What is the humming sound that gives hummingbirds their name?

The hum is produced by wingbeats — 50--80 times per second in most species — creating air pressure waves that produce an audible tone. Different species have different wing shapes and frequencies, so each has a slightly different hum.

Why does the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird sound different from other species?

Male Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds have a specially shaped outermost primary feather that vibrates at a higher frequency than in other species, producing a distinctive metallic trill. This is a mechanical sonation, not a vocalization, and is specific to adult males — females and immature males don't produce the trill.

Do hummingbirds have songs like songbirds?

Most don't, in the traditional sense. A few species — most notably Anna's and Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem — produce extended, structured vocalizations that qualify as song. Most hummingbirds are limited to short call notes and mechanical sounds.

What does it mean when a hummingbird makes a chittering sound near my feeder?

The chittering call is a territorial alarm/aggression call. It typically means a bird is defending the feeder from rivals or responding to a perceived threat. If you hear it, watch the feeder — you'll likely see a chase or confrontation in the next few seconds.

Can I attract more hummingbirds by playing hummingbird sounds?

Playing territorial or aggressive calls may actually deter hummingbirds rather than attract them — the sounds signal "occupied territory" to other birds. Playing sounds can also stress nesting birds. It's not recommended. Feeders and native flowering plants are the best and most ethical attractants. **The Next Time You Hear That Sound** The blur by your feeder isn't just humming. It's a Broad-Tailed male announcing territorial ownership with specialized feathers shaped by centuries of evolution. It's a female Anna's signaling contact with her fledglings across thirty feet of yard. It's a Ruby-Throated chittering her displeasure at a rival who got too close. Every sound has a meaning. Every sound is information. Keep your feeder full of fresh NectarBloom nectar, sit quietly, and listen. The hummingbird world is far louder than you thought. **Hear what the birds are saying. Keep NectarBloom in your feeder — pure cane sugar nectar, dye-free, trusted by hummingbird lovers who never stop learning.** *All articles © [[NectarBloom.org]{.underline}](http://NectarBloom.org) \| Published June 2026* *NectarBloom™ is a premium dye-free pure cane sugar hummingbird nectar. Available at [[NectarBloom.org]{.underline}](http://NectarBloom.org).*

Hummingbird Sounds and What They Mean | NectarBloom™