Here in New York, there is only one species of Hummingbird. Yet, in the tropics, flitting through all levels of forest in Costa Rica, you see hummingbirds hustling about their duties. We were blessed with the opportunity on our travels to visit a hummingbird garden. We got to watch the hummingbirds fight and challenge each other at the feeders for at least an hour in the dim light of the setting sun. A hummingbird omen is a great thing. Let’s find out more.

Hummingbirds are some of nature’s more vibrant creatures, flitting around from here to there with barely a pause for breath. A hummingbird omen is reminding you to slow down – that even when life is hitting you fast, it’s time to take a deep breath. 

How do hummingbirds show up in your life?

Hummingbirds and the plants that are their food supply have a very intimate, dependent relationship. Without the hummingbirds, those vibrant red flowers with their deeply cupped shape would not be able to reproduce. And without the carb-loaded sweet nectar found within the depths of those flowers, the hummingbirds would not be able to survive the night. 

Hummingbirds can’t just sit on the couch and survive – they need to eat regularly, every few hours at minimum, to be able to survive. So, when you see a hummingbird, what does it mean? First off, it means that you’re someplace warm! Hummingbirds can’t survive in cold weather. But more importantly, seeing a hummingbird will always give you pause. 

They’re bright, they move like magical creatures. Hummingbirds should make us stop and think about the fleeting nature of life and death. Hummingbirds represent change in its ultimate form: it’s quick, it’s unexpected, and it’s gone before you know it. A hummingbird flying past your head will help you pay attention real quick. 

If you’re an urban dweller, then it may be difficult for you to connect with your local wildlife – or any wildlife at all. But there are ways to connect! One of the most accessible ways to connect is through backyard bird-watching. Or better yet, feeding backyard birds. Hummingbirds can use all the help we can offer.

Hummingbird symbolism: Joy and Playfulness

When you’re able to sit and watch hummingbirds for a while, you realize that it’s not all life and death. Hummingbirds seem to embody the true meaning of life: movement, and action – joy, and playfulness. You’ve got quite the cold, dead heart if you don’t experience even a small flicker of joy when you see a hummingbird. 

I believe that hummingbirds are here to remind us about the fleeting and wonderful nature of life. The only constant thing in life, after all, is change. What better to remind us of this than hummingbirds, creatures who constantly need to move and eat to survive. Their surroundings are always changing. They have to find new flowers. Imagine if we pushed our own boundaries like that?

Is a dead hummingbird a bad omen?

Hummingbirds use so much energy during the day that sometimes they fall into a near-death state, called torpor, at night to conserve their energy. Can you imagine running yourself so near death everyday that you’re not really sure if you’ll be able to get your heart working in the morning?

Sadly, hummingbirds live precariously because of their metabolism. Sometimes, hummingbirds can’t make it if they haven’t gotten enough food, or if they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Death isn’t bad, it simply is. 

If you find an incapacitated hummingbird, you can try to feed it and see if it wakes up. Hummingbirds do best with a 3:1 sugar water ratio, no food coloring added. You may also call a local wildlife rehabber to help you with the hummingbird. 

Can a hummingbird be my spirit animal?

If you’re Native American, then yes – a hummingbird may be your spirit animal. If you’re not indigenous, though, you’ll need to find a different term. Some people use “patronus”, which can be problematic for other reasons. Words like “spirit guide” and “animal totem” are equally reserved for Native Americans and First Nations people. We recommend using “focal animal” or even just “spiritual friend” – these terms are not as likely to impede on Native American cultures. 

Regardless of terminology, hummingbirds make excellent guides for humans in reflection and meditation. They remind us that the only constant in life is change, and to not be afraid of it. When we’re able to sit with hummingbirds, we can learn how to cope with death. We can choose life for ourselves every day – it’s one of the best things we can do.

What is the spiritual meaning of a hummingbird omen?

In many legends, a hummingbird represents a messenger between the world of the living and the world of the dead. This is because they travel so fast that they seem to disappear and reappear before our eyes. 

So, if you have a recently deceased friend or relative, a hummingbird may be trying to pass you a message of comfort and peace while you’re grieving. Or perhaps, just trying to trigger a fond memory. 

What is this hummingbird trying to tell me?

Slow down! Humans are not hummingbirds – we’re not meant to go back and forth for hours at maximum speed. It works for the hummingbirds. It doesn’t work for us.

Persevere! There is something to be said about the perseverance of these little birds with their flashy colors and quick moves, but they are made for their job. They don’t falter, they don’t quit, and neither should you.

Be intentional! We learn to take life one step at a time from these little creatures, some of which are no bigger than the size of your hand. Imagine being that small and covering so much territory. We can only do that with good, intentional planning.

What does a green hummingbird omen mean?

Green hummingbirds are common – as far as hummingbirds go, but that doesn’t make them any less special. The color green symbolizes growth, money, and some serious earth energy. If you see a green hummingbird, you may need to ground yourself. Feel the earth between your toes; feel the wind upon your brow.

A green hummingbird could also mean that you’re close to a pay off. You’ve been working hard in some aspect of your life, and you’re about to reap the rewards. So keep your head down, keep working. You’ll get there.

What does a blue hummingbird signify?

Blue hummingbirds are rare. If you see one, pay attention because it’s likely that you’re in an elevated place. Or, your thoughts have a tendency to wander and a blue hummingbird is bringing you back down to earth with some humble thoughts.

Blue also represents water, emotions, and the West – mourning, loss, and end of season. If you’re seeing blue around you, it may be time to reflect on the winter season that you’re in or will soon be approaching. Remember, to have a sunrise, we need the sun to set first. Death and loss aren’t bad, they’re just a necessary part of life.

What does it mean when I see a red hummingbird?

Red hummingbirds are the ultimate good luck charm. If you see one, consider yourself blessed with some pretty solid karma coming your way. Hummingbirds with red on them are somewhat common, and they represent the fire and fury of life at its peak.

Red represents fire, passion, and the South – the height of life, summer, and vibrancy. If you’re seeing red around you, you may be in the middle of changing times. You may be full of life, in the middle of a move, or having other major life changes. Ride the wave and you’ll find the other side just fine.

What does a white hummingbird omen mean?

White hummingbirds are the most rare. If you see one, it means that you’ve tapped into another dimension. It’s like the white light at the end of a tunnel – there is more to this world than we can see or understand, but if we open our eyes and minds, we’ll find it all around us.

White hummingbirds only exist because of mutations and albinism. In other words – white hummingbirds are really special. White hummingbirds rarely live a long time, because their color can make them a target. So value the moment you have and carve it into your memory.