Recently my wife and I bought a hummingbird feeder which we perched outside our kitchen eating area. We expected action as southern Arizona is home to many hummingbirds. Within a few days we were pleased as these small birds began to helicopter in to dine on sugar water. We boggled at the speed of their flapping wings, going so fast they were just a blur. This we expected; unexpected was that their tails bobbed up and down nearly as rapidly as the wings moved. I don’t know if the tail action is for lift or navigation but I suspect some of both. Occasionally they hover outside our window. Not sure if they are looking at us or their own reflection in the window. At any rate, after sucking up their sugar water they usually depart at a remarkable rate of speed; they are really fast fliers.

But it turns out these cute and insubstantial birds are not all sweetness and light; there is a dark side. We were surprised when one of them claimed the feeder as his (her) personal diner. We did some research and it turns out hummingbirds are very territorial. The new proprietor sits in a nearby tree, intercepts interlopers and drives them away. The newcomer usually quickly gives up but in one instance the new bird stood his ground and the two began to duel with their long beaks. No real damage was done and ultimately the newbie surrendered and flew away, leaving the victor to sup at his leisure. Occasionally the “owner” is away and a passerby gets a drink; but, when around, there is a queen (or king) that literally owns the roost (She is forced to share with the many bees that have been sampling the sugar water recently. One local theory is that it’s been do dry recently that the bees need hydration.)