Though they are the smallest birds in Minnesota, ruby-throated hummingbirds are fiercely territorial, particularly the males as they fight off other hummingbirds when their food source—or courtship—is threatened. They have even been known to chase off birds of prey, like hawks, crows, and blue jays, by charging and dive-bombing the predators. While they don’t go so far as to attack humans, they can be pretty demanding when it is time to refill the feeder.

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