As someone who loves to watch hummingbirds, I’m always amazed at how fast they buzz around. From feeder to flower, they really just don’t seem to stop moving. So, if you’re like me, you might be asking yourself, “do hummingbirds ever sit down?” Well, I’ve got an answer for you!
Hummingbirds commonly sit down to eat, drink, and rest. Female hummingbirds will sit down when they are building nests as well when sitting on their eggs. Male hummingbirds can be found sitting when protecting their territory including their bird feeders and bird baths.
Right now I have 3 hummingbird feeders directly outside my kitchen window. I started my first bird feeder last year when I saw my first hummingbird appear in my backyard. Talk about a very exciting day for me, and I know fellow hummingbird-lovers know that feeling all too well.
Yes, I have been working on planting flowers and getting a few bird baths set up near the feeders this past year. Now it looks like my efforts are starting to pay off and I am so excited to see the numbers of hummers in my backyard continue to multiply.
A couple days ago however I started to question a few things that I thought I knew about hummingbirds. Talk about feeling a bit “misinformed,” or maybe better worded as “uninformed.”
I was sitting there watching my main hummingbird (the first one to appear) that I named “Frank”. One question kept popping up in my head and that was: “Can hummingbirds sit down?”
Now I have focused on some backyard hummingbird research to see what I can spot among my small group of hummingbirds that I am lucky enough to have visit my backyard.
Is It Normal For Hummingbirds To Sit Still?
Hummingbirds actually sit still plenty of times throughout their day. It might seem like they’re always flying, but they do occasionally sit down! These little guys need to constantly keep locating nectar, water and other sources of food, so that is why they’re zipping around from flower to feeder so often. They don’t stay in one spot for too long.
Hummingbirds will remain in flight during the majority of the day. It is normal for hummingbirds to perch at bird feeders or while they’re at a water bath. Hummingbirds prefer to fly unless they must land to eat, drink or to sit on eggs.
When my buddy “Frank” sits, it is only when he is at his water feeder or when he is on-guard protecting what he feels is his domain. I have seen him sit on a few branches before the sun starts to go down for the day. Most times, that is him still sitting around protecting his feeders and getting ready for bed.
Where to See a Hummingbird Sitting Down?
You don’t need to look anywhere special to catch a hummingbird sitting down, you just need to be alert. Hummingbirds often sit down near food sources, near their nest, or on a quiet tree branch to rest.
Here are a few of the best places to catch a hummingbird sitting down:
- On a Hummingbird Feeder
- On a Twig Near Flowers
- On a Tree Branch
- On Their Nest While Sitting on Eggs
- At a Bird Bath
If you have a hummingbird feeder in your yard, keep your eyes peeled, because you’re likely to catch a hummingbird sitting down either on the feeder, or nearby the feeder.
Do Hummingbirds Ever Sit On The Ground?
I did see a new hummingbird sit down on the grass for a few minutes, but I think it was just resting. From what I can tell, she didn’t look hurt in any way that I could tell.
As a general rule, hummingbirds avoid sitting on the ground. If you find a hummingbird sitting on the ground that doesn’t fly away, it may be injured or stunned (source).
That being said, hummingbirds can and do occasionally sit on the ground. I have seen it myself. However, the ground is one of the worst spots for them to hang around. There are far too many predators that could get them when they are flightless and on the ground.
Normally hummingbirds chose to be perched on a high branch, power line, cable, or some other option before choosing to sit on the ground.
Another time, I did see one of my little guys on the ground but he was working on some of my low growing white clover.
If you happen to see a hummingbird on the ground, make sure to check to see if it is injured. If you have dogs or cats, make sure and do your best to keep them indoors or secured so they do not mess with a grounded hummingbird. It could be injured or just exhausted. My friend Dave, who runs a backflow testing company in the Phoenix area, was able to keep his dog away from a Ruby-throated hummingbird that he found on the ground. Luckily the bird just seemed tired and was able to fly away in time to escape contact with the dog.
Final Thoughts On Hummingbirds Sitting?
I have known for a while that a hummingbird has very weak and fragile legs and feet. If they can do anything other than sitting or standing on those little legs then they will choose THAT over sitting down. Females will sit on your eggs to keep them warm and males will tend to sit around while guarding their bird feeders and bird baths. Males and females however will usually be out flying around looking for nectar throughout your neighborhood and beyond and only sit for quick intermittent rests.
Suggested Reading: Do Hummingbirds Bite? [Everything You Need to Know]