Do Hummingbirds Eat Bugs?

Ornithologists tell us that hummingbirds can easily eat their weight in a day, feasting on carbohydrates (nectar from blossoms and sugar water from feeders) and protein (insects and spiders). The hummingbird menu includes such insects as ants, aphids, fruit flies, gnats, weevils, beetles, mites and mosquitoes.

How do hummingbirds eat insects?

Hummingbirds hunt their prey in a variety of ways. While they may pluck a few insects from nectar-bearing flowers, it is more common for hummingbirds to hawk insects directly in the air, buzzing back and forth in short flights or hovering briefly while they use their exceptional vision to locate suitable prey.

What insect kills hummingbirds?

Unusual Predators

Most people are surprised to learn that praying mantids will successfully capture, kill, and eat a hummingbird (click here to see graphic image). Typically the insect will position itself on a plant or a hummingbird feeder to which it observes a hummingbird coming repeatedly.