Where Do Hummingbirds Sleep?(homemade hummingbird nectar)

Yes, hummingbirds do sleep. They do so at night by entering into a state known as torpor, which is a state similar to hibernation. Hummingbirds must enter this state to ensure that the birds won't actually starve to death before down. Torpor is a type of deep hummingbirds sleep where an animal lowers its hart and metabolic rate. In a state of torpor the hummingbird sleep lowers its metabolic rate by as much as 95%. A torpid hummingbird consumes up to 50 times less energy than when hummingbird not sleep. The lowered metabolic rate also causes a cooled body temperature. A hummingbirds sleep body temperature is maintained at a level which is barely sufficient to maintain life. This level is known as their set point and it is far below the normal daytime body temperature of 104°F or 40°C known for other birds of similar size.

There are many reasons why the hummingbird sleep must enter into a state of torpor. Hummingbirds are among the smallest of all warm-blooded animals, and they also lack the insulating downy feathers that are typical for many other bird species. Due to their small body size and lack of insulation, hummingbirds rapidly lose body heat to their surroundings. Even sleeping hummingbirds have huge metabolic demands that must be met in order for them to simply survive the night when they cannot forage. By entering into a state of torpor, a hummingbird sleep is able to save enough energy to survive cold nights by lowering their internal thermostat.

There are several types of torpor. The various types of torpor are classified mostly by duration and season. If the state of torpor takes place over a long period of time during the winter, it is known as hibernation. However, unlike hibernation, hummingbird sleep torpor can occur on any night of the year so it is referred to as daily torpor or noctivation.

Hummingbirds are not the only birds known to enter into a state of torpor. Other birds that are known to enter into a state of torpor include swallows and swifts. Scientists think that most small birds living in cold regions, such as chickadees, rely on torpor to survive long cold nights. Rodents, bats and other small mammals typically show some form of regulated hypothermia during cold weather, and these animals can only rely upon daily torpor during the winter months when they are not breeding. For hummingbirds, noctivation is possible on any night of the year.

The ability of the hummingbird sleep by entering into the state of torpor literally saves the birds life. The ability to enter into hummingbird sleep will literally prevent it from starving to death before dawn. Isn’t it amazing how nature provides each species of animal the ability to help insure its own survival?

Make your own homemade hummingbird nectar!.its easy

Garden bird baths - Copper bird baths, Stone bird baths, solar bird baths

Copper bird baths.In order to avoid dehydration, birds must drink throughout the year. Since they do not have salivary glands, water is also needed for digesting food. Additionally, a good water source will help with daily hygiene and in particular maintenance of their feathers, which in turn will help to regulate an appropriate body temperature.

The need for a water source throughout the year is so strong that many different types of bird that do not visit seed feeders will show up just for the water.Copper bird baths.

When considering adding water there are a few different options that you may wish to consider: the water source or location, circulating the water, and providing a heat source for the water during colder times of the year to prevent it from freezing.

Bird Bath or Pond - A bird bath is a quick way to add water to your garden. copper bird baths.A pond is a little more work to build, however, it can be a very attractive feature to your garden. There are two different schools of thought as to where water sources should be located. One thought is to locate the water source close to trees or shrubbery to provide an easy location to escape to for safety and the other thought is to have the water source in a clearing so that the birds can keep an eye out for predators. Copper bird bath.

During warmer times of the year, birds may appreciate water more while in the shade, yet in cooler times of the year the water may be more attractive with some warm sunlight beating down on their feathers!

Both bird baths and ponds require regular routine maintenance. Bird Baths need regular cleaning and it is beneficial to add a product that acts as a protector that prevents stains, organic contaminants and mineral deposits as well as keep water clean and naturally clear. Copper bird baths. There are also similar products for ponds. The one drawback for a Bird Bath or Pond is that the water is not moving, unless combined with a dripper or other moving source.

Water Fountain / Dripper / Water Wiggler – Moving water keeps water cleaner for a longer period of time, attracts the attention of the birds, and prevents mosquitoes from making the water source as their home. A Water Fountain is usually self contained, whereas a Dripper will usually be added to an already existing bird bath. Each has the benefit of adding to your garden décor and recycles the water within the water fountain or bird bath.  copper bird bath.A water wiggler is also an excellent choice for your bird bath and operates on batteries continuously for a couple months at a time. Moving water takes a colder temperature to freeze, however, a heated water source should also be considered.

Heated Water Sources - During the winter water becomes scarce, primarily because the usual water sources have two factors not working in the birds favor. Either their usual water source is frozen, and/or excessive amounts of snow can cover the water. The bird then spends enormous amounts of energy searching for water – energy that could be better spent trying to survive the winter cold.

Adding a heated water source to your wildlife sanctuary is something that will be very much appreciated by your feathered friends and you will be providing the greatest resource that birds need in order to survive.

When using a heated bird bath, make sure that your power source is safe. copper bird baths.You’ll want to make sure that the outlet you are using is a GFCI outlet. If you are unsure you may wish to hire an electrician to check it out or install a GFCI outlet.

During the summer, simply unplug your electrical source and use the heated bird bath / pond in its normal fashion.