for hummers more difficult.
  • Provide nectar. Mixing four parts boiling water with one part sugar is the perfect recipe for nectar. Be sure to let it cool before pouring it into the feeder. Also, remember to never add food coloring. Clear nectar is best!
  • Get a good feeder. Make sure that you can see clearly into the nectar chamber and that it is easy to take apart for cleaning. If you see that the nectar is cloudy it should be changed because bacteria is growing.
  • Add a birdbath. If you think that it’s fun to watch hummingbirds eat – just wait until you see them splash in the bath! If your birdbath is large enough for all of your bird friends – place a few rocks in the bath for the tiny hummingbirds to perch on. They don’t like for it to be too deep!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Ted Andrews (2022) Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small/ Ted Andrews. Published Woodbury, Minnesota by Llewellyn Publications
  2. Dr. Steven Farmer, Available here: https://drstevenfarmer.com/blog/
  3. International Association for the Study of Dreams (2022) www.asdreams.org
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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

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