Hummingbirds are one of the most beautiful and fascinating bird species in North America, but they are also one of the most endangered. According to the 2022 State of the Birds report, the Rufous hummingbird, which is one of the smallest and feistiest species, has lost two-thirds of its population since 1970. It is one of 70 bird species on the "Tipping Point" list that could lose another 50% of their populations if conservation efforts are not improved.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Michael
Hummingbirds play an important role in controlling insect populations, as they are a natural predator of many flying insects.

The "Tipping Point" list includes ten of the seventy bird species that lost more than half their populations since 1970 and are predicted to lose 50% more within the next five decades. These species are:

• Rufous hummingbird
• Golden-winged warbler
• Cerulean warbler
• Bay-breasted warbler
• Connecticut warbler
• Olive-sided flycatcher
• Rusty blackbird
• Western meadowlark
• Grasshopper sparrow
• Eastern whip-poor-will

Photo: Adobe Stock / Lou
Hummingbirds are able to digest nectar quickly, which allows them to move through a large number of flowers in a short amount of time.

Threats to hummingbirds

The reasons for the declining populations of these birds are multi-fold. Habitat loss from climate change and human development, glass collisions, invasive species (domestic cats), and pesticides are some of the reasons that also contribute to the decline in wildlife populations globally.

The impact of climate change on hummingbirds is another significant factor contributing to their decline, Audubon reports. Hummingbirds are highly dependent on the timing of nectar blooms, and climate change is altering the timing and availability of nectar-producing flowers. The changing temperatures also affect the migration patterns of these birds. Rising temperatures affect the timing of migration, food availability, and nesting. With warmer temperatures, birds start breeding and nesting earlier than usual, and if the nectar bloom timing is still the same, there may be a mismatch in the timing, leading to a shortage of food for the birds.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Yuval Helfman
Hummingbirds are the smallest bird species in North America, with the bee hummingbird being the smallest in the world.

Another major threat to hummingbirds is the loss of suitable habitats. Human development and deforestation are causing significant habitat loss, leaving hummingbirds with nowhere to go, Bond with your Bird reports. Additionally, the clearing of natural habitats to make way for agriculture and urbanization can lead to habitat fragmentation. This fragmentation, in turn, makes it challenging for hummingbirds to find enough food or suitable nesting sites, leading to further declines in their populations. The loss of suitable habitats also leads to increased competition for resources, making it more challenging for hummingbirds to survive in already stressed environments.

These losses are a harbinger of what human beings face too. As things start to unravel, if biological diversity and climate change both unravel simultaneously, the natural world around us that we depend on so much may not be as dependable as we’d like it to be, foresees the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

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Hummingbirds are important pollinators for a variety of plants, including many that are important for agriculture.

Importance of Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are not just beautiful creatures, but they also play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are important pollinators and contribute significantly to plant reproduction, The Spruce reports. These tiny birds are attracted to brightly colored, nectar-producing flowers, and as they feed, they transfer pollen from one flower to another, fertilizing them in the process. Hummingbirds are particularly important in North America, where they play a crucial role in the reproduction of many native plant species.

In addition to their role as pollinators, hummingbirds also play an essential role in controlling insect populations. Hummingbirds feed on insects such as aphids, mosquitoes, and gnats, which can cause significant damage to crops and gardens. By consuming these insects, hummingbirds help to keep their populations in check, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides.

Finally, hummingbirds are an important part of the food chain. They are preyed upon by a wide range of animals, including hawks, falcons, and snakes, and they serve as an essential source of food for many of these predators. In turn, these predators play a crucial role in keeping the ecosystem in balance, ensuring that no species becomes too dominant. The loss of hummingbirds could have a ripple effect throughout the food chain, leading to imbalances that could have serious consequences for the entire ecosystem.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Cliff LeSergent
The Rufous hummingbird, one of the smallest and feistiest species, has lost two-thirds of its population since 1970.

How to Help Hummingbirds

It's easy to feel powerless when faced with the daunting task of saving entire species from extinction. However, there are things you can do in your own backyard to help save birds from threats such as glass collisions, pesticides, habitat-poor lawns, and invasive species like outdoor cats.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of the most significant threats to birds is glass collisions. Every year, nearly 1 billion birds die in the United States due to collisions with glass. To help prevent these deaths, you can add see-through decals to your windows or install bird-safe glass if you're building a new home or having windows installed. The American Bird Conservancy has labs that have tested products and deemed them bird-friendly.

Another significant threat to birds is pesticides and habitat-poor lawns, reports the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. Rather than using pesticides and herbicides, let birds eat insects and grass seed in your garden. Encouraging birds in your garden and planting native vegetation or setting aside wild areas can help provide them with the shelter they need. You can also look at labels when buying products for your lawn or ask landscape companies what's in the products they use.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Mitchell
Help us save hummingbirds from extinction.

Invasive species, such as outdoor cats, pose a serious threat to native wildlife. They kill an estimated up to 4 billion birds every year in the US alone, The Wildlife Society reports. To help reduce this threat, you can keep your cat indoors, which is often quite difficult to encourage your neighbors to do, or try special fencing to prevent cats from straying too far. You can also use products that make it much harder for cats to chase prey.

You can also help fight for the survival of bird species by donating to organizations such as GreaterGood. Take your commitment one step further and sign the pledge to save hummingbirds. Click below to make a difference!