09/06/2025
National Hummingbird Day happens during the first Saturday in September on the National Day Calendar. We are sharing our curiosity about the beautiful and tiny little bird known as the hummingbird. We want everyone to spread their wings today and learn facts, history, and folklore on National Hummingbird Day.
Hummingbirds are remarkable birds with unique characteristics that fascinate bird watchers and nature lovers, alike. There are over 300 species of hummingbirds throughout the world that belong to the Trochilidae family. The Trochilidae family is known for their small size, beautiful plumage, and amazing flying abilities. This family of birds comes in different sizes, colors, and behaviors that are specific to the location where hummingbirds live.
The average hummingbird is between 2 to 5 inches in length, making it the smallest bird in the world. Known for their beautiful colors, hummingbird feathers are an iridescent mix of greens, blues, reds, and purples. Interestingly, the iridescent color of hummingbird feathers gives the appearance of the feathers changing colors in light.
A hummingbird flaps its wings up to 50 times per second and has amazing flying capabilities. For example, hummingbirds move their wings in a figure-eight pattern, allowing them to "hover" in midair. In addition, these unique flying characteristics allow a hummingbird to feed on a flower while in flight. Unsurprisingly, because hummingbirds move so quickly, they feed frequently on nectar from flowers and insects.
Did You Know?
Hummingbirds are a migratory species that travel long distances. For example, the Rufous Hummingbird migrates about 4,000 miles each winter from North America to central Mexico.
Cultural Significance of Hummingbirds
Throughout the world, hummingbirds hold special meaning to different cultures. Their unique characteristics represent the beauty and transformation of spirituality for people and their beliefs. For example, Native Americans believe hummingbirds symbolize love, joy, and beauty. In fact, hummingbirds are messengers between the spirit world and the human world that bring good luck, happiness, and renewal of life. Similarly, Japanese culture considers the hummingbird a symbol of dreams and aspirations. They believe because a hummingbird can hover in midair, anyone can achieve the impossible.
On the Caribbean Island of Trinidad, the hummingbird is a symbol of spirituality and transformation. In fact, the hummingbird is on their coat of arms to represent the blending of all people and the cultures found on the island. Central and South American cultures believe hummingbirds are a sign of reincarnation. Interestingly, the ancient Aztec culture viewed the hummingbird as a part of the sun and the movement of time.
Hummingbird Conservation
Some hummingbird species are becoming threatened at an alarming pace. The concern about the loss of hummingbirds in some regions has prompted conservation efforts across the globe. These efforts are important for the protection of hummingbirds and their habitats to ensure these beautiful birds remain around for a long time.
Agriculture, mining, and the growth of populations are just a few things impacting the habitats of hummingbirds. Forests where hummingbirds migrate are being destroyed for farming and residential development. The human need for timber and fuelwood is causing forests to disappear, especially the oak, fir, and pine trees hummingbirds live in. Furthermore, the destruction of land is also destroying flowers and plants hummingbirds eat to survive.
Illegal trade and smuggling of hummingbirds is an appalling business on the Internet. This illegal trade and smuggling always involves killing hummingbirds for profit. Oddly, reports indicate sellers entice people to use hummingbirds to make a love potion to attract a spouse or prevent their spouse from straying. Whether or not these "Love Charms" work, they pose a significant outcry for the protection of hummingbirds.
