The skies darken, a gentle breeze turns into a blustery gust, and then, the heavens open. An American summer afternoon can quickly transform into a deluge, sending most backyard creatures scurrying for cover. As humans, we rush indoors, close windows, and settle in to watch the rain fall, but what about the tiny, seemingly fragile creatures that live outdoors, especially the miniature marvels that are hummingbirds?

Photo by Carlos Eduardo Joos

Despite their incredibly high metabolism and boundless energy, these delicate birds seem ill-equipped to handle the relentless downpour of a summer storm; they are, after all, some of the smallest birds in the world, so relatively speaking the power of falling rain on their bodies is that much greater. Their gossamer-thin feathers, minuscule bodies, and constant need for nectar would suggest that rainstorms pose an existential threat. Yet, hummingbirds not only survive these deluges but often reappear at feeders and flowers moments after the rain lets up, seemingly unfazed. So, what exactly do these tiny titans do when the heavens open?

The answer is a fascinating blend of instinct, specialized physiology, and remarkable resilience. Hummingbirds don’t have the luxury of taking shelter in a cozy birdhouse (they rarely use them); their survival depends on quick adaptations and efficient energy management, even in the most challenging weather.

Seeking Immediate Shelter

The very first response of a hummingbird to an impending or active rainstorm is to find shelter. This isn’t just any shelter; it’s a strategically chosen perch that offers the best possible protection from the elements. Their primary refuge is typically within dense evergreen shrubs, thick deciduous bushes, or the sheltered canopy of trees. The overlapping leaves and branches act as a natural umbrella, breaking the force of the raindrops and providing a relatively dry pocket of air. Conifers like pines, spruces, and cedars are particularly favored for their year-round density.

Photo by Michael Armour-Johnson

In suburban and urban environments, hummingbirds quickly learn to utilize man-made structures. The eaves of houses, porch overhangs, sheds, and even the underside of large deck umbrellas can offer surprisingly effective shelter from direct rain. They will often cling to a hidden branch or even a structural beam within these protected spaces. They instinctively seek the lee side – the side sheltered from the wind – of any large object, be it a tree trunk, a building, or even a robust fence post. This minimizes wind chill and prevents their delicate feathers from being ruffled or soaked.

Often, they will seek lower, more protected perches during heavy rain. While they might forage high up in the canopy on sunny days, during a storm, they prioritize sheltered spots closer to the ground or within the denser parts of a shrub, where the wind and rain are less severe.

The key to their chosen shelter is often camouflage. They want to be out of sight of predators who might take advantage of their vulnerability during adverse weather. A hummingbird hunkered down in dense foliage is almost impossible to spot, a testament to their survival instincts.

Feather Management

Water and feathers are a complex relationship for birds. While many waterbirds have specialized oils to make their feathers highly water-repellent, hummingbirds, with their iridescent, lightweight plumage, rely heavily on meticulous feather maintenance to stay dry and insulated. Even outside of rain, hummingbirds spend a significant portion of their day preening. This involves using their beak to meticulously straighten, zip together (like a tiny zipper), and apply oils from a gland at the base of their tail (the uropygial gland) to their feathers. This creates a remarkably efficient waterproof barrier. During a storm, this preening can intensify, especially if they get caught in an exposed area for a moment.

Photo by Jay Warburton

When cold or wet, birds fluff up their feathers. This action traps a layer of air close to their body, which is then warmed by their body heat, acting as an insulating layer, much like a down jacket. This is critical for hummingbirds, whose tiny bodies lose heat rapidly. Even if their outer feathers get wet, the inner downy layers can remain dry and insulating if properly fluffed. If caught in open rain, they will quickly find shelter and vigorously shake their bodies to dislodge water droplets from their feathers, similar to a dog shaking off water.

The iridescent colors we admire are due to the microscopic structure of their feathers, not pigment. Wet, ruffled feathers lose this structural integrity, making them appear dull and dark, but more importantly, compromising their insulating and aerodynamic properties. Maintaining feather integrity is paramount for their survival.

Entering Torpor (When Necessary)

This is perhaps the most incredible physiological adaptation hummingbirds employ, not just for rainstorms but for any period of stress, such as cold nights or a lack of food. Torpor is a state of reduced metabolic activity, similar to a very short-term, less extreme form of hibernation. A  hummingbird in active flight or feeding has one of the highest metabolic rates of any vertebrate. Their heart can beat over 1,200 times per minute, and their body temperature is around 104°F. When they enter torpor, their heart rate can drop dramatically (to as low as 50-100 beats per minute), their breathing slows, and their body temperature can plummet to match the ambient air temperature, sometimes as low as 68°F.

Why Torpor in Rain? A cold, wet bird rapidly loses body heat. To maintain their incredibly high body temperature in such conditions would require an unsustainable amount of energy, burning through their fat reserves at an alarming rate. By entering torpor, they conserve energy, effectively pausing their high-octane life until conditions improve.

Photo by Koushalya Karthikeyan

A bird in torpor will appear lethargic, unresponsive, and often look like it’s almost dead. It might be hanging upside down from a branch, or simply be very still and deflated in its sheltered spot. Do not disturb a hummingbird in torpor; it’s a vital survival mechanism. Waking from torpor is a gradual process. It can take 20 minutes to an hour for a hummingbird to fully warm up, during which they shiver vigorously to generate heat, burning through precious energy reserves. This is why a consistently available food source is so critical, especially after a period of torpor.

While not every rainstorm will trigger torpor, a prolonged, cold, or particularly intense storm, especially if it coincides with a period of low food availability, can certainly cause a hummingbird to enter this life-saving state. It’s a testament to their evolutionary brilliance.

Strategic Foraging

Hummingbirds cannot go for long without food. Their high metabolism demands a nearly constant supply of nectar and small insects and, during a rainstorm, their need for calories doesn’t disappear. During lighter rain or breaks in a heavy downpour, hummingbirds will often make incredibly quick, targeted forays to known, reliable food sources – typically feeders or a particularly nectar-rich flower. These are grab-and-go missions, where they sip quickly and return to shelter. Some flowers will also naturally offer more protection from rain due to their shape or location under leaves: hummingbirds may prioritize these during a shower. 

Photo by Brian Hanson

Rain often brings out insects, especially small gnats and midges, which are a vital protein source for hummingbirds. They might hover briefly in the more sheltered parts of a garden, snatching insects from the air or from under leaves, where the tiny prey might also be seeking shelter. However, during prolonged rain, backyard feeders for hummingbirds become exceptionally important. A consistently available, easy-to-access nectar source can be a lifesaver, reducing the need for dangerous foraging trips in poor weather. Hummingbird’s foraging during a storm is a finely tuned balance of hunger versus risk – they’ll push their limits, but always with an eye towards minimizing exposure.

Managing the Nest

For hummingbirds, especially females, summer rainstorms pose a unique challenge during the nesting season. Females alone build the tiny, cup-shaped nests and incubate the eggs, and later, brood the young. Hummingbird nests are marvels of engineering, tiny cups made from plant down, spider silk, and lichen. The spider silk makes them elastic, allowing them to expand as the chicks grow, and helps to shed water. Lichen provides excellent camouflage.

During rain, the female will sit tightly on her eggs or brood her young, using her body as a living umbrella. Her fluffed-up feathers provide insulation, protecting the vulnerable eggs or featherless chicks from the cold and wet. She will endure getting wet herself to shield her offspring.

Photo by Frank Cone

Nests are typically built in a location that offers some natural protection from above – often on a downward-sloping branch, under a larger leaf, or beneath a canopy of dense foliage, which helps to shed water away from the nest. The dedication of a female hummingbird to her nest during a storm is a powerful demonstration of parental instinct, risking her own comfort and energy reserves to ensure the survival of her brood.

Post-Storm Resurgence

Perhaps the most commonly observed behavior that hints at their storm survival strategies is their rapid reappearance once the rain subsides. After a period of sheltering, reduced foraging, or especially torpor, hummingbirds are in immediate need of calories to restore their energy reserves and raise their body temperature. These first moments after a rainstorm often see a flurry of activity at feeders. Birds that were hunkered down suddenly emerge, sometimes appearing slightly dishevelled but incredibly eager to feed. This post-storm feeding frenzy is a direct consequence of their energy depletion during the adverse weather.

Photo by Koushalya Karthikeyan

Once they’ve taken in some vital nectar, they’ll often find a sunny spot to perch, preening vigorously to dry and re-align their feathers, ensuring they are ready for efficient flight and insulation once more. This rapid return is a testament to their resilience and their reliance on a quick energy turnaround, making backyard feeders particularly valuable during and immediately after wet weather.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, what hummingbirds do in rainstorms is survive. They are not merely delicate ornaments but incredibly tough and adaptable creatures. Their ability to find quick shelter, meticulously manage their feathers, strategically forage, enter a state of suspended animation (torpor) when necessary, and fiercely protect their nests, all while maintaining one of the highest metabolic rates in the animal kingdom, is truly awe-inspiring.

The next time a summer rainstorm rolls in, take a moment to consider the miniature drama unfolding in your backyard. Imagine a tiny hummingbird, hunkered down in a dense shrub, patiently waiting out the deluge, or perhaps making a daring dash to your feeder for a quick sip. Their seemingly effortless flight and dazzling beauty belie a profound toughness and a finely tuned survival instinct. These tiny titans are a powerful reminder of nature’s extraordinary ability to adapt and endure, no matter the weather. And when the sun breaks through, you can be sure they’ll be back, ready to dazzle and delight once more.