What Biome Do Hummingbirds Live In?

A biome is a large community of animals and plants that live together, occupying a major habitat. Different species of hummingbirds will live in different biomes, but there are certain characteristics that all hummingbirds need in an area to survive. If hummingbirds find a habitat that meets feeding and breeding needs, they are able to thrive in that area.

  1. Habitat Range

    • Hummingbirds are the second largest family of birds, with 343 different species. They are only found in North and South America. More than half the species are found in South America, but different types can be found all the way from southern Alaska to the southern tip of Chile.

    Habitat

    • Because there are so many different types of hummingbirds living throughout the Americas, there are many different types of biomes that they can be found in. Forested areas, meadows and grasslands that provide hummingbirds food are areas where many species live. However, some species will live in biomes located in cities, deserts, mountains and cooler locations such as southern Alaska. Some birds will live at sea level, while others live 14,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. Hummingbirds have the flexibility to adapt to different locations.

    Food Sources

    • All hummingbirds, no matter the species or location, still need certain elements in their biome, including multiple food sources. Hummingbirds have a very high metabolism and spend a lot of energy flying, causing them to feed almost constantly, and the preferred food is nectar. They will consume nectar from flowers and other plants, and can consume almost twice their body weight each day. Hummingbirds also feed on different types of insects. Biomes that host hummingbirds need a source of nectar and insects to feed on.

    Breeding Requirements

    • Most species of hummingbirds need specific nesting requirements to raise their young. This means that many hummingbirds will migrate north in search of a proper location. The main two priorities for a nesting location are protection and temperature. A location needs to stay below 96 F or the eggs will be destroyed from the heat. Some hummingbirds will choose locations near water or in high altitudes, while other species have learned to make cooling shelters. The area must also have supplies to build a nest, and protection from elements like wind and rain. Biomes that do not have these features will see hummingbirds migrate out of them until they are done nesting.