Gary Herritz: Travel with Birdfy BLOG 6 August 2025 - Pelagic Birding On The Pacific

Quick bird questions and answers, and expert insights to scratch that curiosity itch.

The hummingbird, a jewel of the avian world, captivates observers with its iridescent plumage, astonishing aerial acrobatics, and incredibly rapid metabolism. This very metabolic frenzy, which defines their existence, also makes their survival a daily struggle against the odds. Consequently, the topic of their life expectancy is a fascinating study in resilience, biology, and environmental pressure. Average Life Expectancy of Hummingbirds For such a fragile-looking creature, the average life expectancy is surprisingly variable but generally short. The typical wild hummingbird has an average lifespan of between 3 to 5 years. However, this average is heavily skewed by high mortality rates in the first year of life. It is estimated that a staggering 80-90% of hummingbirds do not survive their first year, succumbing to predators, starvation, disease, or accidents. Those individuals that navigate the perilous journey from hatchling to adulthood possess a significantly improved chance of a longer life. A hummingbird that survives its first migration and first winter has a much higher probability of living for 3, 5, or even more years. This dichotomy between high juvenile mortality and relatively hardy adults is a common survival strategy in the animal kingdom, ensuring that only the fittest individuals pass on their genes. Factors Influencing Hummingbird Lifespan A hummingbird's lifespan is not predetermined; it is a complex interplay of numerous factors: Predation: This is a primary cause of mortality, especially for eggs and fledglings. Common predators include larger birds (jays, hawks, owls), snakes, lizards, squirrels, and domestic cats. Outdoor cats are a significant anthropogenic (human-caused) threat. Starvation and Energy Management: A hummingbird's metabolism is the fastest of any warm-blooded animal. They live on the brink of starvation, needing to consume more than their body weight in nectar each day, supplemented with insects for protein. Any disruption in food availability—a sudden frost, drought, or competition—can be fatal. Their ability to enter torpor, a state of deep, hibernation-like sleep where their metabolic rate drops by up to 95%, is a critical survival adaptation for conserving energy overnight or during cold spells. Disease and Parasites: Hummingbirds are susceptible to various ailments, including fungal infections like candidiasis (often from dirty feeders), avian pox, and parasitic infestations. Mites and parasites can weaken a bird, making it more vulnerable to other threats. Environmental Hazards and Accidents: Windows: Collisions with glass windows are a major cause of death and injury. Weather: Severe storms, hurricanes (which can blow migrants off course), and early freezes are deadly. Pesticides: The use of insecticides reduces their vital insect prey and can directly poison the birds. Herbicides can kill the flowering plants they depend on for nectar. Migration: The incredible long-distance migrations undertaken by many species (e.g., Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flying 500+ miles non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico) are extremely hazardous endeavors. Exhaustion, lack of food, and adverse weather during migration claim countless lives. Human-Related Factors: Beyond cats and windows, hazards include entanglement in spider webs (which can trap small birds), poisoning from contaminated sugar water (fermented or with incorrect sugar ratios), and habitat destruction. Lifespan by Species: A Comparative Table While data is difficult to gather for all 360+ species, banding studies have provided insights into the longevity of several common types. Species Name Typical Average Lifespan (Wild) Notable Longevity Record (Banded Wild Bird) Ruby-throated Hummingbird(Archilochus colubris) 3-5 years 9 years, 2 months Black-chinned Hummingbird(Archilochus alexandri) 3-5 years 11 years, 2 months Anna's Hummingbird(Calypte anna) 4-6 years 8 years, 2 months (One unverified report of 12+ years) Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) 3-5 years 8 years, 11 months Broad-tailed Hummingbird(Selasphorus platycercus) 4-5 years 12 years (This is the oldest reliably recorded wild hummingbird) Calliope Hummingbird(Selasphorus calliope) 3-4 years 8 years, 11 months Magnificent Hummingbird(Eugenes fulgens) 5-7 years Data limited, but likely similar to other longer-lived species Note: Lifespans in captivity, with constant access to food and protection from predators and disease, can be significantly longer, often reaching 10+ years. The Record Holder: The Longest-Lived Hummingbird According to data from the Bird Banding Laboratory, the title of the oldest known wild hummingbird belongs to a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird. She was first banded in Colorado in 1976 as an adult (at least one year old) and was recaptured and rereleased by the same bander in 1987, making her at least 12 years old. This remarkable record highlights the potential longevity of these tiny creatures when they successfully avoid the myriad threats they face. How Do Hummingbirds Die: The End of the Cycle A hummingbird's death is rarely from "old age" in a peaceful sense. They typically die from the cumulative pressures of the factors listed above. Predation: The most common end, fulfilling their role in the food web. Starvation: This can happen quickly, often within hours during cold weather if they cannot find food or enter torpor in time. Exhaustion: Particularly during migration, a bird may simply expend its last energy reserves and be unable to continue. Disease: A weakened immune system can lead to a rapid decline. Trauma: Fatal injuries from window strikes or other accidents. Their small bodies decompose quickly, leaving little trace, which is why finding a deceased hummingbird is relatively uncommon. Survival Without Food: A Race Against Time Given their extreme metabolism, a hummingbird's time without food is brutally limited. The question of survival is measured in hours, not days. So, if you search "How long do hummingbirds live without food?" The answer is: 1. During Active Daytime: A hummingbird may begin to starve within 3 to 5 hours if it cannot find food. Their energy reserves are burned through at an astonishing rate to power their flight muscles, which beat 50-80 times per second, and their heart, which can beat over 1,200 times per minute. 2. Overnight (Without Torpor): If a hummingbird is unable to enter torpor at night (due to energy deficiency or other reasons), it will likely not survive the night. Its normal nighttime metabolic rate, while lower than daytime, is still too high to sustain without recent caloric intake. 3. Overnight (With Torpor): Torpor is their ultimate lifeline. By drastically lowering their body temperature and metabolic rate, a hummingbird in torpor can survive an overnight fast of 8-12 hours and even endure cool temperatures. However, upon waking, they are vulnerable and stiff and must immediately find food to "refuel" and raise their body temperature back to normal (around 104°F or 40°C). If they cannot find food within an hour or two of waking, they will perish. 4. In a worst-case scenario, a hummingbird deprived of all food would likely succumb in less than 24 hours, emphasizing the constant, life-or-death urgency of their foraging behavior. How We Can Help Hummingbirds While we cannot change the hummingbird’s demanding biology, we can make survival a little easier for them. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways is by providing a steady source of nectar. A Birdfy Hummingbird Feeder ensures that hummingbirds always have access to the food they desperately need, especially during critical times like migration or early mornings after torpor. By setting up a Birdfy Hum feeder in your garden or backyard, you give these fragile creatures a reliable lifeline—an act of support well within our reach. Birdfy Hum Feeder Duo The world’s first dual-cam hummingbird feeder! Birdfy Hum Feeder Marvel at the stunning captures of hummingbirds in their best light. Conclusion The life of a hummingbird is a breathtaking paradox: immense biological power and fragility existing in a single, tiny frame. Their life expectancy, while averaging just 3 to 5 years, is a testament to their incredible evolutionary adaptations, most notably torpor and migration. Their existence is a relentless race for nectar, a constant evasion of danger, and a demonstration of nature's tenacity. The record-setting Broad-tailed Hummingbird that lived for 12 years represents the pinnacle of this success story. Ultimately, understanding the factors that influence their lifespan—from predation and starvation to human-made threats—allows us to appreciate their struggle more deeply and underscores the importance of conservation efforts, such as planting native flowers, maintaining clean feeders, and keeping cats indoors, to help these remarkable birds thrive.

With Grandparents' Day approaching, it is a special day for you to show your love, appreciation and give Grandparents Day gifts to your grandma and grandpa. But before you do that you first need to know when to celebrate Grandparents' Day. So, when is Grandparents' Day in 2025? And when did Grandparents' Day come into being? This blog can help you find the answer. When is Grandparents Day 2025? Grandparents Day in 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Is Grandparents Day the same date every year? No, it is not on the same calendar date every year, but it is observed on the same day. In the United States, National Grandparents Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, which places it in early September each year. For example: 2024: Sunday, September 8 2025: Sunday, September 7 2026: Sunday, September 13 2027: Sunday, September 12 When did Grandparents Day start? The concept was championed by Marian McQuade, a housewife from West Virginia, who wanted to encourage families to visit their elderly relatives in nursing homes. After years of advocacy, President Jimmy Carter officially signed the proclamation on August 3, 1978, declaring the first National Grandparents Day to be celebrated in 1979. Is there an official Grandparents Day? Yes, in the United States, National Grandparents Day is an official secular holiday established by federal proclamation. What is the official flower of Grandparents Day? The official flower is the forget-me-not, symbolizing enduring love and remembrance. Many families also choose to celebrate with seasonal flowers or personal favorites of their grandparents, like sunflowers, roses, and lilies. Do schools still do Grandparents Day? Yes, many schools, particularly elementary and middle schools, actively celebrate Grandparents Day. They often host special events where grandparents are invited to visit the classroom, participate in activities, watch performances, and share stories with their grandchildren and their classmates. What is the theme for Grandparents Day 2025? As of now, an official theme for 2025 has not been announced. The holiday's overarching purpose, as stated in the original proclamation, is always to honor grandparents and give them an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer. Themes used by schools or communities are often local creations. Grandparents Day Gift Ideas: Celebrating a Timeless Bond Grandparents Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a heartfelt opportunity to pause and honor the pillars of our families. These incredible individuals offer a unique blend of unconditional love, cherished wisdom, and often, the best cookies you’ll ever taste. Finding the perfect gift to express our gratitude can sometimes be a challenge. The best gifts are never the most expensive ones; they are the ones that come from the heart, encapsulating love, memory, and connection. This section explores a variety of thoughtful Grandparents Day gift ideas, categorized to help you find the perfect token of appreciation for the extraordinary grandparents in your life. A Gift That Brings Nature to Their Backyard If your grandparents love birds or simply enjoy peaceful moments in the garden, the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro makes an unforgettable gift. This smart bird feeder not only attracts beautiful feathered visitors but also comes with an AI-powered camera that identifies bird species in real time. Your grandparents can watch live footage on their phone or tablet, capture photos and videos, and even share them with the whole family. It’s more than just a bird feeder—it’s an experience. Every time a new bird visits, it sparks curiosity, joy, and conversation. For grandparents who may spend more time at home, the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro provides daily moments of wonder and connection to the natural world right outside their window. See what Techradar has to say about this product! The Priceless Gift of Time and Experience For many grandparents, material possessions are less important than shared experiences and quality time. Their greatest joy often comes from simply being with their family. Plan a Themed Day Trip: Instead of a generic visit, plan an outing based on their interests. Are they history buffs? A day at a local museum or historical site followed by lunch at a classic diner can be magical. Love nature? A leisurely stroll through a botanical garden or a scenic drive with a picnic basket packed with their favorite treats is perfect. Create a "Coupon" Book: This is a classic for a reason. Handmade coupons can be redeemed for specific acts of service and time together. Ideas include: "One Home-Cooked Meal of Your Choice," "A Week of Tech Support," "An Afternoon of Gardening Help," "A Movie Night of Your Pick," or "A Long Walk and Conversation." Interview Them and Record Their Stories: Your grandparents are living libraries of personal and historical history. Set aside an afternoon to formally interview them. Prepare questions about their childhood, how they met, their first job, and cherished family memories. Record the audio or video. This gift not only shows you value their life stories but also creates a priceless family heirloom for generations to come. Cook a Family Recipe Together: Spend an afternoon in the kitchen learning to make a beloved family recipe that has been passed down. The process of cooking together is a bonding experience, and it ensures that those culinary traditions continue. Handmade and Heartfelt Gifts Gifts crafted by hand carry an emotional weight that store-bought items simply cannot match. They scream, "I spent my time and effort thinking only of you." From Grandchildren: The classic handprint painting, a decorated picture frame, or a homemade card are timeless and will be treasured forever. For older grandchildren, a handwritten letter expressing specific reasons why they are loved and appreciated is incredibly powerful. Customized Family Tree: Create a beautiful visual representation of your family. This can be done artistically on canvas, engraved on wood, or even designed as a sophisticated digital print to be framed. A Memory Blanket or Quilt: Gather old T-shirts, baby clothes, or meaningful fabrics from throughout the family's history and have them crafted into a cozy, unique quilt. Every square will tell a story. A Personalized Playlist or Photo Slideshow: Curate a playlist of songs from their youth, their wedding day, or that remind you of them. Pair it with a digital photo slideshow set to the music, featuring scanned old photos and new memories. Watching it together will be a profoundly moving experience. Practical and Personalized Gifts These gifts are both thoughtful and useful, seamlessly integrating into their daily lives and reminding them of you constantly. Subscription Services: A subscription can be the gift that keeps on giving. Consider a subscription to a favorite magazine, a monthly delivery of gourmet coffee or tea, a meal kit service for easy cooking, or a streaming service pre-loaded with profiles for their favorite shows. Technology for Connection: Help bridge the physical distance. A simple-to-use tablet like a GrandPad, a digital photo frame that you can update remotely with new pictures, or a smart display for video calls (like Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub) can make them feel connected and involved in your daily life. Comfort and Coziness: High-quality items that offer comfort are always welcome. Think a ultra-soft throw blanket, a luxurious set of slippers, a heated massaging pillow, or a premium tea and coffee set. Personalized Home Goods: Engraving or custom printing adds a special touch. Consider a cutting board with the family name, cozy mugs with pictures of the grandchildren, a doormat with their last name, or custom-labeled wine with a "Grandma & Grandpa's Vineyard" motif. The Gift of Health and Wellness Showing you care about their well-being is a deeply loving gesture. A Massage or Spa Gift Certificate: Book a relaxing massage, a manicure/pedicure, or another spa treatment for them to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to help them relax and feel pampered. Fitness Support: If they are active, a membership to a local pool or community center, sessions with a trainer who specializes in senior fitness, or even a simple set of resistance bands can be supportive. Meal Preparation: Prepare and freeze a week's worth of healthy, homemade meals for them. This takes a daily chore off their plate and ensures they are eating well. Organization Help: Offer to help them organize a closet, the garage, or their photo albums. This practical help is often greatly appreciated but rarely asked for. Conclusion: The Essence of the Perfect Gift Grandparents Day in 2025 is Sunday, September 7. This special day is a time to honor the grandparents in our lives who provide wisdom, love, and a strong sense of family tradition. The key to celebrating Grandparents Day is to choose a gift or gesture that reflects gratitude and strengthens family bonds. Thoughtful options include the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro for a daily connection with nature, handmade keepsakes that preserve family memories, food and cooking experiences that celebrate tradition, and flowers that brighten their home and hearts.