The short answer: Most hummingbirds weigh between 2 and 20 grams (about 0.07 to 0.7 ounces), depending on the species. The smallest weigh barely more than a couple of paperclips.
Hummingbird weight by type
Hummingbird weight ranges widely between species. Here are typical figures.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Bee hummingbird (smallest) | About 1.6 to 2 g (0.06 to 0.07 oz) |
| Ruby-throated hummingbird | About 3 to 4 g (0.1 to 0.14 oz) |
| Anna's hummingbird | About 4 to 5 g (0.14 to 0.18 oz) |
| Rufous hummingbird | About 3 to 4 g (0.1 to 0.14 oz) |
| Giant hummingbird (largest) | About 18 to 24 g (0.6 to 0.85 oz) |
What affects hummingbird weight
- Species. The giant hummingbird weighs roughly ten times more than the tiny bee hummingbird.
- Recent feeding. A bird that has just fed on nectar weighs noticeably more.
- Migration. Birds bulk up on fat before long flights, temporarily gaining weight.
- Sex. Males and females can differ slightly in size within a species.
- Time of day. Hummingbirds are lightest in the morning after burning fuel overnight.
How hummingbird weight compares
A typical hummingbird at about 4 grams weighs less than a US nickel or roughly the same as a single sheet of paper.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest hummingbird?
The bee hummingbird of Cuba is the smallest bird in the world, weighing only about 1.6 to 2 grams.
How much does a ruby-throated hummingbird weigh?
A ruby-throated hummingbird weighs roughly 3 to 4 grams, though it can gain extra fat before migration.
How can a hummingbird be so light?
Hummingbirds have hollow bones and tiny bodies adapted for hovering flight, which keeps their weight to just a few grams.
