Do hummingbirds recognize individual humans?

The evidence strongly suggests yes. Hummingbirds have memory abilities that rival some primates and can remember specific feeding locations for years. Given what we know about facial recognition in related bird species like crows and ravens, it's highly plausible that hummingbirds associate specific humans with their feeding experiences.

Why do hummingbirds hover in front of my face specifically?

Your face is at a natural hover height, and it's often the most visually complex part of your appearance — moving eyes, variable expression, skin tones that may register differently in UV vision. It's also near your head, which is often the highest point a human presents to a bird that's approaching from above.

Is a hummingbird hovering in front of me a good sign?

In the sense that it means the bird is comfortable enough to be curious about you rather than frightened — yes. A scared hummingbird flies away. A curious hummingbird investigates. Being investigated is a kind of respect.

Can I get a hummingbird to hover near me on purpose?

Wearing bright red, orange, or pink near your feeder increases the odds of a hummingbird investigating. Sitting very still near the feeder at consistent times also helps, as hummingbirds will begin to learn your schedule. Some people have trained hummingbirds to feed from a hand-held feeder through patient, gradual exposure.

Do hummingbirds have a favorite person?

Anecdotally, yes — many longtime hummingbird enthusiasts describe birds that seem distinctly bolder or more comfortable with them than with strangers. Whether this represents true preference or simply learned familiarity isn't fully settled in the science, but the behavioral difference is real and widely observed.

Why did a hummingbird hover and then chatter or chirp at me?

Hummingbirds use vocalizations as part of territorial and communicative behavior. Chattering or squeaking while hovering near you could mean they're asserting their space (especially near their feeder), or it could simply be their way of communicating — their version of saying, "I see you." — The next time a hummingbird stops and looks at you, look back. Notice the iridescence, the blur of wings moving 50–80 times a second, the calm intelligence in that tiny bright eye. This is one of the most remarkable animals on Earth pausing to decide if you matter. You probably do. Especially if you keep their feeder stocked with [NectarBloom pure cane sugar nectar](https://nectarbloom.org) — the pure, dye-free premium nectar that keeps them coming back, day after day, year after year. — —

Why Is a Hummingbird Hovering in Front of You? | NectarBloom™