I found a hummingbird on the ground. Is it dying?

Not necessarily. Check for visible injuries, labored breathing, or inability to fly. If the bird is on the ground but alert and reactive, it may be stunned from a window strike and just needs a quiet, safe place to recover for 30–60 minutes. If it's unresponsive or clearly injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away.

Can I keep a sick hummingbird until it recovers?

No — and not just because it's difficult. It's illegal to possess a wild hummingbird without a federal permit in almost every U.S. state. Even well-meaning care by non-experts can cause more harm. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and licensed specifically for this. Call one as soon as possible.

The hummingbird looks dead but I'm not sure. How can I tell?

A bird in torpor can look exactly like it's dead. It may be cold to the touch, barely breathing, and completely unresponsive. If you find a motionless hummingbird, observe it from a distance for a while, especially in the morning. A torpid bird will slowly revive as it warms up. A deceased bird will not respond to movement, light, or sound at all.

My feeder looks fine but a hummingbird got sick. What happened?

Nectar can ferment and grow mold before it looks visibly cloudy or smells bad, especially in warm weather. Even a feeder that looks clean can harbor harmful bacteria or fungi. In hot summer months, nectar should be changed every 1–2 days even if it looks fine.

Is red dye in nectar dangerous to hummingbirds?

There is no proven benefit to using red dye in nectar — hummingbirds are attracted to the color of the feeder itself. Some research suggests red dye may cause organ damage over time. The safest choice is always clear, dye-free nectar made with pure white cane sugar and water.

What to Do If You Find a Sick Hummingbird | NectarBloom™