...why do they hum?????
2007-12-20 09:01:27 · 12 answers · asked by Francesca 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
They don't really hum. Their wings beat fast enough to make a buzzing noise. They make twitterings and get really grumpy if someone tries to come in to their territory (they can be extremely violent with one another). A hummingbird coming into another's territory can be attacked and will generally be rammed by the bird already in the area. They will use their vocalizations to warn each other off.
2007-12-21 01:32:16 · answer #1 · answered by SC 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The humming is from their wings. Just like a bumble bees or mosquito. They beat fast enough to cause a humming or buzz.
They also make small chirps if you get close enough and pay attention. The chirps can be alarms or can be territorial or simply an I am here statement. I have also heard young and female (presumable mother) chirp at each other.I keep a hummingbird feeder for my little girl.
2007-12-20 12:00:58 · answer #2 · answered by Jeff Sadler 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As previously mentioned, the humming sound comes from the rapid beating of their wings, which they can flap at 80-200 times per second.
They also, as previously mentioned, do make a high pitched chirping sound. It is usually done when they are being territorial especially around a food source like a nectar feeder. Hummingbirds are very aggressive.
If you ever notice them rapidly flying back and forth in a "U" this is a mating dance. They are super cool birds!
2007-12-20 10:14:56 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin M 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Can't say that I have, not sure. People tell me they sound like a big mosquito or like you say hum. Birds sing, maybe hummingbirds just don't know the words! Just kiddin!!
2007-12-20 09:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't "hum." Their wings make a humming sound in flight, especially when they're hovering, which they often do while searching for nectar. Their voice is usually a series of little chips and squeaks.
2007-12-20 09:07:53 · answer #5 · answered by MVB 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes I hear them vocalize all the time. The humming you hear is actually from their wings, not their mouth..although they do have a call, as well as a mating display call that sounds like a high pitched "beep".
2007-12-20 13:05:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they don't know the words.
.. and their wings beat so fast it causes a humming sound, like that of a flying insect.
2007-12-20 09:05:59 · answer #7 · answered by Todd 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
very seldom do they make a sound but when they do it is cause for alarm and the wings move so fast that the beating of their wings causes a hum that much like a fly or a bee.
2007-12-20 09:31:39 · answer #8 · answered by qcyboy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They flap their wings very, very fast, thus the Humming sound.
2007-12-20 09:28:45 · answer #9 · answered by 'Old & Cudley' 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
from the wings moving so fast! They are such charming little birds! I love them!
2007-12-20 09:24:08 · answer #10 · answered by teresa m 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋