For years, scientists believed hummingbirds were fiercely territorial, living and feeding alone to avoid competition.
But a stunning discovery in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador has challenged that long-held assumption.
Ornithologist Gustavo Cañas-Valle was surveying the rugged landscape when he stumbled upon an unexpected sight—a group of 11 hummingbirds huddled together in a cave.
The revelation left him stunned.
Hummingbirds, especially the Oreotrochilus chimborazo chimborazo species found in the Andes, are known for their aggression toward one another. They defend their food sources fiercely, often engaging in aerial battles that can turn deadly. Males and females rarely interact outside of mating, and even then, their social encounters are brief.
That’s why finding a colony of hummingbirds living side by side was nothing short of groundbreaking.
"Gustavo was shocked when he discovered a colony of 11 hummingbirds, all nestled close together," the researchers stated in a press release.
What’s Driving This Unusual Behavior?
Cañas-Valle, working alongside evolutionary geneticist Juan Luis Bouzat of Bowling Green State University, quickly began investigating why these normally solitary birds would choose to coexist.
Their conclusion? Survival.
The harsh conditions of the high-altitude Andes—biting cold, fierce winds, and limited food sources—have forced the birds to adapt. By roosting together, they likely conserve heat and energy, increasing their chances of survival in an unforgiving environment.
The researchers also suspect that over time, evolution has favored hummingbirds with a greater tolerance for one another, helping them endure extreme climates.
The findings, published in the scientific journal Ornithology, challenge our understanding of hummingbird social behavior. The discovery suggests that these birds may be more adaptable than previously thought and that environmental pressures can override even deeply ingrained instincts.
