can praying mantis kill hummingbirds

Can a Praying Mantis Kill a Hummingbird? The Truth About This Surprising Predator

If you have hummingbird feeders in your garden, you've likely spent countless hours watching these tiny, jewel-like birds dart and hover with remarkable agility. So it can be genuinely shocking to discover that a creature you may have welcomed as a beneficial garden insect—the praying mantis—might pose a threat to your beloved hummingbirds. The question can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird is one that surprises many nature lovers and gardeners alike. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the fascinating and sometimes brutal reality of mantis predation on hummingbirds, including the scientific research behind this behavior, the factors that trigger it, and most importantly, what you can do to protect your feathered visitors while still appreciating these remarkable insects.

The question can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird reveals a complex story of predator-prey relationships, human influence on ecosystems, and the remarkable adaptability of these ancient insects. While mantises typically feed on smaller insects, they are opportunistic predators capable of taking down surprisingly large prey when conditions align. Understanding this behavior is essential for anyone trying to create a balanced garden that supports both beneficial insects and the birds we love to watch. To deepen your understanding of mantis behavior and ecology, we highly recommend downloading the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF. And if you want to observe these fascinating predators while protecting your hummingbirds, you can Get Free Praying Mantis (no shipping cost) and place them thoughtfully in your garden.

The Shocking Discovery: Yes, Praying Mantises Do Kill Hummingbirds

For most people, the idea of an insect preying on a bird seems like something from a science fiction movie. Yet the answer to can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird is a definitive yes. Researchers have documented that this behavior is far more common than previously thought . In a landmark study published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology, scientists from the University of Basel and universities in the United States scoured various sources, obtaining data from reports on bird predation by online sources, Thomson-Reuters archives, and peer-reviewed literature . What they found was remarkable: 147 documented cases of praying mantises attempting to prey upon small birds spanning nearly 100 years and 13 countries on all continents except Antarctica .

The question can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird becomes even more intriguing when you learn that hummingbirds make up the vast majority of birds killed by mantises, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird being a particularly frequent victim . The researchers found that 12 different species of mantises killed and ate 24 different species of birds, including seven species of hummingbirds . This widespread behavior across both taxonomic and geographic lines led lead author Dr. Martin Nyffeler to call it a "spectacular discovery" .

More than 70 percent of the documented cases occurred in the United States, where praying mantises often capture birds at hummingbird feeders or plants pollinated by hummingbirds in home gardens . This concentration of incidents in residential areas directly relates to can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird in our own backyards—we're bringing both predators and prey together in close quarters. For more insights into mantis behavior and how it varies across different species, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF offers detailed information on mantis ecology and natural history.

The Hunting Method: How Mantises Capture Hummingbirds

Understanding can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird requires examining their hunting technique. Mantises are classic ambush predators: camouflaged by foliage, they strike out and grasp their unsuspecting meal with their two powerful, spined front legs while holding onto a leaf or grass with their four back legs . Then, while their food is still alive, they begin their feast. There is no venom involved—just pure mechanical predation .

When targeting hummingbirds, mantises employ the same strategy. They will climb onto the cover or one of the perches on a hummingbird feeder, or hide in wait underneath nectar flowers frequented by hummingbirds . They remain motionless, often for hours, waiting for a potential meal to come within range. Praying mantises have excellent vision which they use to analyze the speed and size of any possible target . Their sophisticated eyesight includes stereoptic, or 3-D vision, allowing them to accurately judge distance and timing for their strike .

The attack itself is lightning-fast. When a hummingbird comes within reach, the mantis springs forward, grabbing the bird in its front legs while bracing itself with its back legs . The gruesome details of what follows help answer can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird in such a specific way. About two-thirds of the birds were bitten into the head, neck, or throat . In several cases, a mantis had chewed a hole in the victim's head and was extracting its brains . While this sounds horrifying, there's a practical reason: mantises have to chew through feathers to reach nutritious tissue, and going for the head allows them to quickly subdue their prey .

Ornithologist Kevin McGowan of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology noted, "They have to chew through all that fluff, so I'm not surprised they go for the head" . For a more complete understanding of mantis predatory adaptations, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes detailed information on mantis anatomy and hunting mechanics.

Why Size Matters: Only Large Mantises Can Kill Hummingbirds

When considering can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird, size is a critical factor. Not all mantises are capable of taking on a hummingbird. Only large mantises around 4 inches long or more have the capacity to catch a hummingbird . Some mantis species can grow up to 5 or 6 inches long, which is actually longer than smaller hummingbird species that are only around 4 inches .

The Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis), which grows to four inches in length, is one of the most avid bird predators . This size factor is crucial to understanding can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird in North America more frequently than on other continents. Decades ago, several "alien" species of large mantises—specifically the European mantis (Mantis religiosa) and the Chinese mantis—were released across North America as biological pest control agents . These imported species, which are larger than most native mantises, now constitute a new potential threat to hummingbirds .

The researchers who documented mantis bird predation concluded: "Our compilation suggests that praying mantises frequently prey on hummingbirds in gardens in North America; therefore, we suggest caution in use of large-sized mantids, particularly non-native mantids, in gardens for insect pest control" . This directly addresses can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird so often in American gardens—we've introduced large, non-native predators into habitats where we also concentrate hummingbirds with feeders and nectar plants. To learn more about identifying different mantis species and understanding which ones are native to your area, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes comprehensive species identification guides.

Hunger and Opportunity: Why Mantises Target Hummingbirds

At its core, the answer to can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird and why they do it comes down to two factors: hunger and opportunity. Mantises are opportunistic carnivores that typically feed on insects like butterflies, honey bees, flies, and spiders . Occasionally they've been found to feed on small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, and snakes . But birds represent a significant challenge—they're much larger than a mantis's usual food .

A hummingbird is about eight times larger than a mantis's typical prey . So can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird despite the difficulty? According to Dr. Joshua Martin, as quoted by Audubon: "As a mantis gets hungry, as the time from its last meal gets longer, this 'idea' of what constitutes prey gets broader and broader, and she'll strike at larger targets" . In other words, mantises typically only resort to eating hummingbirds when they're desperate for a meal and other food sources are scarce .

However, once a mantis has successfully hunted at a particular location, it may return again and again. Gardeners have reported that after relocating a mantis from a feeder, it took less than an hour for the insect to fly back up to the same spot . This stalking behavior indicates the mantis has identified the feeder as a reliable hunting location. In one striking account, after a mantis dropped a captured hummingbird, it "crawled across the underside of the plastic feeder, came up on the other side and prepared to nab another hummer" .

It's worth noting that not every mantis on a feeder is actively hunting hummingbirds. Plenty of insects, especially bees and wasps, are also attracted to the sugary water in feeders, and given the choice, most mantises will go for the insects rather than the hummingbirds . So a mantis on your feeder may simply be hunting the smaller insects drawn to the sugar water. For more on mantis dietary needs and how to ensure they have adequate food sources, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF provides comprehensive feeding guidelines.

The Human Factor: How We Create the Problem

Perhaps the most important aspect of can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird involves human activity. We are inadvertently creating conditions that bring mantises and hummingbirds together in dangerous ways. Dr. Martin Nyffeler, the lead author of the bird predation study, explained that humans attract hummingbirds to gardens by planting nectar sources and putting out feeders, while at the same time releasing mantises for pest control . "Thus, humans bring these two together in an unnatural manner," he noted .

This unnatural concentration of both predator and prey helps explain can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird at such high rates in residential areas. Hummingbird feeders, in particular, create perfect ambush sites. They provide a predictable location where hummingbirds must hover to feed, giving mantises a stationary target to aim for . Mantises have been observed positioning themselves on feeder perches or the feeder itself, waiting for an unwary bird to approach .

Adding to the problem, some mantis species were released specifically for pest control without adequate consideration of their broader ecological impacts . The practice of purchasing and releasing mantis egg cases, while popular among gardeners, may be contributing to unnaturally high mantis populations in some areas. "Great caution is advised when releasing mantises for pest control," Dr. Nyffeler warned . This doesn't mean we should eliminate mantises from our gardens, but it does mean we need to be thoughtful about how we manage both mantises and hummingbirds in shared spaces. For guidance on responsible mantis stewardship, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF offers ethical guidelines for mantis keeping and garden management.

How Common Is Mantis-on-Hummingbird Predation?

When people first learn about this behavior, they often wonder just how common it really is. The answer to can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird frequently enough to be documented in scientific literature is that while it's not an everyday occurrence, it's also not as rare as you might think. The 147 documented cases over nearly 100 years almost certainly represent a fraction of actual incidents, as many go unobserved or unreported .

However, it's important to put this in perspective. Hummingbirds face many predators, and mantises are far from the most significant threat. Cats are likely the most efficient hummingbird predators . Eggs and young hummingbirds are also routinely consumed by small mammals, including some bats, as well as by predatory birds like jays, crows, ravens, and toucans . Snakes, large lizards, roadrunners, and even large spiders and frogs have been known to capture hummingbirds .

The number of birds killed by mantises still pales in comparison to those killed by cats and man-made objects like wind turbines and reflective windows . In fact, the reflective windows in office buildings probably rack up far more bird deaths . So while the question can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird reveals a fascinating and sometimes disturbing aspect of mantis behavior, it shouldn't cause undue alarm. It's simply one of many challenges hummingbirds face in their daily lives. For a balanced perspective on hummingbird conservation and how mantises fit into the bigger picture, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF provides thoughtful discussion of ecological relationships.

Survival Rates: What Happens When a Mantis Catches a Hummingbird?

The statistics on survival when a mantis captures a hummingbird are grim. According to the research, of the birds captured, 78% were killed and eaten by the mantids, 2% succeeded in escaping on their own, and 18% were freed by humans . This means that without human intervention, a hummingbird caught by a mantis has only about a 2% chance of escaping on its own .

The actual process of mantis predation on hummingbirds is both fascinating and gruesome. Understanding can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird in the way they do reveals much about their biology and feeding adaptations. Because mantises have chewing mouthparts rather than piercing-sucking mouthparts, they must physically consume their prey piece by piece .

When a mantis captures a hummingbird, it cannot eat the entire bird at once. Instead, it will eat the brain matter, blood, and internal organs, allowing the feathers, bones, and muscles to fall to the ground . In one observed incident, a researcher heard a "shrill squeak" and discovered a Carolina Mantid with a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird in its grip. The bird struggled for about a minute before dying, after which the mantis fed on the bird's neckline until blood became visible .

Targeting the head first makes sense from a survival standpoint: it quickly subdues and kills the prey, and the brain is highly nutritious . This preference for brains provides another angle on can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird by going for the head—it's the most efficient way to both disable the prey and obtain concentrated nutrition . For those who want to understand more about mantis feeding behavior and nutritional needs, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF offers detailed information on mantis diet and feeding.

Signs That a Mantis Is Stalking Your Hummingbird Feeder

If you're concerned about can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird and want to protect your feathered visitors, it helps to know what to look for. Gardeners and bird enthusiasts have observed several telltale signs that a mantis may be targeting hummingbirds at feeders.

One of the most obvious signs is simply seeing a mantis on or near your feeder . However, not every mantis in the vicinity is a threat. If you notice a mantis repeatedly returning to the same feeder, especially after being relocated, this is cause for concern. As one gardener reported, after relocating a mantis from her feeder, it took less than an hour for the insect to fly back up to the same spot . This stalking behavior indicates the mantis has identified the feeder as a reliable hunting location.

Another sign is unusual hummingbird behavior. Hummingbirds are aware of the threat mantises pose and will react accordingly. One observer noticed a female ruby-throated hummingbird that kept slowly flying around one spot in a tree, exhibiting strange behavior. Upon investigation, she found a green praying mantis hidden there—she would not have noticed it without the hummingbird's alert behavior . If your hummingbirds seem reluctant to approach a feeder they normally use, or if they hover nervously without landing, a mantis may be lying in wait nearby .

You might also observe mantises positioning themselves strategically on feeder perches, the feeder itself, or on nearby plants with a clear line of sight to the feeder . They may remain motionless for hours, assuming their characteristic "praying" posture, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Being observant and recognizing these signs is the first step in protecting your hummingbirds. For more tips on monitoring garden wildlife and identifying potential threats, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes guidance on garden observation and management.

How to Protect Hummingbirds Without Harming Mantises

Now that we've explored can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird, the practical question becomes: how can we protect our hummingbirds while still appreciating the ecological role of mantises? The good news is that you can usually manage the situation without killing mantises, which are beneficial insects in many other ways . Here are effective strategies:

Relocate Offending Mantises

If you spot a praying mantis on your feeder, use a net, stick, or container to capture it and move it to another part of your yard at least a mile away if possible . This should prevent it from returning to your feeder. One gardener successfully relocated a mantis from her feeder to a flower bed where it could hunt pest insects instead . Just be careful when handling mantises—they can bite or stab with their spiny forelegs, and their grip can be painful . Wearing gloves can protect your hands .

Move Your Feeders to Open Areas

If you have hummingbird feeders, move them away from plants, shrubbery, or other structures which mantises might use to climb onto the feeder . Though many mantis species can fly, they will be less likely to visit your feeders if you make them more difficult to access. Hang feeders in more open areas where mantises cannot easily ambush approaching birds . Place feeders out in the open away from low-hanging shrubs and trees so mantises can't hide in any shrubbery that may be hanging over your feeders .

Install Physical Barriers

You can also install a wide cover above the feeder to make it harder for mantises to position themselves above visiting birds . Use a wide bird feeder cover or a special dome that will discourage mantises from sitting on the feeder but still allow ample access for the little hummers .

Keep Other Insects Away

Try and keep bees, wasps, and other flying insects away from your feeders . This way, these flying insects won't attract mantises to your feeders in the first place. You can purchase bee guards to deter bees and other flying insects . Removing any yellow flowers on your feeders or painting them red will keep wasps or hornets away as these are attracted to the color yellow . Clean your feeders regularly to remove any excess sugar that is likely to attract other insects and therefore praying mantises .

Don't Release Mantises for Pest Control

If you're considering purchasing mantis egg cases, be aware of which species you're getting and consider whether they're native to your area . Non-native, large mantises pose the greatest threat to hummingbirds . Let hummingbirds and other small birds help with controlling any excess insect population instead .

By taking these steps, you can address the concerns behind can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird while maintaining a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem. For more detailed guidance on coexisting with mantises while protecting your birds, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF offers practical solutions and garden management tips.

What to Do If You Witness an Attack

Despite your best efforts, you might still witness a mantis capturing a hummingbird. Knowing can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird can help you respond appropriately in this distressing situation. Dr. Martin Nyffeler, who documented many such incidents, offered practical advice: anyone who sees a bird trapped by a mantis can try to safely separate the two and then take the mantis to a place with fewer birds .

If you attempt a rescue, proceed carefully. Mantises have powerful front legs and can inflict painful pinches or bites . Use a stick or wear gloves to gently pry the mantis's grip loose from the bird. The mantis's legs are strong, and it may not release easily. Once separated, place the mantis in a container and relocate it far from your feeder.

The rescued hummingbird may be injured or in shock. If it seems capable of flying, it will likely recover on its own once free. If it appears seriously injured, you may need to contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. The survival rate for birds captured by mantises is low—the researchers noted that only two percent of birds managed to escape the insects' grip on their own, although some 20 percent were freed by humans . Your intervention can make a real difference.

Remember that mantises are not evil—they're simply following their instincts as predators. The question can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird is answered by their fundamental nature as carnivores and the unusual circumstances we've created by concentrating both predators and prey in our gardens. Responding with compassion for both the bird and the mantis, while taking steps to prevent future incidents, is the most balanced approach. For resources on wildlife rehabilitation and ethical garden management, the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF includes contact information and additional guidance.

Conclusion: Understanding and Coexisting with Garden Predators

So, can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird? The answer is a definitive yes, backed by scientific research with 147 documented cases across 13 countries . The answer combines natural predation, hunger, opportunity, and human influence. Mantises are opportunistic carnivores that typically eat smaller insects but will target larger prey when hungry enough . Their excellent vision, lightning-fast strikes, and powerful front legs make them capable of capturing even agile hummingbirds . The largest mantis species, many of which were introduced to North America for pest control, are the most frequent bird predators . And crucially, our practice of concentrating hummingbirds with feeders while simultaneously releasing mantises creates perfect conditions for these rare but dramatic predation events .

Let's review the key points about mantis predation on hummingbirds:

Yes, mantises can and do kill hummingbirds, with 147 documented cases worldwide
Only large mantises (4+ inches) have the size and strength to capture hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are about eight times larger than a mantis's typical prey, so mantises usually target them only when very hungry
78% of captured birds are killed and eaten, while only 2% escape on their own
Mantises prefer to eat brains and organs, leaving feathers, bones, and feet behind
Feeders create ideal ambush sites by concentrating both predators and prey
You can protect hummingbirds by placing feeders in open areas, using physical barriers, and relocating mantises

Understanding can a praying mantis kill a hummingbird allows us to take informed action. Rather than viewing mantises as villains to be eliminated, we can recognize them as fascinating predators playing their ecological role. At the same time, we can take practical steps to protect our feathered visitors: relocating mantises from feeders, placing feeders in open areas away from vegetation, using physical barriers, and avoiding the release of large, non-native mantis species .

The relationship between mantises and hummingbirds reminds us that nature is complex and often surprising. The same garden that brings us joy with darting hummingbirds and fascinating mantises is also a place where the drama of predator and prey plays out daily. By understanding these dynamics, we can become better stewards of our gardens, supporting biodiversity while protecting the creatures we love.

We hope this guide has deepened your understanding of mantis behavior and given you practical tools for managing your garden. To continue learning about these remarkable insects and how to coexist with them, we invite you to download the Free Praying Mantis Home Care Guide PDF today. It's packed with scientific insights, practical advice, and beautiful illustrations that will make you a true mantis expert. And if you're ready to welcome mantises into your garden while protecting your hummingbirds, click here to Get Free Praying Mantis (no shipping cost) and start building a balanced, thriving garden ecosystem today.