Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (2024)

Even the biggest fans of the species might not know that a sighting of the brilliant, jewel-colored hummingbird may have special meaning.

Hummingbird Meaning and Symbolism

Nature enthusiasts everywhere adore these flying jewels—so much so that there’s even a bucket list for hummingbird fans! But even those most devoted among hummingbird fans might wonder: what is the hummingbird’s meaning, and what does it mean if one visits you?

Discover the special meaning behind cardinal sightings, bluebird sightingsand robin sightings.

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (1)Courtesy Della Alcorn

To some, sighting a hummingbird signals that challenging times are over and healing can begin. To others, these tiny fliers are an inspiring sign of hope and good luck. Hummingbirds also can have a spiritual significance and mean the spirit of a loved one is near.

Discover jaw-dropping facts about hummingbirds.

Special Encounters with Hummingbirds

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (2)Courtesy Suzy Downing

Message From Loved Ones

“Twelve years ago a dear neighbor passed away. She loved her rose of Sharon shrub, so before her home was sold, I broke off a twig and rooted it. I didn’t think it would survive, but it has grown and thrived. When it is in full bloom, I think of her! On this particular morning, I was sitting with my camera and watching the garden for hummingbird activity when I looked up and saw this sweet ruby-throated hummingbird (above) taking her time going from flower to flower. It was almost like she was posing for me. I had to smile thinking that Mrs. Berry’s spirit had sent her to me!” Suzy Downing says, describing a time a sighting of a hummingbird held special meaning.

Check out amazing hummingbird photos that you need to see.

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (3)Courtesy John Rakis

Forming a Connection

“While I photographed many birds with my companion, Sally, during our walks in Central Park and other locations, I never had the opportunity to capture a hummingbird in flight until one spring. They are delightful to watch and we were very grateful for their presence. Hummingbirds helped us cope with the isolation imposed by social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” John Rakis says.

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (4)Courtesy Deborah Doss

Memories of Mom

“Hummingbirds are dear to my heart. My mother always had a hummingbird feeder outside of our bay window, and she and I would sit and watch them fly up and eat the sugar water. My mom passed away from cancer years ago, and hummingbirds have been something that makes me think of her. I miss her so very much, but I’m thankful for these little flyers that help me feel as if a piece of her is still with me,” Deborah Doss says.

Do monarch butterfly sightings have meaning?

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (5)Courtesy Jessica Costa

Comfort During Difficult Times

“This is a Costa’s hummingbird (above); I took many pictures of him preening, and he turned around and I got a beautiful view of his purple-colored body. He visited when my husband’s father was sick and he was taking care of him. The bird left when my father-in-law passed away, and it has never returned. The bird’s name is also the same as our last name. What an amazing bird,” Jessica Costa says.

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (6)Courtesy Rebecca Carter

Angels in Disguise

Reader Rebecca Carter shared a meaningful experience involving hummingbirds, grief and hope.

“Hummingbirds were my mother’s favorite bird. With joyful anticipation, she looked forward to seeing them every year. If anyone had questions about when those amazing little birds would be coming into Oklahoma for the summer, all they’d have to do is ask Mom. She’d know! And it seemed the love was mutual because her yard was always an active playground and dining area for hummingbirds.

In June 2021, Mom celebrated her 80th birthday. And yes, it was a hummingbird garden theme! Her birthday party would become an even more treasured gift than we knew at the time. Just six months later, my mother unexpectedly died of COVID-19. As we prepared for her funeral service, hummingbirds became part of the theme once again.

The following May, my kids and I took a trip to the zoo. I had not seen any hummingbirds in my yard yet, but I was on the lookout with the arrival of summer. As we were walking, we saw a hummingbird really close to where we were—unusually close. It went in and out of the flowers and then it flew up and above, hovering and looking at us before it flew off. I felt remarkably close to my mother in that moment. Then, as we were leaving the parking lot, a little hummingbird came up to our front window and hovered there for about 15 seconds! We were shocked at how it was clearly looking at us, as if to say goodbye.

Could it have been the same hummingbird we saw earlier? I’m not sure, but I felt a connection again. I’ve begun to wonder, could those beautiful little birds with fluttering wings be angels in disguise?

Next, learn how to attract hummingbirds with 10 expert tips.

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? (2024)

FAQs

Do Hummingbird Sightings Have Special Meaning? ›

To some, sighting a hummingbird signals that challenging times are over and healing can begin. To others, these tiny fliers are an inspiring sign of hope and good luck. Hummingbirds also can have a spiritual significance and mean the spirit of a loved one is near. Discover jaw-dropping facts about hummingbirds.

Does seeing a hummingbird mean anything? ›

Traditionally, seeing a hummingbird is a good omen, signaling good fortune or a favorable event about to unfold. Many Native American people believe that seeing a Hummingbird brings luck – especially before a critical event. Did you know? On average, these little birds live to be around five years old.

Do hummingbirds have a special meaning? ›

In the realms of symbolism and folklore, the hummingbird has charmed its way into various cultures, often seen as a messenger of love, joy, and good fortune. In Native American traditions, they are believed to carry the wishes of the people to the spirit world, a testament to their profound connection to the divine.

What does it mean if a hummingbird comes close to you? ›

So you are lucky if a hummingbird flutters around you – it means the bird is carrying good thoughts and positive messages to you from someone else in this world or in the after world. If a hummingbird is close, be sure to think good thoughts and send intentions to your loved ones.

What is the biblical meaning of a hummingbird? ›

The biblical meaning of hummingbird relates to the. bird's ability to spread joy and playfulness. According. to the Bible, every creature is a gift from the Almighty.

Can hummingbirds recognize humans? ›

Studies have shown that hummingbirds can remember migration routes and every flower they've ever visited. They can also figure out how long to wait between visits so the flowers have time to generate more nectar. They can even recognize humans!

What do hummingbirds symbolize in Mexican culture? ›

Mexican elders say Huitzilopochtli guided the Aztec's long migration to the Valley of Mexico, and thus the hummingbird is the symbol of strength in life's struggle to elevate consciousness—to follow your dreams.

Do hummingbirds represent angels? ›

There is no religious doctrine that states that hummingbirds are angels sent by God. However, some people may believe that hummingbirds are symbols of hope, love, and joy and that they are a reminder of the beauty and wonders of the natural world.

Do hummingbirds bring messages? ›

Hummingbird is a symbol of good luck, and birds in general are considered to be messengers from the heavens, watching over the animal world, bringing messages to those who will listen.

What is the Native American myth about hummingbirds? ›

The ancient Mayan's believed that the hummingbird was the “sun in disguise” that appears in a hummingbird form to court the moon. Huitzilopochtli, the most powerful Aztec god was thought to be half man, half bird. The Aztecs believed the god was made of hummingbird feathers that fell from the sky.

Do hummingbirds mate for life? ›

Hummingbirds do not mate for life, and males have to court the females for each brood. After mating, the female builds the nest, tends the nest and feeds the young. They aggressively defend their nesting territory, looking for areas close to nectar and protein sources.

What does the hummingbird symbolize in Navajo culture? ›

Dahiitį́hí (hummingbirds) are a symbol of beauty and wisdom for the Diné (Navajo). When things of beauty come to the Diné, it is said that it is thanks to the hummingbird. Stories tell how the hummingbird taught the Diné how to gather pollen.

What do hummingbird tattoos symbolize? ›

Freedom and Independence: Free in their flight and choice, hummingbird tattoo designs often emphasize liberation and self-reliance. Love and Happiness: The beautiful hummingbird tattoo can signify undying love, and given their nectar-seeking nature and affinity for flowers, underscore themes of passion and joy.

Are hummingbirds God's messengers? ›

The Aztecs recognized in the hummingbird all the attributes necessary to be a good warrior and this bird became the main symbol of their principal god, called Huitzilopochtli, “who predicted an imperial destiny for them” (Mires 2000) and who guided them through a journey to a promised land.

What does it mean when a hummingbird comes to your house spiritually? ›

In many cultures and beliefs, hummingbirds are considered to be symbols of joy, love, and good luck. If a hummingbird comes to your back door, it can be seen as a positive sign or a special moment.

Where does the Bible talk about hummingbirds? ›

Hummingbird bible verse Philippians 1:11 Poster.

Are hummingbirds good luck or bad luck? ›

Hummingbirds are signs of good luck and spiritual healing.

Hummingbirds are often considered spiritual messengers, bringing comfort, joy, and good physical and spiritual health to those in need. They might also infuse those around them with a sense of hope, resilience, and prosperity.

What is the spiritual meaning of the hummingbird moth? ›

they symbolize personal transformation & assist in all the changes within yourself and within your environment that are necessary for you (source: ecowellness) they are sometimes known as the hummingbird moth because of their bird-like size (2-3 inch wingspan) and flight patterns. ( source: wiki)

What does a hummingbird tattoo stand for? ›

Freedom and Independence: Free in their flight and choice, hummingbird tattoo designs often emphasize liberation and self-reliance. Love and Happiness: The beautiful hummingbird tattoo can signify undying love, and given their nectar-seeking nature and affinity for flowers, underscore themes of passion and joy.

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