Do hummingbirds remember feeders?

Answered by James Kissner

Hummingbirds have an incredible ability to remember feeders. These tiny birds have a remarkable memory that allows them to recall every flower and feeder they have visited. They can remember the location of each feeder and how long it takes for a flower to refill with nectar.

The memory of a hummingbird is truly impressive. Despite their small size, their brain is proportionally larger compared to other wild bird species. In fact, the hummingbird brain makes up about 4.2% of its body weight, which is the largest ratio among wild birds. This larger brain size likely contributes to their exceptional memory and cognitive abilities.

When a hummingbird visits a feeder, it forms a memory of its location. It can remember the specific features of the feeder, such as its shape, color, and position. This memory allows the hummingbird to easily locate and revisit the feeder in the future, ensuring a reliable source of food.

Not only do hummingbirds remember the location of feeders, but they also have an impressive sense of timing. They can estimate the time it takes for a flower to refill with nectar and return to it accordingly. This ability to time their visits ensures that they maximize their energy intake and minimize wasted effort.

Personal experiences with hummingbirds have further emphasized their remarkable memory. I have observed hummingbirds repeatedly returning to the same feeder day after day, proving their ability to remember specific feeding locations. These observations have left me in awe of their cognitive abilities and their reliance on memory for survival.

Hummingbirds possess an exceptional memory that allows them to remember the locations of flowers and feeders. Their ability to recall specific features and timing of feeders ensures a steady source of food. Their larger brain size, in proportion to their body weight, likely contributes to their impressive cognitive abilities. the memory of hummingbirds is truly remarkable and continues to fascinate researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.